Cruising Kyoto’s waterways offers a refreshing break from temple-hopping, letting you see this ancient city from a different angle. The best all-around option combines an Osaka Castle visit with the Aqua Liner cruise – it’s well-organized and efficiently paced. We love the day trip to Ine’s boat houses and the Kyoto White Sandbar; it showcases a lesser-known side of the region with stunning coastal scenery. For sports fans, the Lake Biwa boat race tour delivers excitement and local atmosphere, while history buffs shouldn’t miss the Gion Festival cruise with its traditional touches. The sake-tasting cruise makes an excellent afternoon activity, combining local drinks with scenic views.
Let’s look at our favorite Kyoto boat tours in detail.
Key Points
- Osaka Castle & River Cruise Tour offers a full-day experience exploring Osaka’s top attractions, including a scenic boat cruise.
- Kyoto White Sandbar & Boat Houses Day Trip provides a unique opportunity to experience the “Japanese Venice” and other natural wonders.
- Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour offers a thrilling experience of attending a live boat race event with various inclusions.
- Kyoto Gion Festival & Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Tour combines culture in Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri with a relaxing boat cruise and lunch.
- Kyoto Sake Tasting & Cruise Half Day Tour allows visitors to explore Kyoto’s sake culture, including a sake tasting and a scenic boat ride.
Walking Tour – Osaka Castle and River Cruise From Osaka or Kyoto
This full-day walking tour from Kyoto or Osaka allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions, including the iconic Osaka Castle and a relaxing river cruise on the Aqua Liner.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to see the highlights.
Travelers will marvel at the panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory, learn about the Toyotomi family at Osaka Castle, and enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Nakanoshima waterfront.
The tour is led by a licensed English guide, providing an informative and engaging experience.
While the walking distance may be a concern for some, the tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Osaka’s rich history and stunning landmarks.
Read our full review: Walking Tour – Osaka Castle and River Cruise From Osaka or Kyoto Review
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Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto White Sandbar, Ines Boat Houses Day Trip
Visitors to Kyoto and Osaka can embark on a captivating day trip to explore the Kyoto White Sandbar and the unique boat houses of Ine.
This 9.5-hour excursion, priced at $60.10 per person, offers the chance to witness the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar, visit the Chionji Temple, and soak in the Tsuruga hot spring.
The highlight is the boat houses of Ine, known as the “Japanese Venice,” where travelers can opt for walking, biking, or boat rides.
Guided in English, Chinese, and Japanese, this trip allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While some reviewers noted a lack of guidance for optional activities, the overall experience received a 3.8/5 rating.
Read our full review: Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto White Sandbar, Ines Boat Houses Day Trip Review
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Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour
For travelers seeking an exhilarating day on the water, the Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour offers an unforgettable experience. Priced at €129.19 per person, this 5-star rated tour takes visitors to Kyoto’s Lake Biwa for a thrilling boat race event.
The tour includes train and bus tickets, snacks, drinks, and entry fees, as well as money or tickets for betting. Guests will meet at Kyoto Station and be guided to the race stadium, where they’ll enjoy reserved seating.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back issues or medical conditions, and travelers under 20 aren’t permitted. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.
Read our full review: Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour Review
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Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour
The Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour offers travelers an immersive exploration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and a scenic cruise on the serene Lake Biwa.
This half-day tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation via air-conditioned bus, and tickets to the renowned Gion Matsuri Festival procession.
Participants will also enjoy a lunch buffet aboard a boat as they sail across the tranquil waters of Lake Biwa.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and memorable experience.
While the schedule is subject to change, the tour adheres to safety protocols, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all.
Read our full review: Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour Review
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Kyoto Sake Tasting and Cruise Half Day Tour
Kicking off the Kyoto Sake Tasting and Cruise Half Day Tour, travelers embark on a delightful afternoon exploration of the city’s renowned sake culture.
The tour includes an English-guided visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, where participants compare nine types of sake.
Afterward, they board the Fushimi jikkokubune boat for a scenic cruise, accompanied by a selection of traditional Japanese side dishes.
Priced from €173.11 per person, this private tour promises an immersive experience, catering to various accessibility needs.
With a convenient meeting point at the Hachijo-exit of the JR Kyoto Station, the tour ends back at the starting point, providing a well-rounded introduction to Kyoto’s vibrant sake traditions.
Read our full review: Kyoto Sake Tasting and Cruise Half Day Tour Review
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Recap
Kyoto offers a variety of boat tours and cruises, from exploring Osaka Castle and the Gion festival to tasting sake and cruising Lake Biwa. These experiences provide unique perspectives of the city’s historic landmarks and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, culture, or relaxation, Kyoto’s boat tours and cruises cater to diverse interests and preferences.