Take our cherry blossom-themed Yakatabune cruise to experience Tokyo’s culture: enjoy live shamisen music and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with unlimited soft drinks.
Highlights
90-minute Yakatabune cruise experience: Enjoy the beautiful views of Tokyo Bay.
Personally experience the tranquility and elegance of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Enjoy a live shamisen performance and feel the rhythm of classic Japanese music.
Full description
Step aboard a Yakatabune houseboat, a style of vessel with a history dating back to the Heian period (794–1185). Originally enjoyed by aristocrats for leisure on the water, Yakatabune boats later became popular among merchants and townspeople during the Edo period (1603–1868). With their lantern-lit interiors and low tables, they continue to reflect elements of traditional Japanese design.
Listen as a skilled performer plays the traditional shamisen during a cultural dinner experience in Tokyo. The sound of this classic Japanese instrument creates a calm and authentic atmosphere throughout the evening.
During the experience, learn about the Japanese tea ceremony through a cultural performance that focuses on the explanation and demonstration of its rituals and philosophy. The tea master introduces the history, movements, and ceremonial aspects of the tea ceremony in a clear and engaging way, helping guests better understand the traditions behind this peaceful practice.
The traditional interior, often decorated with lantern-style lighting, has been specially adorned with our exclusive cherry blossom (sakura) theme—perfect for memorable photos and social media check-ins. This distinctive atmosphere connects past and present. Whether you are interested in Japanese history, performing arts, or culture, this experience provides an accessible way to explore cultural traditions in one evening.
Discover an unforgettable Tokyo cultural experience—live shamisen music, tea ceremony, and unlimited soft drinks.
Includes
90-minute cruise experience: Board a Yakatabune boat
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Unlimited soft drinks
Traditional Japanese performance
English-speaking guide
Not suitable for
Children under 3 years
Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
People over 243 lbs (110 kg)
People over 80 years
Meeting point
Meeting point: 1-chōme-3-23 Etchūjima, Koto City, Tokyo (This is the drop-off point for taxis; you can accurately locate it on Google Maps). Final boarding point: 1-chōme-3-3 Etchūjima. Please go to the meeting point by yourself, arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.
Important information
Know before you go
If you choose the cherry blossom package, please note that cherry blooming highly depends on weather conditions, and full bloom cannot be guaranteed.
Due to the seating arrangements and limited space on the Yakatabune boat, shared tables may be required, and in accordance with Japanese cultural practices, you will need to remove your shoes to participate in this trip.
Boarding on SINA boats 1 OR 2 will be random based on the day's traffic.
The traditional Japanese performances onboard are not in a fixed format, and different professionals may perform on a daily basis. The main image is just one of the performances.
Please provide the names of all travellers. Failure to do so will be considered a voluntary forfeiture of insurance, and we will not assume any liability in case of any emergency.
