Shimanto Riverboat Dinner
Floating low on the water, and fitted out with springy tatami mats, a long table and zabuton cushions, Japan’s elite have always enjoyed slow meals in yakatabune river boats. The open siding lets the river breeze flow through the structure, so guests feel like they are at one with the river and surrounding nature.
A ride in a traditional Japanese riverboat ride is a must-try experience. You can easily imagine yourself as a lord lazily watching a full moon high above out the wooden framed windows.
Dinner features an array of elegantly presented, locally-sourced delicacies, and is complimented with delicious local sake and/or non-alcoholic drinks.
As the bank of Shimanto River (known as Japan’s last pure river) drifts by, you’ll be transported to a simpler time when the wonders of nature, the delicacy of taste and the sound of a hawk flying high above was more than enough.
Meeting Time
(Mar-Sep) 4:00pm
(Oct-Feb) 3:00pm
Meet Place
Shimanto River Houseboat Cruising Service “Nattoku”
(846-1 Tadenokawa, Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan)
Access
About 20 minutes by car from Nakamura Station / Nakamura City
*There is no public transport available at the tour times, so please use a taxi or come in your own car (parking available).
*A taxi (up to 4 passengers) will cost about 7,200 yen round trip from the center of Shimanto City. The Hata Region Tourism Bureau can make arrangements for you on request.
Details of Tour / Activity
Meet in the car park in front of the Shimanto River Houseboat Cruising Office.
*If you wish, our staff will pick you up at your accommodation in Shimanto City, 30 minutes before the meeting time. The cost of the taxi fare will be paid directly to the taxi company.
Take a sightseeing boat to the upper part of the Shimanto River (about 20 minutes away). Along the way, please enjoy the natural beauty of the river from the comfort of the boat.
The boat will stop its engine so that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Shimanto River in peace.
Next, you will be served a meal using the finest local ingredients, and accompanied by sake (or soft drinks if you prefer). Please enjoy it as the boat slowly descends from the upper reaches of the river down towards Takase Chinkabashi Bridge.
Return to port and disembark the boat.
(Total tour journey is about 80 minutes)
Finish Location
Same as meeting point
Details
Availability
All Year round
Unavailable Days
No regular holidays
Length
80 mins
Price
*Please inquire ​for the details
Included
-Boat ticket
-Japanese bento box
-Sake (cold) or tea
-English speaking attendants
Tour Guide
Staff can speak a little English. Please also refer to the English pamphlet distributed on day of the tour.
Min./Max. participants
Min. 4 people
Max. 45 people
Notes
Tour will be cancelled in event of bad weather or high water levels.
There are no toilets on board (in emergency will head to nearest port)