Nothing says summer in Japan like festivals and yukata! Multiply the fun with the cool breeze and spectacular sights from Tokyo Bay, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable summer evening partying with family and friends on the Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise!
Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise
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A nouryousen (納涼船) is a summer “party boat” that combines the atmosphere of a typical Japanese summer festival, or matsuri (祭り), with an evening cruise. And, the Tokyo Bay Nouryousen (東京湾納涼船) is a party boat that takes you on a leisurely tour (1 hour & 45 minutes) of Tokyo Bay, complete with live music and classic festival foods.
It’s a closed-loop cruise that departs and returns at Takeshiba Pier, operating all summer long, from Friday, July 1 to Sunday, September 11, 2022.
What makes the Tokyo Bay Nouryousen cruise worth experiencing this summer is the ease of renting a yukata and boarding the cruise!
Think about how cumbersome it would be to rush from a kimono rental shop in order to make it at Takeshiba Pier before departure. You could trip on your geta while navigating the train station or crush your perfectly tied obi… Then, after the cruise returns to port, you have to return the yukata to the rental shop before going home.
Mendokusai!
However, the Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise makes it incredible easy to rent a yukata and board the cruise.
Go directly to Takehishiba Terminal…
… and head straight to the Nouryousen Yukata Shop on the first floor.
First, pick your yukata:
Choose your accessories:
A team of professional ladies will get you dressed in your yukata in no more than 15 minutes.
However, you’ll need to check in between 17:00-19:00 as the cruise departs at 19:15 in order to pick your yukata and accessories & get dressed by a professional.
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After you check in your belongings, it’s time to board the Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise!
It’s the first time in three years that the nouryousen is operating, and you can expect crowds. Still, the boarding process is very smooth and COVID protocols are in place.
I loved seeing lots of people dressed up in yukata and kids dancing along to the live music in their jinbei. The food is great – there’s a restaurant on the ship, but we preferred the a-la-carte matsuri-style menu featuring yakisoba, takoyaki, edamame, and so on. If you’re stumped, go for the “Kampai Otsumami Set,” which comes with fries, takoyaki, edamame, and karaage!
Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise Highlights:
- Rainbow Bridge
- Tokyo Tower
- Odaiba & Palette Town
- Tennozu Isle Skyscrapers
- Oi Container Terminal
- Haneda Airport
- Tokyo Gate Bridge
Booking Information
The Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise is perfect for a date night, groups of friends, work gatherings, and families, too. In fact, my daughter and I spent most of the evening on the lower deck chatting with a large family (Grandma, mom, dad + 4 kids)!
Here’s all you need to know to book your tickets:
WHAT:
Tokyo Bay Nourousen (東京湾納涼船 // Toukyou Wan Nouryousen)
WHEN:
Friday, July 1 ~ Sunday, September 11, 2022
Departs every evening at 19:15.
WHERE:
Takeshiba Terminal
Nearest Stations:
Takeshiba (竹芝駅) on the Yurikamome Line (ゆりかもめ線)
Daimon (大門駅) on the Toei Oedo Line (大江戸線)
Hamamatsucho (浜松町駅) on the Yamanote Line (山手線)
TICKETS:
ADULTS: 1,500 yen // Children 6~15: 500 yen // Children Under 6: FREE
Book tickets online up to 1 month in advance. Check availability here.
YUKATA RENTAL:
WOMEN: 4,800 yen // MEN 4,300 yen
Includes yukata, geta, nagajuban, bag, obi, obi accessory, kanzashi hair pin, yukata dressing
WEBSITE
Tokyo Bay Nouryousen Yukata Cruise
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