Gozabune Atakemaru

The Gozabune Atakemaru, as it’s officially named, offers three things in one: a Tokyo bay cruise, a ‘kabuki comedy’ show, and a buffet dinner. As the boat – an exquisite replica of the private liners used by feudal lords in the Edo era – leaves from Hinode pier, the lights dim and the stage comes to life with performers dressed in elaborate, colourful traditional garb. The show may not be the best example of kabuki (it’s more like a slapstick, laugh-out-loud version of the classical Japanese dance-drama) but as a whole, it’s 90 minutes of pretty fascinating time-warp entertainment. Even though the show is in Japanese, there’s enough beauty, spirit and action to hold your attention. Performers include members of Japan’s Shiki Theatre Company, and the show changes with the seasons. During show breaks you’re welcome to explore the boat’s deck and take in the cityscape, including landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Gate Bridge. The cruise is 120 minutes in total and dinner is an ‘all you can eat and drink’ deal.