Yakatabune originated in the Heian period (794-1185). Symbols of ostentatious luxury, they were often opulently decorated with gold, silver, and lacquer, and were used to hold lavish parties. This is why yakatabune have historically been referred to as Japanese pleasure boats. Only aristocrats such as feudal lords, high-ranking samurai, and, eventually, wealthy merchants could afford to own these boats.

During the Edo period (1603-1867), yakatabune reached the height of their popularity. Around the start of the Meiji era (1868-1912), yakatabune became more accessible to the masses.

Today, you don’t have to be a powerful elite to enjoy a yakatabune party! These are held for a variety of purposes, aside from just having fun with loved ones. Businesspeople sometimes invite clients to yakatabune parties or charter entire boats for employees, while couples have romantic dinners on board. In summer, there are several yakatabune parties that offer discounts to guests wearing yukata (summer kimono).

My first yakatabune ride

I boarded a yakatabune for a dinner cruise for the first time and loved it; the experience far exceeded my expectations! Upon arriving at the jetty, the staff checked our reservation, then guided us to the boat. (Be careful not to trip and fall into the water!)

After boarding, we had to take off our shoes; then we were guided to our table. At first, I thought that a three-hour ride was a bit much, but the time flew by so quickly! We’ve had dinner at other Japanese-style restaurants with tatami flooring before, but a Japanese-style dinner on a boat is a totally new and different experience that is worth trying at least once in your life.

The staff was friendly and polite the entire time. We loved the food and made new friends. Speaking of friends, you will definitely have a blast with your loved ones, but even if you go alone, you can also make friends on board while enjoying fantastic food and drinks!

When we sat for dinner, the table was already filled with appetizers and entrees. There was a variety of Japanese delicacies including edamame (green beans), octopus, sweet potato, and tsukune (chicken meatballs). The dinner course also includes an open bar serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so we ordered our first drinks before setting sail and enjoying dinner.

At a yakatabune dinner, tempura is usually the signature dish. At most Japanese restaurants, tempura platters usually consist of prawns and vegetables, but this particular cruise served various types of freshly made fish tempura, which the servers brought to our table one at a time. Rice, soup, vegetables, and a delicious dessert were also part of the course.

Yakatabune cruises offer not only good food and beautiful views, but also great entertainment. These boats were originally created for pleasure, after all. Even today, yakatabune cruises typically put on a show, whether it’s a traditional cultural performance, or musical entertainment.

The cruise I joined offered modern Japanese entertainment. Before dinner, we kicked off the cruise with kagami-biraki, a traditional sake barrel-opening ceremony. Then, over our delicious dinner, we shared laughs with a Japanese comedian. It was a lot of fun. Truly, there’s so much you can do on a yakatabune cruise!

Written by

Anna

From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️ 

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼‍♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!

 

Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.