Important Notice
(1) The Matsukawa sightseeing boat has been out of service since 7/31/2024 due to the restoration work started on 8/1/24 on the revetment of the Matsukawa river damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. 2025 operation is scheduled to start on 3/20/2025 (but will be out of service again around summer due to construction). The Matsukawa Riverside Cafe, a gliding stop, closed on 12/8/2024, and is scheduled to reopen on 3/8/2025.
(2)The page for applications for group reservations (15 or more people) for 2025 was opened on 11/1/2024 at 10:00. (Sorry,Japanese only)
https://x.com/matsukawa_kaika
Take a sightseeing boat through a tunnel of cherry blossoms!
Our River Cruises
We have offered these cruises on the Matsukawa river since 1988, at the center of Toyama City.
This Matsukawa river is one of the Top 100 cherry blossom beauty spots in Japan.
It has 530 cherry trees on the riverbanks.
Not only in cherry blossom season but also throughout the year (except in winter), you can absolutely appeciate the amazing scenery from the boats.
Verdure, sunlight reflected on the water, fishes in the river, blue herons, kingfishers,
Sounds of water flowing, autumn leaves,etc
Very lovely nature welcomes you !!!
During the cruises, you would be absorbed in such rich nature althogh this is in a downtown.
Come and ride !!!
Round trip from Funa bridge to the confluence of Matsukawa river and Itachigawa river.
( 2km : 30-minute tour)
Boat returns to Matsukawa Riverside Cafe.
▷Individuals
Reservations are not available. Please check the operation calendar and operation information [X] **Sorry, Japanese only!**, then come directly to the boarding area (Matsukawa Riverside Cafe) and purchase tickets at the cashier inside the store. Then, please wait nearby. If benches are available, please take your turn to sit and wait.If there are group reservations, group reservations will be given priority. Boarding time is approximately 30 minutes. Public restrooms are located behind Matsukawa Riverside Cafe.
▷Groups of 15 or more persons and travel agencies **Sorry, Japanese only!**
お花見期間は「旅行業者の皆様へ（2025年・スプリングクルーズ期間）」、お花見期間以外は「旅行業者の皆様へ（2025年・歴史クルーズ期間）」をご確認ください。
*Operation is suspended in case of bad weather. (if inclement weather is forecast, the cruise will be cancelled earlier).
Our Individual fares are:
■Matsukawa Spring Cruise
(Scheduled for 3/20/2025 – 4/25/2025）
*During the period when the cherry blossoms are not in bloom (the definition of “in bloom”), normal rates will apply.
Adults : 3,000 Yen
Children ( 3-12 years of age ) : 1,500 Yen
Babies ( 0-2 years of age ) : 1 baby per adult is Free
[Group rates are available]
We offer a 10% discount for a group of 15+ people.
Adults : 2,700 Yen
Children : 1,350 Yen ( 3-12 years of age )
■Matsukawa History Cruise（Normal rates）
*Except during the flowering period from 3/20 to 4/25
Adults : 2,000 Yen
Children ( 3-12 years of age ) : 1,000 Yen
Babies ( 0-2 years of age ) : 1 baby per adult is Free
[Group rates are available]
We offer a 10% discount for a group of 15+ people.
Adults : 1,800 Yen
Children : 900 Yen ( 3-12 years of age )
Calender
* You can find the timetable under this calendar.
* Please check our X feed for the latest information! (Sorry, Japanese Only.Translation please.)
Time Table
3/20/2025〜4/25/2025 (Matsukawa Spring Cruise)
Before the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, a limited number of cruises will be available.
Around 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
*In principle, only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (after 3/24, the boat will be operated on weekdays as well if the weather is clear; please check the X “Operation Information” **Sorry, Japanese only!**).
*During the group reservation time slots (weekdays at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 during the Spring Cruise period), group reservations will be given priority over the general public.
*The service will be cancelled in case of bad weather (rain, extremely low temperatures, etc.).
*When weather and weather conditions are favorable, the first departure may be earlier and the last departure may be longer.
Cherry blossom in bloom
Weekdays 9:30-17:00
Saturday and Sunday 9:00-17:30
*The cruises operate at any time at 15-45 minute intervals.
*During the group reservation time slots (weekdays at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 during the Spring Cruise period), group reservations will be given priority over the general public.
*The first and last departure times are subject to change slightly depending on conditions on the day of the tour.
*Cruises will be cancelled in the event of bad weather. The cruise may be cancelled in the middle of the cruise due to sudden changes in weather conditions.
*Surcharge will be applied during the Spring Cruise period.
*Definition during cherry blossom blooming (Click here).
*Please allow plenty of time for the cherry blossom viewing period, as it will be crowded.
After Cherry blossom in bloom
10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
*For details, please refer to the “Cruise Information” on the X page.
*Priority will be given to group reservations during the group reservation time slots (set at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 on weekdays during the Spring Cruise period).
*Closed: Mondays (except national holidays), the day following a national holiday, and other special holidays.
*The first and last departure times are subject to change slightly depending on conditions on the day of departure.
