It is understandable that you have a lot of questions regarding the Yakabune history

Wouldn’t it be amazing to see how a part of the Japanese culture was shaped, and how it has become so appealing?

Today, we will try to answer your questions:

• Why and how did it start? Are there any similarities between then and now?

• Why, out of many, is the Yakatabune one of the practices kept until today?

• What did they usually do on the Yakatabune back in the past?

Hopefully, the information below will make your next trip a nostalgic journey.

A traditional entertainment scene on a Yakatabune

The beginning

The history

Yakatabune, or ‘houseboats’ in English, have a rich history in Japan that dates back centuries.

According to a theory, the name originated from yakata, meaning mansion, and bune, meaning ship, as the boats resembled mansions on top of ships. The earliest references to Japanese houseboats can be found in the Man’yōshū, a collection of songs compiled in the 7th century. 

During the Heian Period (794-1185), houseboats were commonly used as a pastime activity and were a hallmark of ostentatious luxury for feudal lords, samurai warriors, and wealthy merchants.

This means that the root of the Japanese houseboat culture can be traced back to the flourishing of Heian-Kyo (currently Kyoto prefecture).

Originating approximately 450 km away from Tokyo, this tradition has spread far and wide throughout Japan. Nowadays, you can also see variations of houseboats in Osaka, Shimane prefecture, and other places.

The traditional design

A Yakatabune is a miniature Japanese home with tatami mats and low tables inside. Entertainment services on board vary from traditional Japanese music and poetry performances to tea ceremonies.

Nowadays, entertainment services you can enjoy on the boat include BBQ, Karaoke, Tuna cutting, Edo sushi performances, and Traditional Japanese music, …

Sadly, the glamorous quickly disappeared. The shogunate imposed restrictions on the luxurious specifications, which led to a simpler version of the Japanese houseboats built by inns and restaurants to serve ordinary people.

Due to the design restriction, people who are not samurais cannot use the shoji screen inside the boat, but bamboo blinds.

The river was filled with 500 boats during the time of fireworks in the Meiji era (1868 – 1912)

Ups and downs

During the Pacific War (1941-1945), the Yaktabune’s popularity experienced a decline due to people’s dwindling leisure time.

This led to the disappearance of Yakatabune.

The fishing industry in the Sumida River

Back then, not all the vessels in Tokyo Bay were initially designed as Japanese houseboats. Some were fishing boats, and others belonged to seaweed farming businesses.

In 1950, these industries prospered. Things appeared to be fine for a while.

However, the rapid economic growth in Japan led to a series of changes, including overfishing and water pollution, which gradually led to a decline in the fishing industry.

The shift in business operation

Later on, during the Japanese bubble economy, there was an increase in demand for luxury goods and services. This was a significant factor leading to a resurgence in the popularity of Yakatabune.

To recover their lost revenue, some businesses decided to operate Yakatabune as well.

In addition, the emergence of new attractions such as Disneyland, Rainbow Bridge, and Odaiba, also contributed to the renewed interest in Yakatabune.

The Yakatabune is especially popular during festival seasons. It provides the customers with the opportunities to escape the crowd and enjoy the atmosphere.

Consequently, it has flourished.

A bird-eye view of an exciting night in the Sumida River

Yakatabune suppliers start working together!

Customers of the Yatabune are always welcomed with a feast!

Not long after, the Tokyo Yakatabune Association was formed! It was led by the main goal of improving the service and providing the best experience for customers.

Currently, the association, with the suppliers, has successfully developed suitable features and services for the current era.
Observation decks, 100-people-capacity ships, and table-and-chair seating… are now offered to customers.

Everything has been done without losing the traditional atmosphere of the Edo era.

The Yakatabune remains a gateway to the proud history of the Japanese people!