What scenes come to mind when you think of the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki?
The most iconic sights are probably the white-walled buildings, rows of willow trees, the river, and the “punting boats.”
So, I tried Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River.
Adults can ride for 700 yen (tax included), and children for 350 yen (tax included)—it’s both atmospheric and exciting!
Why not take in the Bikan Historical Area from a perspective unique to the punting boat, a little different from what you see on foot?
The information provided was current when this article was published in October 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What are Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River?
Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River are sightseeing boat rides that leisurely travel along the Kurashiki River.
The Kurashiki River flows through the heart of the Bikan Historical Area. In the past, boats carrying goods traveled along it.
On Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River, you can take in the Bikan Historical Area from the boat while imagining yourself as a merchant from the Edo period.
What makes Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River special?
Take in the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area from a traditional hand-rowed boat while listening to the boatman’s stories.
You can enjoy how it differs from the view on foot.
It’s also a pleasure to hear the boatman explain the main sights. You’ll learn things you wouldn’t know just by looking, deepening your understanding of the Bikan Historical Area.
I tried it myself and was moved by how atmospheric and elegant it was.
I had such a great time that ever since, whenever anyone asks me about sightseeing in Kurashiki, I enthusiastically recommend it: “The punting boats are so great!”
How do you ride Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River? Can tickets be reserved?
Tickets for Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River are sold only on the day. They can be purchased on the first floor of the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office in front of Nakabashi Bridge.
Boats depart every 30 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and tickets are sold for specific departure times.
As long as it’s for the same day, you can also buy a ticket for a later time—for example, buying a 4:00 p.m. ticket at 10:00 a.m.
There are two boats, each with a capacity of six passengers. Ticket sales end once a boat reaches capacity.
In other words, seats are limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis on the day. When it’s busy, you may not be able to get a seat.
- Adults: 700 yen (tax included)
- Children (ages 5 through elementary school): 350 yen (tax included)
- Under 5: Free
Can you make a reservation?
Reservations are not available except in the following cases.
Private rides are available for weddings, Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and similar occasions (reservation required).
It varies by day, but weekend and holiday mornings tend to be busy, while weekday afternoons are relatively quiet. During peak seasons, tickets for the entire day may sell out in the morning.
To improve your chances of getting a seat, visit the ticket office early on the day.
We recommend going to Kurashikikan as soon as you arrive in the Bikan Historical Area and buying a ticket for an available time before planning the rest of your sightseeing.
Once you’ve successfully bought a ticket, go to the boarding point at least five minutes before departure. Please note that if you’re late, you cannot get a refund.
Service is suspended in rain or strong winds. The decision to resume service depends on weather conditions.
How long does the Kurashiki punting boat ride take, and what is the route?
The Kurashiki punting boat ride takes about 20 minutes.
The boat travels about 300 meters through the center of the Bikan Historical Area and back.
I tried Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River
I rode Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River with model couple Yabu Nao and Yuri Cheru.
The models and boatman are not wearing masks or taking other measures to prevent the spread of infection because these photos were taken in April 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020.
First, we went to the ticket office. Since we visited on a weekday, we arrived just after noon, and there were still tickets available for the evening.
We explored the area while waiting. The Bikan Historical Area is compact and easy to get around on foot, making it convenient to fill the time.
We went to the boarding point at least five minutes before our ride. After we were shown to the boat and climbed aboard, we were lent suge-gasa hats. They really add to the atmosphere.
After taking a commemorative photo, we set off!
I was absolutely thrilled. This is so much fun…!
As we passed under Nakabashi Bridge, which we usually see from above, the view opened up. With no utility poles or power lines in sight, the sky seemed wider, too.
I was surprised by how different the townscape looked from this new angle.
You can see the whole area, and it feels closer than when viewed from the opposite bank. That fresh sense of distance made each building easy to see.
The boatman skillfully steers the boat with a long pole while telling us about the town.
When you reach Imabashi Bridge, in front of the Ohara Museum of Art, you turn around. The river isn’t very wide, but the boat makes a smooth, leisurely turn.
You pass under Nakabashi Bridge again and head toward Takasago Bridge.
The namako walls look wonderful from the river.
I took the boat during cherry blossom season, so petals were floating on the Kurashiki River. The water is so close you can reach out and touch it, and you feel close to the fish and birds, too.
The boat turns at Takasago Bridge and returns to the boarding point.
I felt that the scenery reflected on the water looks most beautiful when seen from a punting boat.
The leisurely 20-minute ride was a thoroughly satisfying experience.
Interview with the Kurashiki Tourism and Convention Bureau, the operator
We spoke with the Kurashiki Tourism and Convention Bureau, which operates Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River.
This interview was conducted during our first visit in April 2019.
How did Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River get started?
It began with the “Seto Bride River Boat Procession,” commonly known as the “Bride Procession,” which was held on the river by boat during events.
It was very popular, so we thought people would enjoy offering boat rides to the general public and private charters for wedding photo shoots, and started Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River.
What do you keep in mind to help visitors enjoy the boat ride?
We make an effort to communicate with passengers so they can enjoy the atmosphere of the boat ride.
Before setting off, the boatman takes commemorative photos, and greets international visitors in multiple languages.
During the ride, we also lend out sedge hats, which help protect passengers from the heat.
Who would you recommend it to?
We recommend it to everyone, from adults to children, including visitors from overseas.
Do you accommodate foreign languages?
Information at the ticket office and boarding point is displayed in multiple languages, and we use simple English when selling tickets. We also hand out multilingual notices about precautions for boarding.
What should passengers be careful about when boarding?
For safety, we ask passengers not to lean out to take photos or move around vigorously.
Please also keep your hands inside the boat.
Would you like to share a message for people taking a ride on Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River?
The white-walled streets viewed from the water reveal a character unique to the boat ride, offering a perspective different from seeing them on foot.
Take in the leisurely pace of time and the charm of the experience.
Experience the charm of Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River
Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River is a graceful, atmospheric way to appreciate the charms of the Bikan Historical Area.
Be sure to enjoy this elegant experience.
- Models: Yabunao and his wife Yuricheru
Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River Information
| Name | Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 710-0046 |
| Contact | 086-422-0542 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | First departure: 9:30 a.m. – Last departure: 5:00 p.m. ※Departures every 30 minutes For inquiries Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | March–December: No service on the second Monday of each month (except when it is a public holiday) January–February: No service on weekdays ※No service during the New Year holidays |
| Admission (tax included) | Adults: ¥700 Children (ages 5 through elementary school): ¥350 ※Tax included; free for children under 5 |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not available However, reservations are available for weddings, Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and similar occasions |
| Website | Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River |
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