Kotatsu-bune, a uniquely Japanese winter tradition, is an experience you’ll want to try precisely because of the cold season.
These special sightseeing boats, available only in winter in places like Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture and Yanagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture, let you enjoy both Japan’s traditional culture and breathtaking scenery at the same time. Relax in a warm kotatsu as you gently cruise down a quiet river, taking in snowy landscapes and the beauty of winter nature—this is the true “luxury of a Japanese winter.” Let’s set off on a boat journey that warms both body and soul, an experience only possible in the coldest months.
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What is Japan’s Winter Tradition, “Kotatsu Culture”?
The Structure and Role of the Kotatsu
The kotatsu is a traditional Japanese heating appliance. A heat source is installed under a low table, and a thick futon is draped over it to keep the area beneath the table warm. It’s a classic winter scene in Japan for family and friends to gather around a kotatsu, sitting together with their feet inside and enjoying each other’s company.
The charm of the kotatsu goes beyond being just a heating device. It naturally brings people together and serves as a social space that encourages conversation. For many Japanese people, memories of winter nights spent eating mikan, watching TV, or drinking tea while sitting at the kotatsu are nostalgic and dear.
The Kotatsu Evolves into a “Tourist Experience”
In recent years, kotatsu culture has been gaining attention in new forms as a tourist experience. In urban areas like Tokyo and Kyoto, more cafes and restaurants are offering “kotatsu seating” during the winter season. You can enjoy hot drinks and Japanese cuisine while relaxing in a warm kotatsu.
Some ryokan and hotels also have “kotatsu lounges,” providing guests with a cozy space to unwind freely.
One of the most evolved forms of kotatsu culture is the “kotatsu-bune.” With kotatsu set up on boats, you can enjoy river or lake views in a warm and comfortable environment.
What is Kotatsu-bune? Introducing Winter-Only Sightseeing Boats
Kotatsu-bune are special sightseeing boats that operate only during the winter season, typically from December to February each year. A kotatsu is set up inside the boat, allowing passengers to enjoy spectacular winter scenery while staying warm.
Even though the air outside is cold, inside the kotatsu is warm and relaxing—just like being in your own living room. Depending on the boat, you may also be able to enjoy hot nabe dishes or local specialties, letting you savor the flavors of a Japanese winter as well.
[Kanto Area] Kotatsu-bune You Can Visit on a Day Trip from Tokyo
Nagatoro (Saitama Prefecture)
About two hours by train from Tokyo, Nagatoro is the most accessible kotatsu-bune spot from the metropolitan area. The boarding area is just a few minutes’ walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway, making it very convenient.
You can enjoy a leisurely 20-minute cruise around the calm waters (toroba) near the Arakawa River and Iwadatami area. You’ll get an up-close look at the Iwadatami rock formations, designated as a national natural monument, and the breathtaking scenery is especially impressive in the crisp winter air.
If you’re lucky, you might even experience a river cruise through a snowy landscape in wintertime Nagatoro. The contrast between the snow-covered Iwadatami rocks and the quietly flowing river is as beautiful as a sumi-e ink painting. After your boat ride, you can warm up in Nagatoro’s hot springs or enjoy Chichibu’s local gourmet specialties for a full day of fun.
Nagatoro “Poka Poka Kotatsu-bune”
- Operating period: January 1, 2026 (Thu, holiday) – February 28 (Sat)
- Fare: Adults (junior high school and older) 1,100 yen; Children (age 3 and up) 700 yen
- Reference site: https://www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/nagatoro/pokapoka.html
Itako (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Itako in Ibaraki Prefecture is known as a waterside town, accessible by car in about an hour and a half from Tokyo, or about two hours by train. On the Itako Kotatsu Boat, you can leisurely cruise along calm waterways and enjoy the scenery of the water town that has continued since the Edo period. The willow-lined canals, traditional buildings, and the tranquility of winter create a scene that feels like a journey through time.
Itako / Suigo Itako Sightseeing Boat (Rowboat Cruise)
- Operating period: Usually from December 1 to March 30 each year
- Fare: Adults ¥1,300, Elementary school students ¥700, Children under school age free
- Reference site: https://www.city.itako.lg.jp/
[Northern Japan] Enjoy the Spectacular Winter Scenery on a Kotatsu Boat
Geibikei Gorge (Iwate Prefecture)
Geibikei Gorge in Iwate Prefecture is a beautiful ravine counted among the 100 most scenic spots in Japan. The overwhelming landscape features sheer cliffs over 100 meters high stretching for about 2 kilometers.
The kotatsu boat ride at Geibikei is a round-trip course of about 90 minutes. In winter, Geibikei is covered in snow, creating a monochrome world of white and gray. The contrast between the snow piled on the cliffs and the quietly flowing river is a fantastical beauty, as if you have stepped into an ink painting.
The boat makes a temporary stop at the turnaround point, Daigeibi Rock, where passengers can disembark and take a walk. Here, you can also enjoy the experience of "Undama-nage," where you throw a stone towards a hole while making a wish.
