Top Cruises in Osaka: Explore the City on Water

Still thinking about what to put on your Osaka itinerary? Consider embarking on a cruising experience! Cruises allow you to enjoy sightseeing comfortably while seated, making them suitable for a wide range of ages. Osaka boasts a range of cruises tailored to different interests, whether you're into sightseeing, dining, or partying. Explore the appeal of Osaka cruises and the various tourist attractions you can see along the way.

The Charm of Osaka 

‍

Osaka is famous as a food lover's paradise, but its cityscape is just as captivating. Some cruises pass by famous tourist spots like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, allowing you to enjoy Osaka's scenery from the many rivers that flow through the city.

Types of Cruises Available in Japan

Cruises in Japan can be broadly categorized into three types: sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and party cruises. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each.

Sightseeing Cruises

As the name suggests, sightseeing cruises are designed for sightseeing purposes. You can listen to a guide's explanations while visiting famous tourist spots. Visitors to Japan are especially encouraged to try out this type of cruise.

Dinner Cruises

Dinner cruises allow you to enjoy a meal while taking in the sights from the boat. A romantic dinner with a view of the night scenery is sure to create special memories.

Party Cruises

Party cruises are specifically crafted for onboard festivity. These excursions often include lively events like music, dancing, and interactive games.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Cruise

There are a few points to keep in mind when selecting a cruise.

Choose According to Your Purpose

People have different expectations when going on cruises. Sightseeing cruises are recommended for those who want to sit back and enjoy the scenery, dinner cruises for those who want to savor delicious food, and party cruises for those who want to enjoy a lively party atmosphere.

Study the Route

Each cruise mentioned in this article follows a different route. To ensure you don't miss any of the sights you're interested in, it's a good idea to review the details ahead of time.

Review the Precautions

Cruises might have varying policies regarding changes in operation caused by weather conditions, boarding restrictions, and more. Checking these beforehand can prevent any potential issues.

Recommended Cruises in Osaka

Now, let's take a closer look at some recommended cruises in Osaka.

Please be aware that all information provided is accurate as of May 2024. However, it's advisable to verify the latest updates on each respective website.

Wonder Cruise

Wonder Cruise offers a unique sightseeing experience on the Dotonbori River, one of Osaka's most famous waterways. This tour offers a rare chance to see the vibrant Dotonbori streetscape, a hallmark of Osaka, from the water. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, adding to the lively atmosphere complemented by upbeat background music. The cruise also offers fantastic photo opportunities at renowned spots like the Glico sign. Additionally, the boat is covered, ensuring everyone stays dry even in rainy weather.

‍

[Route]

1. Boarding point: Wonder Cruise Dotonbori Nipponbashi Boat Dock  
2. Minatomachi River Place (turnaround point)
3. Nipponbashi (turnaround point)
4. Dotonbori Nihonbashi Boat Dock 

‍

[Schedule] 

Day Cruise

• 1:10 pm
• 1:40 pm
• 2:10 pm
• 2:40 pm
• 3:10 pm
• 3:40 pm
• 4:10 pm
• 4:40 pm

Night Cruise

• 5:00 pm
• 5:30 pm
• 6:00 pm
• 6:30 pm
• 7:00 pm
• 7:30 pm
• 8:00 pm
• 8:30 pm
• 9:00 pm
• 9:30 pm

‍

[Fares]

• Adults (13 and older): 1,200 JPY
• Children (ages 6-12): 600 JPY
• Infants (5 and under): Free

‍

[Reservation Methods]

• Official website (EN): https://select-type.com/rsv/?id=oHYe7QVcsto&c_id=242746 
• Phone: 06-6147-7097
• Booking sites

Klook: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/AttractionProductReview

Rakuten Travel Experiences: https://experiences.travel.rakuten.com/experiences/39750 

• Same-day tickets: Available at counter

‍

Website: https://wondercruise.jp/en/wondercruise/

Nakanoshima River Cruise

The Nakanoshima River Cruise circles the Nakanoshima area, a 3 km long island surrounded by two rivers, which has served as the heart of Osaka since the Edo period. The boat, featuring artificial turf and low chairs, provides a relaxing space to enjoy the view. During cherry blossom season, passengers can experience the beauty of Somei Yoshino cherry tree-lined streets. The cruise also offers stunning night views of illuminated bridges, retro architecture, and modern buildings in the Nakanoshima West area.

