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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shimanto Riverboat Dinner
Spectacular views and delicious dining fit for a Tosa lord
Kochi Prefecture
There are many ways to enjoy Kochi Prefecture’s magnificent Shimanto River, but one of the most relaxing is aboard a yakatabune river boat. Slowly drifting down Japan’s last free-flowing river, passengers can gaze out the windows of the traditional tatami-floored boat and be transported to another time. Yakatabune, also known as pleasure boats, used to be reserved only for Japan’s upper classes, who would enjoy elite entertainment and eat elaborate meals onboard.
The tour offers similarly refined dinners to passengers today, recreating the feeling of a floating party. Local delicacies are beautifully presented and paired with Kochi’s refined sake (or non-alcoholic options). The boat’s engine is shut off for much of the journey to ensure guests have a peaceful experience and can hear the soothing sounds of the river and their dining companions!
The tour lasts about 80 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the views of the river valley and clear water and enjoy the cuisine. Tours run all year round giving you a chance to take in the area’s natural scenery in any season thanks to cozy heaters. Sit back and relax during this tranquil and elegant sightseeing experience.
How to get there
From Haneda Airport, fly to Kochi Ryoma Airport (about 1 hour 30 minutes), take a bus to Kochi Station (30 minutes), then take an express train to Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Station (1 hour 50 minutes). The destination is about 20 minutes from the station by car.
846-1 Tadenokawa, Shimanto-shi, Kochi-ken
