Picture a summer festival with all you can drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, grilled Japanese foods like yaki-soba, yaki-tori and cheese dogs. Groups of Yukata clad Japanese people in their traditional Japanese sandals and fans laughing, talking, dancing to live entertainment. Now picture all this happening on cruise ship sailing along the Tokyo Bay!
This is Noryousen, the Tokyo Bay Cruise held everyday from June 28th to September 23rd. The cruise leaves the harbor near Hamamatsucho station and sails along the Tokyo Bay for two hours. The cost is only 2600 yen if you buy at the harbor. But to save 200 yen and long line ups, you can order online and pick up tickets at any convenient store. You can save a bonus 1000 yen if you wear a Japanese Yukata (weekdays only).
The cruise has been gaining popularity over the years and as I headed to the Takeshiba Terminal, I was expecting a small Japanese style boat that maybe held a couple of hundred people. But as I approached, I noticed a long, winding line snaking around the entire terminal grounds as a Japanese taiko (drumming) team entertained the waiting crowds. The ship was an all out cruise ship and there were thousands of people waiting to board. This was a much grander scale than I had anticipated.
The lines were filled with young, beautiful Japanese girls in Yukatas, couples, families, some foreigners and even groups of senior citizens. Check out my video to see the ship, the cruise and performances as well as al the beautiful people.
Boarding went quite quickly and despite the vast amounts of people, it was quite easy to get food and drinks. The main floor where we entered had food stands selling everything from traditional festival foods like cold cucumbers on sticks, edamame, meat on skewers and fried noodles to hot dogs, cheese dogs and Turkish kebabs.
There were also bar counters pouring draft beer for all the hot, thirsty passengers. Alcohol including, beer, high balls, wine and some cocktails were free flowing while you could purchase champagne and other premium drinks separately. Food was also extra cost but typical festival prices so quite reasonable
The main floor had a stage, DJ and dancing area for those interested in watching live Idol bands and dancing Yukata girls. Table and seating area were also available along the ship so you could sit, eat and enjoy the views of Tokyo.
The upper deck is open and perfect for getting a good view and chatting with other passengers while the lower floors are catered to families or groups of people who want private rooms to enjoy. Families and older passengers might also be more comfortable on the lower decks as it is much quieter, less crowded and has more seating areas.
Some of the landmarks the ship passes are Tokyo Tower, Rainbow bridge, Odaiba area, the construction crane and containers (which sounds dull but are quite beautiful lit up) and the Tokyo Gate Bridge Area. The nights that Disneyland has fireworks are also nights where you might be able to catch a nice light show.
If you are looking for a nice night time cruise to see a beautiful view of the Tokyo skyline as well as feel the summer festival vibe then this cruise is probably for you. Check out the Noryousen website for more information and reservation details.
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