Dinner cruises in Tokyo: Awesome yakatabune

Want to celebrate a special occasion, or experience an only-in-Japan cruise? Then look no further than the yakatabune.

These are the descendants of the traditional leisure boats owned by the ancient nobility of Japan, where they held parties and other festive events. The interior of most of these boats is tatami (traditional straw flooring), and they often serve fresh seafood and even tempura!

I recently booked a couple tables on one of the most fun ones, for a Christmas party with my friends. Even in December the inside of the boat was warm and comfy, and they certainly kept the drinks flowing freely!

Additionally, on Saturdays in December there are fireworks in Odaiba, which you can watch from the roof of the boat. My favorite part was seeing all the other yakatabune, which are often strung with colorful lights, reflected on the water under the fireworks.

Interested? You can book the cruise (including dinner and open bar) here: http://www.veltra.com/en/asia/japan/tokyo/a/100503