Tokyo’s yakatabune (roofed pleasure boat) culture dates back to the Heian period, when it was an exclusive pastime for aristocrats. During the Edo era, it blossomed into a popular way for townspeople to enjoy the city’s waterways with food, drink and seasonal scenery.

Today, this centuries-old tradition is being reimagined through the Tokyo Bay Exclusive Gourmet Cruise, supported by Takeshiba Area Management and Takeshiba Town Design.

Curated by Takeshiba Area Management and Takeshiba Town Design, and held in collaboration with TOKI—a luxury travel specialist serving high-profile clients—this exclusive pop-up dinner series brings together some of Tokyo’s most celebrated chefs. The initiative aims to revitalize Tokyo Bay as a premier tourism and cultural hub, offering a luxury dining experience that blends fine cuisine, history, and breathtaking city views. Three demonstration cruises have already been held to showcase this uniquely elegant and luxurious yakatabune experience.

For more on Edo-period Japan, read our Guide to Edo Restaurants in Tokyo

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The First Cruise Demonstration: Chef Takeshi Shinohara

The inaugural voyage featured a menu by Chef Takeshi Shinohara of Ginza Shinohara, holder of two Michelin stars. Departing from Takeshiba aboard a Harumiya vessel, the setting fused classic Japanese aesthetics with plush carpeted flooring. Guests seated at the counter could watch the chef’s artistry unfold while savoring refined dishes celebrating the bounty of Edo-mae traditions. As the vessel glided past glittering Tokyo landmarks, each bite was elevated by the shimmering reflections on the bay.

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The Second Cruise Demonstration: Chef Hidenobu Namba

The second experience was a rare sushi cruise helmed by Chef Hidenobu Namba of Sushi Namba in Hibiya, one of the most coveted reservations in Tokyo. Renowned for his precise temperature control, Namba serves each piece of sushi with shari (rice) and neta (topping) at their ideal temperatures, ensuring perfect harmony between texture and flavor. On board, guests enjoyed this meticulous craft in an intimate counter setting while passing under the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and along the tranquil waters of Odaiba.

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The Third Cruise: Chef Satoru Tanaka

The final showcase was led by Chef Satoru Tanaka (Instagram: @boss.tanakasatoru), whose style is bold yet refined. On the evening of the cruise, a luminous full moon bathed Tokyo Bay in silver light, creating an otherworldly backdrop for the meal.

The evening began with a toast as the boat departed Waters Takeshiba Pier and unfolded into a multi-course journey celebrating seasonal ingredients and the chef’s innovative techniques. From delicate seafood appetizers to a tender cut of wagyu beef paired with seasonal vegetables, every dish told its own story. One standout was a perfectly grilled fish in a citrus-infused broth, its aroma mingling with the salty night air. The meal concluded with a light, refreshing dessert that mirrored the serenity of the bay.

As the yacht sailed slowly across the moonlit water with Tokyo Tower glowing in the distance, the combination of exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and natural beauty created a sensory journey impossible to replicate.

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A New Chapter for Tokyo Bay

These cruises are not merely dining events, but part of a vision to reintroduce Tokyo Bay as a world-class cultural and gastronomic destination. By combining the rich history of the yakatabune with the talents of Japan’s top chefs, the project offers locals and international visitors alike a fresh and unforgettable perspective on Tokyo.

Whether savoring Shinohara’s Edo-mae-inspired creations, Namba’s precision-perfect sushi, or Tanaka’s imaginative seasonal plates under a full moon, each cruise delivers a rare blend of tradition, innovation, and breathtaking scenery—an evening that lingers long after the final course.

Explore Tokyo by bike with our Tokyo Bay Cycling Route

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For Inquiries:

Takeshiba Area Management:
A management organization promoting community development in Tokyo Port City Takeshiba, a project jointly developed by Tokyu Land Corporation and Kajima Corporation.

Takeshiba Town Design:
A town management body led by East Japan Railway Company, driving waterfront-based urban development at WATERS Takeshiba with a focus on culture and the arts.