Japan · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 cruises & boat tours that reviewers rated highly, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing worth knowing before you commit.
Fuji 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, and Mt Komagatake ropeway from Tokyo, then ride the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
“Thank you very much! It was wonderful, beautiful views, very kind people! I will definitely come back!”
Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Hakone ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, then Shinkansen back to Tokyo on a guided 10-hour day trip.
“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.”
See Mt. Fuji from the 5th Station and ride Hakone Ropeway, then cruise Lake Ashi with a floating torii, all in one long guided day.
“This was a wonderful trip. Our guide Hiro was the best,”
Full-day Tokyo by deluxe coach: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa matcha and izakaya lunch, skip-the-line SkyTree, and Tokyo Bay Cruise.
“I like the guide very much, He is a Japanese but fluently speak English, and explaining clearly everything interesting places. Much was very good, Menu was cautiously selected liked by all foreigners. I like the tour very much much.”
Coach day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Hakone with 5th Station views, Lake Ashi cruise, Komagatake Ropeway, and optional Japanese lunch.
“Mt Fuji is a magical place, however, the time given at the 5th station on Mt.Fuji is not enough, didn't give us time to explore around and breath the nature. The Cable car at Hakone, is a waste of money and time! Also, Lunch: quality is verRead more”
Osaka Dotonbori river cruise on a covered boat, 20 minutes of neon views, photo stops at Glico Man and Kani Douraku, plus a beer discount.
“Very enjoyable and great way to start an evening in Dotonbori”
Traditional yakatabune dinner cruise from Asakusa, 14-dish meal with free-flow drinks, Tokyo Bay lights, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Skytree.
“Delicious food and a great atmosphere! One of our best experiences in Tokyo so you MUST do! The food is wonderful and you get unlimited drinks, which is wonderful. The boat itself is super cool and the sightings are great as well.”
Hakone Fuji day trip from Shinjuku: pirate boat on Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway views, Owakudani sulfur valley, plus outlets or onsen.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and told us a lot about the history of the area. It was a beautiful location and lots of fun!”
A full-day Tokyo overview with Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, a hands-on matcha tea stop, lunch in Odaiba, and a Sumida River cruise plus Tokyo Tower.
“Excellent tour! Our tour guide was very good and we got a chance to see excellent highlights of the city. Lunch was delicious and tea ceremony was an amazing traditional experience. Highly recommended for those visiting for a few days.”
Tokyo Bay yakatabune dinner cruise with sukiyaki, live shamisen music, and open-air views of Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba and Tokyo Tower.
“Very fun tour, serene and cool. Food was good and alcohol was available is you want some for extra. Our tour guide Karen Midori was very knowledgeable and makes you feel at home.”
Tokashiki Island day trip from Naha with ferry, shuttles, lunch, and optional sea-turtle snorkeling in Kerama Islands National Park.
“We went on the island snorkeling trip and were pleasantly surprised at how safe we both felt throughout. Although we’ve snorkeled before, neither of us are very confident in the sea, but our guide was fantastic—guiding us step by step and making sure we felt completely secure. It quickly became a real highlight of our trip. On top of that, we were lucky enough to see incredible sea life, including some turtles, which made the experience truly unforgettable.”
Osaka Dotonbori 20-minute river cruise with neon Glico sign views from Minatomachi Pier. Bring your own drinks, pets welcome.
“We booked our tour for 5:40 PM and were so glad we did — we got to enjoy the beautiful golden hour, a stunning sunset, and the magical night views all in one ride. Our guide was fantastic, and even though the boat ride was short, it was absolutely perfect.”
Tokyo Bay yakatabune dinner cruise with live shamisen, sukiyaki-style hot pot and soft drinks, ending with Tokyo Tower views.
“What a great activity! Delicious dinner, sunset cruise, the sights of Tokyo Bay, and Japanese music! Yoyo was wonderful!”
Escape Dotonbori crowds with a 20-minute Osaka river cruise past Glico ads and nine bridges, with English or Japanese aboard. From $12.
“Amazing views of Osaka! The tour guides were kind and pleasant!!”
Budget bus day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji 5th Station and Hakone, with Lake Ashinoko cruise, ropeway, optional meals, and drum show.
“I have the best day, Joe was so amazing. The experience was out of this world.. Thank you Joe, you’re the best!”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
