Sightseeing spots by ship or boat
Japan is an island country and is surrounded by the sea.
The land is mountainous and there are many rivers and gorges.
And lakes and ponds are dotted.
To see the attractive nature on the water, sightseeing ships and boats are operated.
Main sightseeing spots by ship or boat in each region
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Koshin-etsu Hokuriku Tokai Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Hokkaido Region
Otaru Canal (小樽運河) is at the edge of the central part of Otaru city and it was built for discharging of cargo from ship in 1923.
The retro atmosphere is popular, and the canal cruising ship is operated.
Shakotan Peninsula (積丹半島) is a mountainous peninsula and various scenic spots are along the coastline.
A sightseeing ship is opearted in the middle of the peninsula.
Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖) is a caldera lake by eruption of volcano, and it is surrounded by nature.
Small sightseeing ships to see the underwater of the lake are operated.
Lake Toya (洞爺湖) is a scenic caldera lake by eruption of volcano and there is the onsen town on the lakeside.
The sightseeing ship to cruise the lake is operated.
Drift ice (Ryuhyo) cruise is held in Abashiri and Monbetsu cities facing Okhotsk Sea from late January to the end of March.
Special sightseeing ship plows drift ices filling the sea.
Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島) is a long peninsula extending about 70 km toward northeast like a horn and is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.
The northern half of the peninsule is viewed by only the ship from Utoro town.
Lake Akan (阿寒湖) is a caldera lake.
It is famous for "Marimo" which is a spherical moss.
A sightseeing ship is operated and the museum of marimo is seen by the cruising.
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Tohoku Region
Hotokegaura (仏ヶ浦, Aomori Pref.) is a part of west coast of Shimokita peninsula shaped like an ax, and there are white uniquely shaped rocks and cliffs along the coast.
From Sai town, pleasure boat is operated.
Lake Towada (十和田湖, Aomori Pref.) is a caldera lake, and the scenery is beautiful.
Oirase stream flows into the lake, and it is also a popular sightseeing spot.
A sightseeing ship is operated.
Jodogahama (浄土ヶ浜, Iwate Pref.) is a scenic beach facing the Pacific Ocean.
It is one of the sightseeing spots of long and steep Sanriku Coast and A sightseeing ship is operated from Miyako city.
Geibikei (猊鼻渓, Iwate Pref.) is a gorge and there are limestone cliffs over 50 meters high along the river. A small pleasure boat by boatmen is operated.
Lake Tazawa (田沢湖, Akita Pref.) is a round lake about 6 km in diameter, and it is the deepest lake in Japan (423m).
FRom late April to early November, a sightseeing ship is operated.
Matsushima (松島, Miyagi Pref.) is a scenic sea with many small islands in the bay.
It is located near Sendai city, and some sightseeing ships cruising the bay are operated by two shipping companies.
Mogami River (最上川, Yamagata Pref.) is the main river in Yamagata Prefecture.
The width of the river is totally wide, so it had been the important traffic route in the area.
The boat tour is operated in the middle reach.
Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖, Fukushima Pref.) is located at the southern foot of Mt.Bandai and it is a scenic place to see Mt.Bandai.
From early April to the middle of November, pleasure boats are operated.
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Kanto Region
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Tochigi Pref.) is a lake to the west of central Nikko, and there is Kegon Falls at the eastern edge of the lake.
The falls consist of four consecutive waterfalls and the height is 120 meters.
The pleasure boat is operated from the middle of April to the end of November.
Junikyo (十二橋, Chiba & Ibaraki Prefs.) are the twelve small bridges over the narrow canal.
The area is in the lower section of large Tone River, so many canals had been the ways in the daily life.
The boat cruising is popular.
Nagatoro (長瀞, Saitama Pref.) is a gorge on the upper part of Arakawa River flowing to Tokyo.
The gorge is about 6 km long, and the tourists can see various spots from small boat by boatmen.
Lake Chuzenji Junikyo Nagatoro
Sumida River (隅田川, Tokyo) is a branch river of Arakawa and is flowing through the east side of central Tokyo.
It flows along some popular spots such as Asakusa, Ryogoku, Ginza, Odaiba.
Pleasure boats are operated frequently.
Nihonbashi (日本橋, Tokyo) is the bridge crossing Nihonbashi River.
Here has been the starting point of main roads of Japan, and the district is the center of Japanese economy.
Some boat cruisings of rivers and canals in the central Tokyo are operated from near Nihonbashi bridge.
Yokohama (横浜, Kanagawa Pref.) is a big city to the south of Tokyo, and has developed as the harbor city of Tokyo.
Yokohama port is a major sightseeing spot, and some cruising ships are operated around the port.
Yokosuka (横須賀, Kanagawa Pref.) is a city to the south of Yokohama, and has developed as the city of naval harbor.
Now, the port area has been used as the bases of United States Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces.
Yokosuka naval port cruising is operated.