👉Iwate Geibikei Gorge Boat Ride Experience【klook】
Geibikei Gorge Kotatsu Boat
- Operating period: December 2025 to the end of February 2026
- Fare: Adults ¥1,800, Elementary school students ¥900, Children under school age ¥200
- Official website: http://www.geibikei.co.jp/funakudari/
Mogami Gorge (Yamagata Prefecture)
The Mogami Gorge in Yamagata Prefecture is considered the most beautiful scenic spot along the Mogami River. In winter, the Mogami Gorge transforms into a magical landscape unique to snowy regions, making it the perfect place to experience the beauty of a Japanese winter.
The kotatsu boat ride at Mogami Gorge covers a course of about 12 kilometers and takes approximately 60 minutes. Snow-capped mountains rise on both banks, and you can enjoy a variety of scenery, including unusual rock formations and waterfalls that appear along the way. The Mogami River is especially quiet in winter, and on snowy days, you can have a mystical experience as you glide through a pure white world.
Mogami Gorge・Mogami River Boat Cruise (Kotatsu Boat)
- Operating period: December 2025 – End of March 2026
- Fare: Adults ¥2,800 / Elementary school students ¥1,400 / Children under school age free
- Reference site: https://mokkedano.net/spot/30394
[Western Japan] Kotatsu Boat Touring the Famous Spots of Shimane
Matsue Castle (Shimane Prefecture)
The kotatsu boat cruising around the Horikawa River in Matsue offers a rare opportunity to view the National Treasure Matsue Castle from the water. Matsue is also known as the "City of Water," and its network of moats running through the city is a major attraction for visitors.
In winter, Matsue Castle is sometimes covered in snow, creating a beauty that words cannot describe. From the boat, you can see samurai residences and traditional buildings, allowing you to feel the history and culture of Matsue as the scenery unfolds. It’s a luxurious experience to enjoy the unique winter scenery of the Sea of Japan coast while staying warm under a kotatsu.
Matsue Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
- Operating period: December 1, 2025 (Mon) – March 31, 2026 (Tue)
- Fare: Adults ¥1,600 / Junior high & high school students ¥1,300 / Elementary school students ¥800 / Children under school age ¥400
- Official website: https://www.matsue-horikawameguri.jp/
[Kyushu] Kotatsu Boat to Experience Majestic Nature
Yanagawa (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Yanagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture is a beautiful town with over 400 years of history as a water town. It’s conveniently accessible, about an hour by train from central Fukuoka, and is a popular sightseeing spot in Kyushu.
The kotatsu boat in Yanagawa leisurely cruises through the waterways of the old castle town. As you travel along the moats built in the Edo period, you can enjoy the historical scenery, including white-walled storehouses, rows of willow trees, and charming stone bridges. In the crisp winter air, the townscape reflected on the calm water is exceptionally beautiful.
After disembarking, we also recommend trying Yanagawa’s local specialty, Unagi Seiro-mushi (steamed eel on rice).
👉Yanagawa River Cruise｜Advance Ticket【kkday】
Yanagawa Hakushu
- Operating period: December 1, 2025 (Mon) – February 28, 2026 (Sat)
- Boarding fee: Standard Plan Adults ¥2,000, Elementary school students ¥1,000, Preschool children free
- Official website: https://hakusyukankou.com/
Hitoyoshi / Kuma River (Kumamoto Prefecture)
The Kuma River flowing through Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s three fastest rivers. The kotatsu boat in Hitoyoshi is unique in that you can enjoy both a thrilling rapid river cruise and beautiful natural scenery. In winter, the Kuma River is surrounded by mountains tinged with the colors of the season, allowing you to experience the nostalgic rural landscape of Japan.
Hitoyoshi is also famous as a hot spring town, so after your kotatsu boat ride, we recommend warming up in an onsen. The area is also known for Kuma Shochu, a local distilled spirit, so you can fully enjoy winter in Kyushu while tasting the local shochu. With the historic atmosphere of a castle town still remaining, Hitoyoshi offers a fulfilling trip where you can experience both traditional Japanese culture and nature.
👉Kumamoto｜Kuma River Sightseeing Boat・Baika-no-Watashi Boarding Ticket【kkday】
Hitoyoshi Kuma River Cruise (Kotatsu Boat)
- Operating period: From December 4, 2025 (Thu)
- Boarding fee: Baika-no-Watashi Course Adults ¥2,500, Elementary school students ¥1,000, Preschool children ¥500
- Official website: https://www.kumagawa.co.jp/
Make Special Memories in Japan This Winter with a Kotatsu Boat
Kotatsu boats, which can be enjoyed all over Japan, offer a unique experience where you can relax in a warm kotatsu while taking in stunning winter scenery. Available only from December to March, we recommend booking in advance. If you’re planning a winter trip, be sure to try a kotatsu boat ride!
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