Japan · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Good cruises & boat tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Mt Fuji 5th Station and Hakone in one day: Lake Ashi cruise, Mt Komagatake ropeway, and Shinkansen return from Tokyo Station.
“Tour guide was very friendly and informative. Ride the horses at 5th station if you have time! Mt. Fuji was visible all day.”
One 10-hour day from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji 5th station, then Hakone ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise, back on the Shinkansen.
“amazing trip... second time doing it.. Levin our guide was so funny and had great stories about all the areas we visited. the food in the Ninja Village was lovely; wish we had more tkme at all the locations but loved the cable car in Hakone and the boat (not the pirate boat) at the lake was lovely and got so close to the gate... def would recommend this again.”
A full day from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji 5th Station and Hakone, with ropeway thrills, Lake Ashi cruise views, and a Fuji-view lunch.
“Aya our guide was wonderful. She kept us organized and well informed every step of the way. I would recommend this excursion to anyone. So nice to have a day away from Tokyo to experience the beautiful countryside and of course Mt. Fuji.”
10-hour Tokyo coach tour with Meiji Shrine, Asakusa matcha, Skytree skip-line entry, and a Bay Cruise, plus an easy audio guide.
“It was a great day tour with Aya today. I really enjoyed discovering the city through her guidance. She was well prepared, organized, and knew exactly how to structure the day so we could see a lot without feeling rushed. Everything ran smoothly, and the communication was easy from start to finish. I would definitely recommend Aya to anyone who wants a well-balanced, enjoyable, and professionally guided day in the city.”
A full day by coach from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, and the Komagatake Ropeway, with optional lunch and drumming.
“Wonderful driver and tour guide nao. I was disappointed we never got to station 5 but overall the food the trip the Customerservice was wonderful. I belived the cruise needs a narrated tour guide because we were left to figure out why we took the cruise and overall the trip was as expected a bit overpriced but lovelybteam”
Cruise Dotonbori’s neon from the water on a covered 20-minute boat, with a beer discount coupon and photo stops at Glico Man and Kani Doraku.
“Very short trip with little commentary, but fun to do this !!!”
Cruise the Sumida River on a traditional yakatabune from Asakusa, feast on a 14-dish dinner with free-flow drinks, and photo-stop at Skytree.
“Amazing experience! Highly recommend! Plenty of food and drink, great views, and amazing atmosphere.”
Mount Fuji views from Lake Ashi and Mt Hakone, pirate cruise and ropeway, volcanic Owakudani black eggs, plus onsen or outlet shopping.
“The boat ride was amazing!! We got to see Mt Fuji peek out from the clouds the last hour of the trip and it was magical!”
Tokyo Tower views, matcha making in Asakusa, Senso-ji sights, Odaiba buffet lunch, and a Sumida River cruise in one day tour.
“Very well organized tour program. The travel guide was excellent and she had hood knowledge of Tokyo and offered great insights into the tour iteniery”
Tokyo Bay yakatabune cruise with live music, sukiyaki, unlimited soft drinks, and open-air views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.
“This was a wonderful experience and a great way to see Tokyo. Our host was lovely and knowledgeable, and the musicians Yuzu and Yuki were incredible. The food was also excellent. We highly recommend this activity!!”
A stress-free Naha day trip to Tokashiki Island with boat transport, shuttle transfers, lunch, and optional sea turtle snorkeling.
“Very well organized, the guide and the staff were very friendly. I enjoyed it very much and even though I am not a good swimmer I was able to fully enjoy the snorkelling experience and see a lot of wild marine life.”
Take a 20-minute Osaka Dotonbori river cruise with Glico sign views, VIP lounge seating, and BYO drinks from Minatomachi Pier.
“Such a great little boat ride and one of the most scenic city locations ever. I recommend to all ages.”
Tokyo yakatabune dinner cruise with shamisen tradition show, sukiyaki hot pot, soft drinks, and a Tokyo Tower 150m view.
“Very good history lesson as it relates to Tokyo bay, the style of boat we rode on, and the shamishan. I also thought the food was great and the drinks were great for the price. Very good English and would 100% do this again with other people (I went stag this go round).”
A 20-minute Dotonbori river cruise with nine-bridge views, Glico signs, and breezy photo angles for about $12 in Osaka.
“Plenty of room on the boat and clear plastic roof in case of rain.”
Economical bus day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji 5th Station and Hakone, with Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway, optional lunch, and a drum show.
“Sunday received confirmation of trip. Wednesday arrived to meeting point only to be told by bus station staff trip was canceled. NO CONTACT was made by Viator or tour company. BETTER GET REFUND.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
