Hamamatsucho Area Guide

A dense jungle of glass, steel, and concrete, it's easy to forget that Tokyo once prospered upon its proximity to the sea. For a different perspective on the city, there is no better way than to jump on one of the many boats that offer cruises of Tokyo Bay. While there are ways to spend lots of money out on the water, there are also plenty of reasonable Tokyo night cruise options -- comparable to a night on dry land. Here are our top picks. 1. Yakatabune: For a Tokyo night cruise with traditional charm From Check availability Yakatabune are traditional low-slung boats strung with red lanterns down both sides. In Tokyo, they tend to specialize in monja -- a savory type of pancake, and cousin of the better-known okonomiyaki. However, there is a huge range of dining options -- from kaiseki course meals and tempura to yakiniku barbeque onboard yakatabune. Many yakatabune offer a combined cruise, food course, and all-you-can-drink soft drink package for around -- we recommend this popular one. also comes highly rated, as it includes a traditional shamisen performance, along with food and drinks. There are a whole lot more packages to consider, too. Expect different food courses, departure points, and, importantly, minimum booking numbers. Some require you to book the whole boat -- like this private Tokyo yakatabune cruise that requires a minimum of 15 participants! 2. Lady Crystal: For simplicity From Check availability For a luxury feel at a budget-friendly price, take a cruise aboard the Lady Crystal. It departs from Sea Fort Square in Shinagawa and takes you around Tokyo Bay. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the Tokyo cityscape and the numerous artificial islands in the bay. The basic package is for a one-hour cruise and includes one drink. If you want to take advantage of the ship's classy French restaurant, prices start at per person for a five-course meal with two drinks, served during a two-hour cruise. 3. Symphony Tokyo Bay cruises: For when you're feeling fancy From Check availability Another popular option for Tokyo night cruises (and day cruises, too) is to ride around the bay on one of the Symphony cruise liners. We did, and we enjoyed ourselves. These boats run from lunchtime until late at night, giving you a wide range of different cruise and dining options to choose from. Most cruises are about 2 - 2.5 hours long, though there are hour-long versions for those who only have a little time for seafaring. The Symphony cruises take you past all the major sights, including Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Gate Bridge. 4. Shinkiba Edomaekisen: No-frills sailing From Check availability Compared to other yakatabune offerings, the Shinkiba Edomaekisen is a straightforward pick for newcomers to the high seas. Known as the 4,900-yen yakatabune before they increased their prices, they still rank as a low-cost Tokyo cruise option despite changing their system a few times since we first wrote about them. While early evening cruises (departing at 4 p.m.) start at for a single adult, evening cruises are priced at to . If you can handle daytime heat (these boats are typically open-sided with no aircon), afternoon cruises are good value. A few daytime cruises depart from the relatively convenient Asashio Pier -- located between Triton Square and Kachidoki Station. However, most boats depart from the much less convenient Shin-kiba Pier. You'll need to take a free shuttle bus from Shin-kiba Station on the Yūrakuchō, Rinkai, and Keiyo Lines. Don't expect much from the food; they might even serve you a beer can rather than a glass. However, you can't beat this for some good-value boozy fun on the water. You can reserve via their official website for as few as two people. 5. The Tokyo Bay Nōryōsen: For fun discounts From Check availability This is the ultimate Tokyo booze cruise. The Nōryōsen is a largish, multi-level cruise ship that runs evening "Yukata Cruises" on Tokyo Bay over the summer. This is from July 5 until September 23 in 2024. The cruise leaves from Takeshiba Pier near Hamamatsuchō Station at 7:15 p.m., passing under Rainbow Bridge, continuing past the lights of Odaiba, and doing a U-turn near Haneda Airport before heading back and docking at 9 p.m. The cost of getting on the cruise is , which doesn't include any food or drinks. If you wear a yukata (light summer kimono) yourself, you'll get a discount on the ticket price -- but only if you go on Monday to Thursday, as the discount doesn't apply on Fridays, weekends, or public holidays. You have to book ahead -- telephone and website bookings are accepted up to a month in advance. The website is only available in Japanese. What about daytime cruises? There are plenty of Tokyo cruises available during the daylight hours -- including some of the providers listed above. A daytime cruise will give you a fascinating view of day-to-day life and the somewhat grimy reality of the many Tokyo waterways. However, like the city itself, Tokyo Bay really comes to life after dark -- when the light from a million windows and neon signs shines down on the water. The other obvious advantage of a Tokyo night cruise during the hot summer months is the refreshing breezes, and the constant flow of chilled beer and cocktails. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in August 2012. Last updated: June 2024, by Maria Danuco.

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