Osaka Water Bus/Sightseeing Cruise

Osaka Water Bus, a kind of sightseeing cruise, primarily operate in three areas: Osaka’s cultural and artistic heart Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle in the north, surrounded by O River; the vibrant shopping and dining district of Dotonbori in the south; and Osaka Bay with sea views.

For History and Nature Lovers: Nakanoshima & Osaka Castle Area

Nakanoshima & Osaka Castle area boasts many historical sites, with lush green trees lining along the O River. During the cherry blossom season, the riverbank transforms into a canvas of unending pink and white sea, attracting lots of visitors every year.

The Most Classic - Osaka Water Bus Aqualiner

Osaka Water Bus Aqualiner glides through the major rivers in the heart of Osaka, offering a route that circles around Osaka Castle and the adjacent areas of Nakanoshima Island. Passengers can marvel at renowned landmarks and historic sites, including Osaka Castle's Tenshukaku Tower, Osaka City Hall, and Osaka Mint Bureau.

Price

2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for children

Round Trip

Approximately 55 minutes

Facilities

Fully glazed cabin with a roof, air conditioning, and toilets.

Route

Starting & Ending Point: Water Bus Stop, Osaka Castle Pier

1. Shinshigino Bridge offers a distant view of Osaka Castle.

2. Temmabashi Bridge gets its name from the phrase "Heaven, Filled Earth".

3. Osaka City Hall, a vintage Western-style building.

4. Cross Yodoyabashi Bridge, notable for its unusually low girder.

5. Namba Bridge, also known as "Lion Bridge," is adorned with stone lion statues at each corner, symbolizing strength and guardianship.

6. Visit Nakanoshima Rose Garden, where roses bloom beautifully in both spring and autumn.

7. Tenjinbashi Bridge leads to Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan.

8. Take a short break at Hachikenyahama Pier, Osaka's largest river port.

9. Kawasakibashi Bridge, an impressive cable-stayed structure, adds a modern touch to the city's skyline.

10. Osaka Mint Bureau is not only where Japanese coins are minted but also features a stunning cherry blossom tunnel that attracts visitors every spring.

11. Explore the historical significance of Sakuranomiya Bridge, a century-old structure, and its newer counterpart upstream, commonly known as the "Silver Bridge".

12. Osaka Castle Tunnel once served as a passage for weapons manufactured within Osaka Castle, now a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.

Operating Hours & Schedules

- Osaka Castle Pier operates from 10:00 to 16:00, with departures every 60 minutes.
- Hachikenyahama Pier operates from 10:30 to 15:30, with departures every 30 minutes.

Ticket Purchase

Pre-book through the official website or purchase same-day tickets at the pier. If you have an Osaka E-Pass, you can exchange it for a free ticket at the pier.

Boarding Points & Access

- To reach Osaka Castle Pier, exit JR "Osaka Castle Park Station" and walk for about 3 minutes. It is located near the fountain in front of Osaka Castle Hall and by the river.
- To reach Hachikenyahama Pier, exit Keihan Electric Railway's "Temmabashi Station" and walk for about 2 minutes. It is located in front of Exit 17.

Exciting Land-to-Water Sightseeing – Osaka Duck Tour

This Japan's premier amphibious sightseeing bus, passes by historical on-land landmarks like Former Metropolitan Residences and Osaka Castle, then plunges into Okawa River from Sakuranomiya Park, a famous cherry blossom spot. As water splashes everywhere, all passengers cheer in excitement, making this an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.

Osaka Duck Tour passes more Osaka's urban landscapes compared to Aqualiner, highlighting attractions such as:
1. Umeda Sky Building - A towering skyscraper with a garden observatory providing breathtaking views, a popular sky escalator and numerous shops.
2. Bank of Japan Osaka Branch - A historic Western-style building with a distinctive blue-green dome, standing as a testament to its more than 100-year-old heritage.
3. Senpukan - An elegant and ancient Western-style building, beautifully adorned with a delightful combination of pink and mint hues.
4. Osaka Museum of History - Guests can immerse in the rich history of Osaka here and enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Castle and the ruins of Namba Palace at its top.

