Tokyo is rife with waterside experiences up and down the Sumidagawa river and around the Tokyo Bay area, with both traditional yakatabune dinner boats and modern cruise ships hoping to attract those looking to escape the concrete jungle. Meet the Gozabune Atakemaru—dubbed the Samurai Ship—which takes cruising to the next level, bringing a whole new class of experience to Tokyo's waterways. Offering a bay cruise, traditional kabuki-inspired show and Japanese dinner course, Gozabune adds a touch of history and pizzazz to proceedings. The luxury vessel, an Edo period replica liner liked that owned by feudal lords such as shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, sets itself apart on the waters with its majestic red and decadent gold livery (not to mention the huge commanding scale of the boat too). Stepping onto the boat at Hinode Pier transports you into an Edo-inspired luxury fairytale with kimono-clad performers welcoming you on board set to the luxury Japanese interior backdrop. Dinnertime guests will be treated to a kabuki-inspired performance on the main deck, midway through the 'all you can eat/drink' 2 hour course. It's more clap along, slapstick fun than serious kabuki theatre, but it breaks up the cruise perfectly and promises group photo opportunities with the performers too once the show finishes. Guests are naturally encouraged to move freely around the boat's deck too during the cruise, with the route providing good views of landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Gate Bridge and even Tokyo Tower along the way.

Gozabune Atakemaru caters to several plans, with the whole ship even available to charter for larger groups of up to 500 guests:

• 40 min day cruise (dep. 14:50)
• 75 min evening cruise (dep. 17:30) – inc. show + 1 drink
• 120 min night cruise (dep. 19:15) – inc. show + unlimited food + unlimited drink

Several dining plans exist catering to all tastes, and include Zuwai-gani snow crab, Maguro Nakaochi (off the bone), Onuma beef steak from Hokkaido, oysters, scallops, karaage chicken and lots more! This is accompanied by a generous drinks menu, from Suntory The Premium Malt's and Suntory Kaku Highball, to a range of cocktails/sours and spirits.


By Tom Roseveare