Tokyo · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Good cruises & boat tours book out well ahead in cherry season and over the New Year break. The 15 best sit below, priced and timed, with a line on who each suits.
See Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi, ride the Komagatake Ropeway, enjoy Japanese drums, and return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
“Might not see Fuji from station 5 due to weather/cloud conditions. However once cleared later great views from the other stops especially the cable cars at Hanoke (sp).”
See Mt. Fuji from its 5th Station, ride Hakone’s ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise, then return to Tokyo by bullet train.
“Everything was great. The guide was wonderful. She knew lots and she was very helpful and chatty very informative. The only issue with the tour was there was not much time between activities to browse if there were shops or scenery or whatever we had to dash off especially at the lunchtime, it was pretty quick apart from that everything was great.”
See Mt. Fuji from the 5th Station, ride Hakone Ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi, and enjoy a full day of Japanese mountain scenery from Tokyo.
“Great value for money and great guide The tour is very well organized and there is so much to see. The money is definitely worth the experience, especially if you are as lucky as I was, and have a clear sky sunny day. Everything was great but what really made me love this tour was our guide Tsubasa! His spirit, his energy and passion are on another level. He gives clear instructions but at the same time keeps it funny and comfortable for everyone. His personal touch and attention to details was outstanding. When he found out that I was learning Japanese, he started to speak Japanese to me very…”
Review of Tokyo’s 10-hour bus tour to Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Skytree, Imperial Palace, matcha tasting, lunch, and bay cruise.
“Excellent tour, Yuta our guide was great ! very knowledgeable and helpful. highly recommend”
Review of a full-day Mt Fuji and Hakone tour from Tokyo, with 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway, lunch, and taiko drums.
“Marie our guide was excellent. Learned a lot about local culture as well. Very good lunch and taiko drum entertainment a bonus”
Review of Tokyo’s 150-minute yakatabune dinner cruise, with traditional food, free-flow drinks, Tokyo Bay views, Odaiba, and Skytree photos.
“An amazing evening on the Sumida River! 🌙✨ The dinner cruise was the perfect mix of relaxation, delicious food, and breathtaking views of Tokyo by night. The boat itself was comfortable and cozy, and the staff took great care of us. Me and my wife had two stops along the way for photo opportunities – and wow, what a view! Tokyo Skytree lit up against the night sky, reflections dancing on the water… just magical. 📸 The pictures turned out incredible, but honestly, being there in person was even better. The dinner was tasty and beautifully presented, with just the right atmosphere to make it feel special. Floating along the…”
Review of a 10-hour Hakone day tour from Tokyo with Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway, Owakudani volcano, Fuji views, onsen, or outlet shopping.
“Fantastic day trip, our tour guide Jax was very friendly and helpful, answered all our questions and supplied a few laughs”
See Tokyo’s palace, Senso-ji, tea traditions, Tokyo Bay, and Tower views in one guided nine-hour tour with lunch included.
“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 cruise review with sukiyaki, shamisen music, soft drinks, Tokyo views, and practical tips for a memorable Japanese evening.
“Very inexpensive for the level of experience this brings. Awesome views, delicious dinner, shamisen playing was amazing and becomes interactive. 11/10 stars”
Cruise Tokyo Bay on a traditional yakatabune with shamisen music, sukiyaki, drinks, and optional Tokyo Tower views for $95.
“Karen was an amazing guide very nice and welcoming, food was also great. My group also enjoyed the entertainment Midori is very talented and we had so much fun with her performance.”
A friendly guide to Tokyo for first-timers — written by someone who remembers exactly what it felt like to walk out of Shinjuku Station for the first time.