Yakata-bune

We have a lot of canals in Koto-ku. From Edo era they have been very important for our daily lives. People can move and carry various things very easily by boat through canals.

Some of us use Yakata-bune. Yakata-bune is a kind of Japanese roofed pleasure boat with zashiki (tatami room) for use in parties and enjoying food on a boat. A big Yakata-bune has a capacity of more than 100 passengers. A small one has about 10 passengers.

People hold parties with their family members, friends and coworkers in Yakata-bune. And they can enjoy the cruise of Tokyo bay. They can experience the different sights and sceneries from the boats. They have a good time with Yakata-bune..

There are two splendid events which many people like to do in particular seasons in Tokyo. One is to see cherry blossoms in spring, the other is to see fireworks in summer. Many people enjoy them especially form Yakata-bune. On those days we can see a lot of Yakata-bune on the rivers and canals in Tokyo. We can hear very happy voices from them. But it is very difficult to reserve the boats on such special days.

After Edo era the water quality of Tokyo got worse and worse. The water became dirty and smelled. People could not use Yakata-bune. But nowadays it has improved a lot. So Yakatabune became greater in number and continue to the present.

There are some agencies of Yakata-bune in Koto-ku. We call them Funayado. Please try to get on Yakata-bune and et some cool experience.

By H. H.