On Sunday 25th September, I and approximately 30 other customers from my local hostelry (Elwood's Bar) went on a boat trip in Tokyo Bay. These boats, called yakatabune (meaning 'roofed boat'), are a popular excursion for Tokyoites. Rather surprisingly, most of my fellow passengers had not yet actually been on one.Yakatabune used to be popular amongst the cream of Japanese society many centuries ago, but are now popular amongst the hoi polloi. Great background information to yakatabune can be found at the following link. The interior of these vessels are supposed to invoke the memory of days gone by - tatami flooring, low tables, wooden windows, and paper lanterns around the exterior of the boat. Very nice indeed!
From what I can gather, most yakatabune serve traditional and high quality Japanese dinners. However, the main source of sustenance on our vessel was monjayaki and okonomiyaki. Much cheaper, and in my opinion, much more tasty. The unlimited amount of beer available was also very welcome.
It was quite a pleasure to eat and drink in the boat, with the views of Tokyo gradually changing as the evening drew in. A very pleasurable day out on the water, and one which in my mind finally signalled the end of summer.
A great day out which I would recommend to all.