*Temporary cruises may be operated.
*Operations are suspended in the event of inclement weather. The service may be cancelled in the middle of the day due to a sudden change in weather conditions.
*Group reservation service during the spring cruise period, 15 people or more
Weekdays 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 & 18:00 (private parties only)
Saturday&Sunday 18:00 (private parties only)
4/26/2025 – 7/31/2025 (Matsukawa History Cruise)
10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
*Closed: Mondays (except national holidays), the day after national holidays, other special holidays, and in stormy weather.
*This service will be suspended when large-scale restoration work (second year) begins on the revetment of the Matsukawa River, which was damaged by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Construction is scheduled to begin in August at the latest, but please inquire for details. The Matsukawa Riverside Cafe will be open according to the calendar above.
8/1/2025 – 11/30/2025 (Matsukawa History Cruise)
*This service is scheduled to be suspended due to large-scale restoration work (second year) on the revetment of the Matsukawa River damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.The Matsukawa Riverside Cafe will be open according to the calendar above.
12/1/2025 – 3/14/2026 Winter time
*Winter cruises are not scheduled due to extensive restoration work (in the second year) on the revetment of the Matsukawa River, which was damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Information common to each period
* Service will be suspended or cancelled in the event of deterioration of weather conditions, rising water, vessel breakdowns, disaster recovery work, or other unavoidable circumstances.
* Even if the weather is fine, there may be cases when operations cannot be performed (or the start of operations may be delayed).
(e.g., captain’s arrangements and preparations cannot be made in time due to sudden weather recovery, the pier is flooded and needs to be cleaned, sudden deterioration of weather conditions is expected, captain’s illness, etc.)
* If there are group reservations for a vessel other than the regularly scheduled time, the vessel with group reservations will be given priority for the convenience of vessel allocation, and the sailing time may be irregular.
Place
Address : 1-34 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama prefecture, Japan
10-minute walk from JR Toyama station
20-minute bus ride from Toyama Airport. Get off at Toyama old castle park stop
15-minute drive from the Toyama Interchange on Hokuriku Expressway
For more details, click here … “Tourism Information in Toyama” Web Site
MAP
Audio Guide
The guide during the cruises is conducted by our experienced captains, who give a fantastic and insightful look into the history and culture of the area.
Although they cannot speak English, when the boat is occupied by only English speaking passengers we can offer the English version audio guide!!
Please feel free to let us know if you would like us to play it for your cruise.
[ The audio guide was recorded by Mr. John Gallagher of John’s English School (www.jestoyama.com)]
Reservation
Not necessary. If 15 persons and over, please be sure to make a reservation !!
*Note: Reservation doesn’t mean you charter the boat. It is a SHARED boat.
Note
Bad weather and boat malfunction will cause suspension of our service.
Reservation center / Office
Toyama Sightseeing Cruise Inc.
Address: 2-21 Marunouchi 2-chome, Toyama-shi, Toyama, Japan
Phone number : +81 76 425 8440
When you are in Japan, call this number 076-425-8440
( 9 am – 5 pm : weekdays only )
Boats
Please note that the number of passengers may be reduced depending on water level conditions.
JINZU（神通） ; capacity : Up to 40 passengers
JINZU II（神通II） ; capacity : Up to 44 passengers
（Boarding will be limited to 40 passengers）
TAKI RENTARO II（滝廉太郎II世号） ; capacity : Up to 51 passengers
(In recent years, this boat has rarely operated.)
Activity
…. for further information click “here“.
Tour Guide
Dear guests
Nice to meet you, and welcome to Toyama City.
I am Shiho, who is the organizer of Matsukawa River activities like Wagashi making, talk shows about Toyama artcrafts, yoga cruises, Rakugo cruises, and so on. The Matsukawa River flows in the center of Toyama City, which is a very historical place as it had been utilized as the natural defense moat for the northside of Toyama Castle in old times. It means around here there is a lot of attractiveness: history, arts, Toyama local tradition, the roots of our culture, and core essences.
I am a Toyama local licensed tour guide interpreter. I am willing to support your journey not only as the cruise guide interpreter but also as a guide for your private tours. I would design your private tour plan, adding the Toyama Glass Art Museum and so on. I would be so happy and honored if I could show you the must-see places.
Please feel free to contact me.
Further information please click “here“
contact (at) matsukawa-cruise.jp Replace (at) with @.
Gallery
Links: for more enjoyable stay
[Information]
Visit Toyama … Toyama City’s Website
Official Toyama City Travel Guide … Toyama City Tourism Association
Cherry Blossoms on the Matsu River
MATCHA … JAPAN TRAVEL WEB MAGAZINE
TOKYO-NARITA JAPAN EXPLORER
KYOTO JOURNAL … Presenting cultural and historical insights from all of Asia.
[Activities]
Umekama … Kamaboko fish cake Decoration
Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten … Shaping the traditional pills
YKK Center Park; Zipper Museum … Making own zippers
Rakusuitei Museum… Modern art works, tea ceremony things, and beautiful Japanese garden