What kind of scenery comes to mind when you think of the views in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki?
Typical sights include white-walled buildings, rows of willows, rivers, and perhaps the "punting boats."
So, I experienced the "Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River."
Adults can ride for 700 yen (including tax), and children for 350 yen (including tax), making it a charming and exciting experience!
Why not enjoy the Bikan Historical Area from a unique angle that only punting can offer?
What is the Punting Boat Ride on Kurashiki River?
The Punting Boat Ride on Kurashiki River is a leisurely sightseeing boat ride along the Kurashiki River.
The Kurashiki River flows through the center of the Bikan Historical Area, where boats carrying goods used to pass by.
On the Punting Boat Ride, you can enjoy the views of the Bikan Historical Area while feeling like a merchant from the Edo period.
The charm of the Punting Boat Ride on Kurashiki River
Riding in a traditional hand-rowed boat and listening to the boatman's stories while enjoying the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area.
You can enjoy the differences compared to the views seen on foot.
It's also a nice point that the boatman explains the main spots, providing information that you wouldn't know just by looking, deepening your understanding of the Bikan Historical Area.
Having experienced it myself, I found it charming, elegant, and moving.
It was so much fun that since then, whenever I am asked about sightseeing in Kurashiki, I enthusiastically recommend, "The punting boats are really great!"
How to ride the Punting Boat on Kurashiki River? Can tickets be reserved?
The tickets for the Punting Boat Ride on Kurashiki River are sold only on the day. You can purchase them on the first floor of the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office in front of Nakahashi.
Boats depart every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and tickets are separated by departure time.
On the same day, you can purchase tickets for a later time, such as "buying a ticket for the 4 PM ride at 10 AM."
There are two boats, each with a capacity of 6 people. Ticket sales will end once the capacity is reached.
In other words, the number of passengers is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are many people, you may not be able to ride.
- Adults: 700 yen (including tax)
- Children (ages 5 to elementary school students): 350 yen (including tax)
- Children under 5: Free
Can tickets be reserved?
Reservations cannot be made except in the following cases.
You can reserve a private ride only for weddings or Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese celebration for children) (reservation required).
There may be fluctuations depending on the day, but it is said that there are many people on weekend mornings, while weekday afternoons are relatively less crowded. During busy periods, there are days when all tickets for the morning sell out.
To increase your chances of boarding, please visit the ticket sales office early on the day.
When you arrive in the Bikan Historical Area, it is recommended to first go to the Kurashikikan, purchase tickets for the available time, and then plan your sightseeing schedule.
Once you successfully purchase your ticket, make sure to arrive at the boarding area at least 5 minutes before the departure time. If you are late, you will not be able to get a refund, so please be careful.
The service is canceled in case of rain or strong winds. Resumption will be determined based on weather conditions.
Duration and route of the Punting Boat Ride on Kurashiki River?
The duration of the Punting Boat Ride is about 20 minutes.
It goes back and forth about 300 meters in the center of the Bikan Historical Area.
My experience on the Punting Boat Ride on Kurashiki River
I rode the Punting Boat with the model couple Yabu Nao and Yurichelle.
The models and the boatman are not wearing masks or taking measures against the spread of infection, but this was filmed in April 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
First, we went to the ticket sales office. Since it was a weekday, we visited in the early afternoon, and there were still openings for the evening rides.
While waiting for our time, we strolled around. The Bikan Historical Area is easy to walk around, making it convenient to adjust your schedule.
Arriving at the boarding area more than 5 minutes before the boarding time, we were guided onto the boat and lent "sugegasa" (traditional straw hats). It adds to the charm.
After taking commemorative photos, we set off!
I was super excited. It was so much fun!
As we passed under Nakahashi, which I usually see from above, the view opened up. Without telephone poles and wires in sight, the sky felt much wider.
I was surprised at how different the townscape looked from this angle.
You can see the whole area, and it feels closer than when viewed from the opposite bank. This fresh sense of distance allowed me to see each building clearly.
The boatman skillfully maneuvers the boat using a long pole while explaining the town.
When you arrive at Ima Bridge in front of Ohara Museum of Art, you turn back. The river is not very wide, but it makes a beautiful turn slowly.
You pass under Nakabashi again and head towards Takasago Bridge.
The view of the namako walls from the river is very nice.
Since I boarded during the cherry blossom season, petals were also floating on the surface of Kurashiki River. The water surface is so close that you can touch it if you reach out your hand, and you can feel the fish and birds nearby.
You turn at Takasago Bridge and return to the boarding point.
I felt that the scenery reflected on the water surface is the most beautiful when viewed from the punting boat.
A leisurely 20-minute ride was a highly satisfying experience.
Interview with Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau
We spoke with the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau, which operates the Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River.
The interview is based on the content from the initial coverage in April 2019.
Why did the Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River start?
It began with the implementation of the "Seto Bride - Punting Boat Rides," commonly known as "Bride Boat Rides," during events.
Due to its popularity, we thought that offering boarding experiences for the general public and private charters for weddings and other occasions would be well-received, so we started the "Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River."
Are there any considerations to ensure tourists enjoy the punting boats?
We strive to ensure that guests can enjoy the atmosphere of the punting boats through communication.
Before the boat departs, we take commemorative photos, and we greet foreign guests in multiple languages.
During the ride, we also provide straw hats to help with heat protection.
Who do you recommend this to?
We recommend it to many people, from adults to children, including those from overseas.
Do you accommodate foreign languages?
The ticket sales and boarding area information is provided in multiple languages, and we respond in simple English during sales. We also provide multilingual boarding instructions.
What are the precautions during boarding?
For safety, we ask guests not to lean out for photos or move around vigorously.
Also, please do not put your hands over the edge of the boat.
Do you have a message for those who will ride the Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River?
The view of the white-walled town from the water offers a different perspective that only the punting boat can provide.
Please enjoy the leisurely flow of time and the charm of the experience.
Experience the Charm of Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River
The charm of the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki is well understood through the elegant Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River.
Please experience this graceful moment.
- Model: Yabunao & Yuricheru Couple
Data on Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River
| Name | Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 710-0046 |
| Contact | 086-422-0542 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | First departure at 9:30 AM - Last boat at 5:00 PM * Departures every 30 minutes Contact Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | March to December: Closed only on the second Monday (excluding holidays) January to February: Closed on weekdays * Closed during the New Year holidays |
| Usage Fee (including tax) | Adults 700 yen Children (5 years old to elementary school students) 350 yen * Tax included, free for those under 5 years old |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | No However, reservations are possible only for weddings and Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese festival for children) |
| Website | Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River |
