Osaka is famous for many things: its amazing street food, its family-friendly amusement parks, and this year, as the host of the World Expo. But few people realise that Osaka is also a city of water. Nestled by the bay and threaded with rivers and canals, the city’s waterways are a lesser-known attraction. This summer, you can discover this quieter, more romantic side of Osaka with a sunset cruise aboard the Himawari.
The Himawari is an elegant houseboat, inspired by the steamships that plied Osaka’s rivers during the Meiji era (1868–1912). It features a classic wooden interior, has an open deck to enjoy the breeze and city views, and is decorated with lanterns to create a festive, old-timey atmosphere.
Available only on Fridays and Saturdays from August 1 to September 13, the Himawari Summer Beer Cruise offers a leisurely 90-minute journey along one of the city's main rivers. You’ll watch the cityscape shift from golden to sparkling as buildings light up around you. Along the way, you’ll also catch Osaka’s newest attraction – the Osaka River Fantasy, a riverside water and light show with projection mapping.
On board, you get to enjoy all this with a cold one in hand, as the cruise includes unlimited drinks ranging from draft beer, wine and highballs to non-alcoholic options. Your drink is paired with an ‘Evening Refreshment Petit Hors d’Oeuvres Set’, specially prepared for the cruise by Le Clos de Mariage, a well-regarded French restaurant in Temmabashi. Adding to the ambience are live performances by local musicians.
The cruise runs from 6.20pm to 7.50pm, departing from Hachikenyahama Pier, just outside the west exit of Temmabashi Station (Keihan Line). Tickets are priced at ¥8,000 for adults, ¥7,250 for junior high and high school students, and ¥5,250 for elementary school students. Bookings must be made online at least three days in advance.
For more information or reservations, visit the cruise website.
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