For Japanese people, the word "yakatabune" often invokes the image of renting a houseboat. Recently, several companies have started offering yakatabune "passenger boats" that provide space for larger groups. Funasei is one such company.

Their passenger course can be booked for two people and more - look forward to enjoying the beautiful scenery of Odaiba, the Sumida River, and Tokyo Skytree for 2 hours and 45 minutes! This extraordinary experience is available for 10,000 yen per person, a price that also includes all-you-can-eat-and-drink - both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages!

The food is also excellent, offering an abundant choice of Japanese dishes such as tempura, sushi, and more. Please check the dates of this course on Funasei's official website.

Stand on the deck and let the pleasant night wind cool you down as you gaze over the sparkling lights of Tokyo Bay - a scenery that is sure to make great memories!

Funasei also offers a yukata rental between June and September, including getting dressed by a pro, for 4,500 yen per person. For the real Japanese summer experience, be sure to make use of that offer!

(*Advance reservation is required. An English reservation page is available on the official homepage.)

Yakatabune Hamadaya has eight piers all around Tokyo, including Asakusa, Kitasenju, and Odaiba. This houseboat company also offers larger passenger boats that can be booked for groups of two or more.

We especially recommend this course for smaller groups who look for a unique way of sightseeing in Tokyo! Choose between two routes: the Sumida River and Odaiba Route, and the Skytree Round Trip.

If you want to see the magnificent Tokyo Skytree from up close, option 2 is the right course for you. (The sights on the route may change depending on the departure and arrival locations.)

We recommend the course that starts at Kitasenju, because a shop called Mine Kitasenju offers yukata rental for a mere 3,240 yen per person there. Enjoy a full traditional set of yukata, obi (belt), pouch, and geta (sandals), put on by Japanese yukata pros!

On top of that, Hamadaya is also famous as "gourmet yakatabune." Every course comes with a rich selection of delicious food. From July to September, the "Summer Festival" is taking place, offering seasonal dishes, appetizers, and desserts (10,260 yen per person; price varies by date of departure). Seasonal cooking is an inherent part of Japanese cuisine, so this will surely be a great culinary experience!

There are three types of yakatabune used on these cruises: the luxurious Hamadamaru #28, furnished with tables, and the 30-meter long Hamadamaru #18 with beautiful tatami are two of them. Said Hamadamaru #28 is the fleet's newest ship and has a wonderfully sophisticated atmosphere while keeping the charm of a traditional yakatabune.

No matter which ship you board, look forward to relaxing on the promenade deck, freely accessible to every passenger. This deck offers a prime panoramic view of the beautiful night scenery of Tokyo.

The last yakatabune option that we want to introduce to you is called Mizuha. This is definitely the best choice for smaller groups of friends or family who want to enjoy their Japanese houseboat experience in a more private setting! The Riverboat Mizuha can be rented all by yourself to up to 12 people.

The price for such a reservation starts at 45,000 yen (tax included) for 60 minutes and can be extended in intervals of 15 minutes. This price doesn't change, even if you board the ship with a full party of 10 people.

This means that for 10 people, this 60-minute experience will cost each person 4,500 yen - which is an absolute steal. If you decide to cruise for two hours, the price rises to 89,000 yen in total.

The best thing: you can freely decide where you want to sail your yakatabune! If you have a particular theme in mind, such as Tokyo's best sightseeing spots or routes with quiet waters, Mizuha will plan the perfect course for you!

The ship's tables are movable, so you can either face them outward to enjoy the passing scenery or face them inward to enjoy each other's company. Both heater and air conditioning are installed, making your yakatabune trip incredibly cozy!

Mizuha houseboats are also known for the observation deck at the front of the boat. Outward-facing tables and chairs invite a leisure chat while watching the scenery passing by.

Food and drinks are not included in this plan, so you can just bring any things you'd like to eat and drink with you or book the catering service for an extra fee. Mizuha takes care of the trash, so there's no need to worry about cleaning up afterward either!