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko, 芦ノ湖, Kanagawa Pref.) is a lake in Hakone.
It is a scenic spot of Hakone and Mt.Fuji is also seen.
Two companies operate the pleasure ships.
Sumida River Nihonbashi Yokohama Yokosuka naval port cruising Hakone
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Koshin-etsu Region
Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Motosu, Lake Yamanaka (河口湖, 本栖湖, 山中湖, Yamanashi Pref.) are the lakes at the northern foot of Mt.Fuji.
There are five lakes, and pleasure ships are operated in these three lakes.
Lake Nojiri (野尻湖, Nagano Pref.) is a small lake located about 20 km north of Nagano city.
It is at the level of 654 meters and was developed as a summer resort for foreigners in the 1920s.
A pleasure ship is operated.
Lake Suwa (諏訪湖, Nagano Pref.) is located in the center of Nagano Prefecture.
Old Suwa Shrine and firework festival in summer are famous as the sightseeing objects.
A pleasure ship is operated.
Tenryukyo (天竜峡, Nagano Pref.) is a gorge formed by Tenryu River.
It is a gorge in the middle reach of the river, and narrow and steep valley has been formed.
The tours by boat are operated.
Sasagawa-nagare (笹川流れ, Niigata Pref.) is a coast facing the Sea of Japan.
Many uniquely shaped rocks are seen on the pleasure ship, and the clear water of the sea and the view of sunset are beautiful.
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Hokuriku Region
Shogawa Gorge (庄川峡, Toyama Pref.) is a gorge formed by Shogawa river flowing in the western area of Toyama Prefecture.
The winding dam lake is the main part, and the surface of the river is very calm.
The cruising ship is operated.
Ganmon cave (巌門, Ishikawa Pref.) is a sea cave on the western coast of Noto Peninsula.
Cliffs, gigantic stones, odd rocks, and caves are lined about 30 km along the western coast around Ganmon, and the cruising ship is operated.
The area was damaged by the great earthquake and tsunami on January 1, 2024, but the cruising has been restarted.
Tojinbo (東尋坊, Fukui Pref.) is the very steep rocky coast facing the Sea of Japan.
It is very precious from an geological viewpoint, so it is designeted as a national natural treasure.
A pleasure ship cruises around the cliff.
Mikata-goko lakes (三方五湖, Fukui Pref.) is the scenic area with five small lakes around Mikata district near Wakasa Bay.
All lakes are connected with a narrow channel or a canal, and a pleasure ship is operated.
Sotomo cliffs (蘇洞門, Fukui Pref.) are the steep rocky cliffs facing the Sea of Japan, and it is near old Obama city.
The pleasure boat start from a commercial facility Wakasa Fisherman's Wharf in the port area.
Shogawa Gorge Ganmon Tojinbo Mikata-goko lakes Sotomo cliffs
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Tokai Region
Dogashima (堂ヶ島, Shizuoka Pref.) is a coast with some small rocky islands, and is located on the west coast of Izu Peninsula.
Various rocky cliffs and coasts are seen by pleasure boat.
Lake Hamana (浜名湖, Shizuoka Pref.) is a scenic lake connected to the Pacific Ocean.
There is Kanzanji onsen on the northern lakeside and pleasure ship is operated.
Ukai (鵜飼, Gifu, Aichi Prefs.) is an old fishing method to catch the river fishes using cormorants.
Ukai on Nagara River in Gifu city and Kiso River in Inuyama city are famous.
The traditional fishing performance is seen as a show on the boat.
Toba (鳥羽, Mie Pref.) is the sightseeing city facing the sea with some islands.
Mikimoto Pearl Island is the place that cultured pearls had been produced for the first time in the world.
A pleasure ship is operated from around the island.
Ago Bay (英虞湾, Mie Pref.) is located on the south side of Shima Peninsula, and many small islands in the bay are attractive.
A pleasure ship around Ago Bay is operated.
Dogashima on West coast of Izu Lake Hamana Ukai in Gifu city Ukai in Inuyama city Toba Ago Bay in Shima Peninsula
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Kansai Region
Osaka Suijo Bus (Osaka city) is the cruising ship operated on the rivers flowing in the center of Osaka city.
The city of Osaka is seen on the ship.
Hozu gorge (保津峡, Kyoto) is a gorge formed by Hozu River, and it is upstream of Katsura River in Arashiyama.
Cruising by small boat is operated, and a sightseeing train runs along the gorge.
Amanohashidate (天橋立, Kyoto Pref.) is a scenic sandbar.
It is near the Sea of Japan far from central Kyoto city.
The sightseeing boat is operated.
Ine (伊根, Kyoto Pref.) is a small fishing village facing the Sea of Japan.
Unique houses of fisherman called Funaya line along the seaside.
The tour boat and sea taxies are operated.
