The atmospheric alleyways at Golden Gai in Shinjuku are crammed with countless little bars of varied themes – perfect for a night of bar-hopping
Long, narrow boats lit with lanterns cruise along Tokyo’s rivers all year round. Yakatabune, directly translates to ‘house boats’, have a long history in Japan that dates back to the Heian era (794-1185). Traditionally, these boats were lavishly decorated and nobles would entertain their guests with banquets and games on board. The boats continued to be a popular vessel for entertainment after the Meiji restoration, but dwindled after World War II due to a shift in culture and heavy pollution in the waterways. The houseboats began reappearing as the economy improved towards the end of the Showa era along with the water quality in the rivers.
While yakatabune bounced back in popularity in the ‘80s, they were primarily rented by large companies to entertain important guests or clients. Recently, a number of yakatabune tours have been organised so that smaller parties of people and even individuals can experience a cruise on Japan’s oldest party boat. The Tennozu Canal Side Revitalization Association have arranged a weekly cruise to give visitors an opportunity to see the city and its waterways in a different light with a traditional tatami-floored houseboat.
The boat operates every Tuesday and departs from the Tennozu T-Lotus Pier at 7pm. For about USD124, you can embark on this stunning cruise as you eat and drink into the night. The evening opens with a kagami biraki ceremony, which involves breaking open a sake barrel with a hammer. This is a custom often seen at lavish occasions including weddings and New Year. Following this, you’ll be served food and drinks as the boat makes its way along the canals to Odaiba out at the Tokyo Bay. Drinks are unlimited, whether you’re raising glasses filled with draft beer, sake or tea to celebrate the evening.
Dinner is in the style of a traditional kaiseki meal, with an assortment of classic Japanese dishes typically seen at large-scale banquets. So expect candied sweet potatoes, braised octopus and glazed tsukune (chicken meatballs). Halfway through the meal, you’ll be served fresh seafood and vegetable tempura.
The boat makes a couple of stops throughout the evening, so attendees can take a pause from the meal to step out onto the boat’s top deck and admire the city lights. There will be a professional photographer on board to take your pictures on the top deck that you’ll be able to download after the cruise.
As you make your way around the Bay on tour, you'll pass the Olympic Village on the Harumi waterfront, where you might be able to see the latest developments of the 'smart city' project as the 2020 Olympic Games fast approaches. You'll also be able to admire some of Tokyo's classic landmarks incuding Odaiba's Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, both of which look stunning as they light up after dark. Finally, the boat returns to Tennozu at 9.30pm.
Book your place on the next cruise here. The price includes dinner, an open bar, and a photo session.