Operating Hours & Ticket Prices

April 15th - November 30th:

• 75 minutes (45 minutes on land, then 30 minutes on water)
• Ticket Prices: Adults - 3,800 yen, Students - 2,200 yen, Infants – 600 yen
• Frequency: 5 trips per day, first trip: 9:10; last trip: 16:20

December 1st - March 19th:

• 60 minutes (30 minutes on land + 30 minutes on water)
• Ticket Prices: Adults - 3,000 yen, Students - 1,800 yen, Infants - 500 yen
• Frequency: 4 trips per day, first trip: 10:00; last trip: 14:40

Boarding Point

Hachikenyahama Pier

Ticket Purchase

Tickets can be booked online, by phone, or through travel agencies.

The Most Focused on Osaka Castle - Osaka Castle Gozabune

The Main Tower Sight from Osaka Castle Gozabune

City View from Osaka Castle Gozabune

During an Osaka Castle Gozabune tour, you may gaze in awe at the castle's iconic main tower, Japan's tallest stone wall, and the residences of feudal lords, all from the comfort of a vintage gold and green Japanese-style boat gliding around the serene and historic moat of Osaka Castle.

Price

Adults - 1,500 yen, Children – 750 yen, Seniors Aged 65 and above – 1,000 yen

Duration

Approximately 20 minutes

Operating Hours

Weekdays: 10:00~16:30, with departures every 15 minutes.
Weekends and holidays: 10:00~16:30, with departures every 10 minutes.

Boarding Point

Osakajo Gozabune Pier, north of Osaka Castle's Tenshukaku Tower and west of Gokuraku Bridge, offers convenient access:

A 15-minute walk from Temmabashi Station or Keihan Temmabashi Station.
A 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Castle Park Station. 

Ticket Purchase

Tickets can be purchased at the pier or at the entrance of Osaka Castle Park. Alternatively, present your Osaka Amazing Pass to the staff for a free ticket.

For Fast-paced Cityscape: Dotonbori Area

Take a 20-minute cruise down Dotonbori River, where iconic landmarks such as Ebisu Bridge, the vibrant Dotonbori Riverwalk, and the popular Golico billboard come into view, while pedestrians greet to you enthusiastically and shopkeepers extend warm invitations.

Night is the best time for Dotonbori cruise tours, as the river is illuminated by a stunning array of neon lights and transforms into a bustling and lively spectacle, far surpassing the day's charm.

Osaka Bus Wonder Cruise

View from Osaka Wonder Cruise, Dotonbori

Price

Adults - 1500 yen, Children - 800 yen

Operating Schedules

Day Cruise: Two departures at 16:10 and 16:40.
Night Cruise: 17:00~21:30, with departures every 30 minutes.

Boarding Point

Wonder Cruise Dotonbori Nipponbashi Dock, just a 3-minute walk from Nipponbashi Subway Station.

Ticket Purchase

Tickets can be purchased either online on the official website (recommended to book one month in advance) or at the boarding location. Passengers holding an Osaka E-Pass (valid after 17:00) or an Osaka Amazing Pass can enjoy free entry.

Tombori River Cruise

Dotonbori at Night

Tombori River Cruise Boarding Point

Prices

Adults - 1,500 yen, Students - 1,000, Children – 500 yen

Operating Hours & Schedules

• Weekdays: 13:00 - 21:00
• Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 - 21:00 
• Departures occur on the hour and half-hour.

Boarding Point & Access

Taizaemon Bridge Pier is situated beside the riverside entrance of Don Quijote Dotonbori Store, which features a striking yellow Ferris wheel. It's conveniently located:

• A 5-minute walk from Exit 14 of "Namba Station"
• A 7-minute walk from Exit 2 of "Nihonbashi Station"
• A 10-minute walk from Exit 4-B of "Shinsaibashi Station"

Ticket Purchase

Tickets can be purchased at the boarding location or reserved online. With the Osaka Amazing Pass, reservations are free of charge.

Osaka Bay Area: Santa Maria Cruise

Osaka Port Seascape

Departing from the dock at Tempozan Harbor Village, just west of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the sightseeing vessel Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria, offers a cruise along Osaka Port's coastline, highlighting renowned attractions such as the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris wheel, Tempozan Bridge, and Universal Studios Japan.

See More Kinds of Osaka Buses

Osaka City Bus

Osaka Express Bus

Osaka Sightseeing Bus