‍

[Route]

1. Boarding point: Fukushima (Hotarumachi) Port 
2. Watanabebashi Bridge
3. Nakanoshima Garden Bridge (turnaround point)
4. Tamaebashi Bridge
5. Dojima Ohashi Bridge (turnaround point)
6. Fukushima (Hotarumachi) Port

‍

[Schedule] 

• Boats depart every half hour from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm. *Note: The 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm departures are currently suspended.
• On Fridays, the boats depart every half hour from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

‍

[Fares]

• Adults: 1,500 JPY
• Students: 1,000 JPY
• Children (elementary and under): Free

‍

[Reservation Methods]

• Official website (EN): https://cloud-pass.jp/get/nakanoshima-rivercruise 
• Phone: 050-1807-4118
• Booking sites: N/A
• Same-day tickets: Available at counter

‍

Website: http://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/nakanoshima-river.html

Osaka Suijo Bus: Aqua Liner

The Aqua Liner, a suijo bus or water bus with a glass roof, is an Osaka sightseeing cruise that tours the Okawa River, flowing through the heart of the city. Passengers can enjoy views of beautiful landmarks such as Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima while relaxing and taking in the scenery along a route where historic buildings and green trees coexist. The glass-roofed boat allows unique views of the undersides of many Osaka bridges. Onboard amenities include food and beverage sales, as well as air conditioning and heating to ensure a comfortable experience.

‍

[Route]

1. Boarding point: Osaka Castle Port Water Bus Stop  
2. Tenmabashi
3. Osaka City Central Public Hall
4. Yodoyabashi (turnaround point)
5. Nakanoshima Rose Garden
6. Osaka Castle Tunnel
7. Osaka Castle Port Water Bus Stop  

‍

[Schedule]

• 10:15 am
• 11:00 am
• 11:45 am
• 12:30 pm
• 1:15 pm
• 2:00 pm
• 2:45 pm
• 3:30 pm
• 4:15 pm

‍

[Fares]

• Adults: 1,800 JPY
• Children (elementary school): 900 JPY
• Infants: Free

‍

[Reservation Methods]

• Official website (EN):　https://osakasuijobus-en.book.ntmg.com/top/products/242d2e03-088c-5ae0-bb5d-17ded294a1c2?lng=en-US 　
• Phone: 0570-035-551
• Booking sites

Deep Experience: https://www.deep-exp.com/en/osaka/activity/174 

• Same-day tickets: Available at counter

‍

Website: https://suijo-bus.osaka/language/aqualiner/

Osaka Suijo Bus: Santa Maria

The Santa Maria Cruise offers a 45 to 60-minute tour of Osaka Port aboard a sailing ship-style sightseeing boat. Passengers can choose between the Day Cruise and the Twilight Cruise, both providing a soothing journey around the Osaka Bay area. The ship features multiple open decks for panoramic views of both the city and its waters, as well as exhibits showcasing ship equipment. Guests can enjoy a quiet meal on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the ship. The Twilight Cruise also offers a fantastic view of the sunset over Osaka Bay.

‍

[Route]

1. Boarding point: Kaiyukan West Hatoba Dock  
2. Tempozan Bridge
3. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
4. Minato Bridge (turnaround point)
5. Osaka Port
6. Kaiyukan West Hatoba Dock  

‍

[Schedule] 

The operating schedule fluctuates monthly. Below is a general schedule for reference. For precise information, please visit the official website.

• Departs every hour from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Twilight Cruise operates on weekends (departure times vary by month).

‍

[Fares] 

Day Cruise

• Adults: 1,800 JPY
• Children (elementary): 900 JPY
• Infants: Free

Twilight Cruise

• Adults: 2,300 JPY
• Children (elementary): 1,150 JPY
• Infants: Free

* Upgrades to first class are available for an additional 500 JPY per person.

‍

[Reservation Methods]

• Official website (EN): https://osakasuijobus-en.book.ntmg.com/top/products/dfbc4bab-3810-583e-b71f-13ed9782e4ca?lng=en-US 
• Phone: 0570-045-551
• Booking sites: 

Deep Experiences: https://www.deep-exp.com/en/osaka/activity/165 

• Same-day tickets: Available at counter

‍

Website: https://suijo-bus.osaka/language/santamaria/

Explore Osaka's Landmarks in Style aboard a Cruise

Osaka boasts an array of cruises tailored to your preferences, whether you seek sightseeing or dining. The view of Osaka from the water offers a distinct charm, unlike anything on land. What's more, these cruises provide knowledgeable guides, ensuring you efficiently visit numerous tourist spots, leaving you fulfilled in no time. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Osaka from a new perspective by taking a cruise during your visit.