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Which Yakatabune plan is the best for you?

2023.05.19

Preparing a complete itinerary for your Japan trip is a challenging task. Due to its enticing landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, there are many options for you to choose from. 

If you are in the Tokyo area, a Yakatabune trip, with the stunning view and traditional cuisine provided, is arguably one of the best ways to spend your time. However, choosing the right plan between the two options might be difficult, especially for the unfamiliar.

And that is exactly what this article is about. For each option, 5 reasons will be provided for you to consider. 

Shared plan

Let’s first look at the shared plan.

If you are not familiar, a shared plan allows you to get on a Yakatabune trip even when you don’t have many companions.

Cost-effective

You can save some money choosing the Yakatabune share plan

You will have some to spare on your next adventure!

Choosing a shared plan is a great way to experience the Yakatabune when you want to save some money. Even though there are some menus not possible for shared plans, you have some special options to choose from.

For example, if you are to take a Yakatabune trip during the daytime, consider Tanakaya’s lunch menu. With only 8800¥, you can enjoy a delightful 2.5-hour trip with sashimi and tempura as your companions.

For people who want an evening ride, Tatukin’s discount plan might be what you are looking for. Even though the trip only lasts for 2 hours, it would be a marvellous 120 minutes. In addition to these two suppliers, there are many other plans with different characteristics. Regardless of your preferences, you can find something suitable. 

No plan needed

If you are reading this on the street of Tokyo and not knowing what to do next, perfect!

For a Yakatabune shared plan, almost no reservation is needed. Different from chartered plans which you are required to make a reservation ahead of time, shared plans are more flexible in this regard.

Just choose your preferred supplier, check the schedule, the availability, and then make a phone call. It is possible to experience the Yakatabune on the same day

Less responsibility

Choosing a shared plan eliminates the need to coordinate a group or make decisions on food and drink.

We are all familiar with this feeling of worrying that other people might not like what we suggest. Without the need to entertain your guests during the trip, you can just lay back and take in the sights and sounds of Tokyo’s waterways. 

Meet new people 

Be open-minded, you never know who you might meet

One of the biggest advantages of selecting a shared plan is the chance to meet new people.

A shared plan can offer a sociable and engaging experience, whether you’re a solitary traveller trying to connect or simply eager to experience Japanese culture with others. You can engage in conversation with other passengers, either tourists or local people.

Swapping stories, sharing interests, suggesting places… you are not that far from making some lifetime friends. 

Some alone time

Surprisingly, if you prefer the opposite, choosing a shared plan is still not a bad option.

Take Fukagawa Fujimi as an example, they accept reservations for a shared trip from 1 person. Even though you can, being on a shared trip does not mean you have to engage with other people. You can just sit quietly, enjoy the meal, and feel the flow of the river.

Chartered plan

Regarding charted Yakatabune plan, it is the preferred option for a big group of people.

Privacy

Shared plans cannot compare to the level of exclusivity and privacy provided by chartered plans.

When you get on a charted trip, you and your guests get exclusive use of the Yaktabune. This implies that there won’t be any disruptions or distractions during the trip. A chartered plan offers the ideal atmosphere whether you’re commemorating a big event or simply want to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Dancing to your favourite music, drinking Japanese sake, or having private conversations…are all possible without bothering other people. 

Personalized experience

NInja performance has been one of the most popular performances on the charted Yakatabune plan

Ninja performance is one of the most famous ones on Yakatabune

A chartered plan also enables you to tailor your experience to your unique requirements and interests. The schedule, the available food and drink, and the entertainment are all in your hands.

Do you know you can have a Ninja-theme Yakatabune trip? Or tuna-cutting performance if that is what you prefer. Regardless of the types of atmospheres, you are aiming for, you can modify the experience to fit the setting. The trip can be as unique as your imagination. 

Flexibility

Another perk of a chartered plan is the flexibility it offers. Besides being able to pick the most suitable departure time and location, you can choose to extend your trip if the fun is still going on. You might think 2.5 hours is enough, but you never know.

Without feeling hurried or limited by a set plan, you may take your time and take in the landscape at your own speed.

Sumptuous meals 

Diverse food menus is a very strong point of charted Yakatabune plan

Food alone is enough to get on a Yakatabune

As mentioned earlier, there are menus that are exclusive to charter plans.

Besides traditional Japanese cuisines like sushi and tempura, some suppliers even offer crabs, hotpots, and wagyu beef. If you feel extra fancy for the next date, we highly recommend Amitei’s plan. For 220 000¥, you and your partner can have the boat for yourself. And the menu is just extraordinary.

Wagyu beef, sea urchin, and whale bacon… are complimented by champagne, what more could you even ask for? 

Memorable experience

Last but not least, a chartered plan offers a very special experience that you and your companions will treasure for years to come. A distinctive and lasting experience that is challenging to duplicate is produced by the integration of privacy, individuality, flexibility, and relaxation.

A chartered plan offers the ideal opportunity to do so in elegance and comfort, whether you’re celebrating a particular occasion or just want to create some new memories with your loved ones.

Which Yakatabune plan do you like?

Even though these two Yakatabune plans offer very different experiences, they are interesting regardless.

They are carefully cultivated by the Yakatabune suppliers based on years of interacting with customers, you can trust them.

Call your friend, set a date, and let’s embark on these wonderful Japanese traditional houseboats.