Doro Gorge (瀞峡, Wakayama Pref.) is a gorge formed by Kitayama River.
The area is deep in the mountain and only a few small villages are dotted along the river.
Many high cliffs, huge rocks, strange rocks and caves are seen from a sightseeing boat.
Nachi Katsuura (那智勝浦, Wakayama Pref.) is an onsen resort facing the Pacific Ocean.
There is Kumano-Nachi-taisha shrine with Nachi Falls near the town.
A sightseeing boat to visit Ki-no-Matsushima with rocky islands is operated.
Lake Biwa (琵琶湖, Shiga Pref.) is the largest lake in Japan.
Otsu city at the southern end of the lake is the main city.
The cruising ship is operated from Otsu.
Kobe (神戸, Hyogo Pref.) is a large city to the west of Osaka.
It is an historical port city and some sightseeing spots are around Kobe Port.
Some cruising ships are operated.
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Chugoku Region
Kurashiki (倉敷, Okayama Pref.) was a distribution center of various products of the area in the 17th century.
A district is designated as a national conservation area of traditional buildings.
The river cruise by small boat is operated.
Hiroshima (広島, Hiroshima Pref.) is the city destroyed by the first atomic bombing in human history.
The Genbaku Dome is a World Heritage site.
There is a river cruise to see it on the river.
Sandankyo (三段峡, Hiroshima Pref.) is a gorge in the deep mountain in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The walking trail 12 km long is set up, and some water falls and various streams are seen.
There are two spots with a small ferry boat.
Matsu Castle (松江城, Shimane Pref.) is one of the 12 castles in Japan that original castle tower remains.
There are some moats around the castle, and small pleasure boat cruising the moats is operated.
Lake Shinji (宍道湖, Shimane Pref.) is a brackish lake, and stretches to the west of central Matsue city.
Shijimi clam in Lake Shinji is well-known, and various fishes are produced.
The view of sunset is popular, and pleasure boat is operated.
Oumijima island (青海島, Yamaguchi Pref.) is an island in the Sea of Japan, and is near Nagato city.
There are sheer cliffs and rocks along the northern coast, and the landscape is called "Alps in the sea".
The pleasure ship is operated.
Matsue Castle Lake Shinji Oumijima island
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Shikoku Region
Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮, Tokushima Pref.) occur by moving of the massive amount of water between Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean by the rise and fall of the tides.
The cruising ships to see near them are operated.
Oboke, Koboke (大歩危, 小歩危, Tokushima Pref.) are the deep gorges formed by Yoshino River.
Oboke has very rough rocks and river flows with a volume of water and a sightseeing boat is operated.
Shimanto River (四万十川, Kochi Pref.) flows in the southwest part of Kochi Prefecture.
It is remote from major cities and does not have any dams.
Therefore, it is often referred to as the last clear stream of Japan.
Some sightseeing boats are operated.
Naruto Whirlpools Oboke & Koboke Shimanto River
Sightseeing spots by ship or boat in Kyushu Region
Yanagawa (柳川, Fukuoka Pref.) is a castle city near Ariake Sea.
Many canals connecting to the rivers were constructed to defense of the castle.
They are attractive, and the boat tours are operated.
Yobuko (呼子, Saga Pref.) is a district facing Genkai Sea in Karatsu city.
The squids unloaded at the fishing port are fresh and popular.
The pleasure ship cruising around the sea is operated.
Gunkanjima (軍艦島, Nagasaki Pref.) is a small island near Nagasaki city.
It had been a coal mine until 1974, and it looks like a warship because many buildings and facilities are on the island.
A few guided tours are operated from Nagasaki Port.
Kujukushima (九十九島, Nagasaki Pref.) is a group of many small islands along the intended coast to the northwest of Sasebo city.
The scenery is attractive and the view of sunset is beautiful, and the pleasure ship cruising the sea is operated.
Yanagawa Yobuko Gunkanjima island Kujukushima
Amakusa (天草, Kumamoto Pref.) is the islands on the west side of Kumamoto Prefecture.
Because Christianity was banned in Japan in 1587, Japanese Christians had hidden in Amaskusa until the lifting of the ban of Christianity in 1873.
So there are also a few Christian churches in Amakusa.
The pleasure ship cruising around the island is operated.
Kuma River (球磨川, Kumamoto Pref.) flows in the south part of Kumamoto Prefecture.
The section from Hitoyoshi to Yatsushiro is a narrow valley about 50 km long.
It has one of the swiftest currents in Japan.
The tours floating down the river are conducted near Hitoyoshi city.
Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡, Miyazaki Pref.) is a gorge formed by Gokase River.
Because the rock is tuff, it is not so hard, so most of the cliffs in this gorge are very steep.
There are rental boat on the river, and you can see the cliffs on the boat.
Okinawa (沖縄) is the southwestern region of Japan with many subtropical islands.
Many ships are operated between the island and there are various plesure boats in many spots.