The 6 Best Japan Boat Tours

1.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,413 reviews · from $149Our pick

Join guides such as Joy, Miko, Shige, or Sky on a full-day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji and Hakone. Visit the 5th Station, cruise Lake Ashi, ride the Komagatake Ropeway, watch a wadaiko drum show, and return by Kodama Shinkansen. Expect an early start, a long coach ride, and weather-dependent views.

“We loved this tour , Mt Fuji was majestic ,Nao our driver was knowledgeable, informative and very engaging . He helped us on our first bullet train ride and guided us up to the last stop”

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2.Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,024 reviews · 10 hours · from $154

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station and Hakone with an English-speaking guide such as Lisa, Yuta, Kazu, or Aya. You’ll have a Japanese buffet lunch, ride the Hakone Ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi, and return by Shinkansen. It is a long, tightly timed day, but it packs Japan’s most famous mountain, a hot spring region, and a bullet train into one outing.

“excellent guide called lisa who was brilliant in her knowledge and organising. very professional in her job and not forgetting the driver who was brilliant.”

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3.Tokyo: Mt. Fuji 5th Station & Hakone Cruise 1-Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,381 reviews · 11 hours · from $129

Leave Tokyo at 8am for Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, a Japanese buffet lunch, the Hakone Ropeway, and a cruise on Lake Ashi. Guides such as Tsubasa, Sora, Levin, and Mao are known for clear directions and lively commentary. Clear weather matters, and some dates finish at Odawara rather than returning to Tokyo.

“It was a good trip it was a shame we had zero visibility.”

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4.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,287 reviews · from $122

Spend about 12 hours visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Komagatake from Tokyo by air-conditioned coach. Add a Japanese lunch with a traditional wadaiko drum show, or bring your own food. Guides such as Joe, Hiro, Nao, and Miko have made this long day especially enjoyable for many visitors.

“Excellent tour. Hiro was a wonderful guide. The bus driver was fantastic, and it was a beautiful, clean bus. All the stops were well-paced and interesting. No rushing, not boring. Good quality entertainment, lunch and sights. Would recommend.”

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5.Osaka: Dotonbori District River Cruise with Drink Discount

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 876 reviews · 1 day · from $12Best value

You’ll take a covered 20-minute round-trip cruise from Nihonbashi Pier through Osaka’s Dotonbori district. Expect neon signs, a photo stop by the Glico Man billboard, restroom facilities, and a beer discount for after or during the ride. Guides such as Taito and Michael have hosted some departures, though commentary and music levels can vary.

“Very enjoyable and great way to start an evening in Dotonbori”

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6.Osaka: Dotonbori’s Bridges 20-Minute Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 303 reviews · from $12

Board near Don Quijote for a 20-minute cruise along Dotonbori River. You will pass Ebisu Bridge, Nippon-bashi Bridge, Dotonbori-bashi Bridge, the Glico signs, and other city sights before turning at Ukiniwa-bashi Bridge. The ride is in Japanese and English, though commentary may be limited or absent.

“Fantastic view of the landmarks around Dotonbori River. We went during the afternoon so it was a busy period and a lot to see. You’re not allowed to stand and move around during the tour for safety reasons. The music was awesome and upbeat which makes the atmosphere feel merrier! It’s only for 20minutes, short but sweet.”

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