top-image-Ohanami-3
top-image-Ohanami-4
松川茶屋テラス_1600_IMG_1211
滝廉太郎記念館_1600_IMG_3432

The Noto Peninsula Earthquake and this year’s cruise operations
 We would like to express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, and our sympathies to all those affected by the disaster. The side of Matsukawa river also suffered damage to its revetment, riverwalk, and other facilities, but after an investigation by the prefectural government, it was determined that there were no problems with the safe operation of the vessel for which we are responsible. Based on the results of the survey, we have decided to operate the boat after making temporary repairs to the slightly damaged landing area. We will announce as soon as we know the situation, though there may be a case when we have no choice but to suspend the service after the full-scale restoration work (scheduled to start around summer).

*Winter Holiday Information
 Matsukawa sightseeing boat will resume operation on March 16, 2024. For details, please see the operation timetable (click here).
 Matsukawa Tea House will resume on March 9, 2024.

⚓Operation Information(Japanese only)
https://twitter.com/matsukawacruise

 

🌸Flowering information(Japanese only)
https://twitter.com/matsukawa_kaika

 

*Notice* Masks to prevent Covid-19 spread will be an individual’s independent decision after March 13 2023.

Take a sightseeing boat ride through the tunnel of cherry blossoms on the Matsukawa River!

title-gazo-shiki
 

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 Teahouse.

 

▷Individuals
Reservations are not available. Please check the operation calendar and operation information [X (old Twitter)] **Sorry, Japanese only!**, then come directly to the boarding area (Matsukawa Teahouse) and purchase tickets at the cashier inside the store (during the cherry blossom viewing period, at the temporary boarding ticket booth tent in front of Matsukawa Teahouse). Then, please wait nearby (During the cherry blossom viewing period, go down the stairs from the left side and sit on the benches in order.). During times when there are group reservations(Weekdays at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00), those with group reservations will be given priority over the general public. Boarding time is approximately 30 minutes. Public restrooms are located behind Matsukawa Tea House.

▷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(2024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(2024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 2024/3/20 – 4/25)
*During the period when the cherry blossoms are not in bloom (the definition of “in bloom”), normal rates will apply.
Adults : 2,600 Yen
Children ( 3-12 years of age ) : 1,300 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 : 2,340 Yen
Children : 1,170 Yen ( 3-12 years of age )

■Matsukawa History Cruise(Normal rates)
*Except during the flowering period from 3/20 to 4/25 (the definition of “in bloom”)
Adults : 1,800 Yen
Children ( 3-12 years of age ) : 900 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 : 1,620 Yen
Children : 810 Yen ( 3-12 years of age )

 

Calender

* You can find the timetable under this calendar.
* Please check our X(old Twitter) feed for the latest information! (Sorry, Japanese Only.Translation please.)

* It is highly likely that full-scale restoration work for the Noto Peninsula earthquake will begin around summer, in which case the service will be suspended.

Time Table

2024/3/16、17 & 3/20 – 4/25 (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 3/25, the boat will be operated on weekdays as well if the weather is clear; please check the Twitter “Operation Information” Japanese only).
 Scheduled departure date: 2024/3/16 (Sat.), 17 (Sun.), 20 (Wed.), 23 (Sat.), 24 (Sun.)
 A launching ceremony is scheduled for 3/22. No operation for the general public.
*As a rule, weekday-only group reservations (15 or more persons) will be given priority over other group reservations.
*In case of bad weather (rain, extremely low temperature, etc.), the service will be suspended.
*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

*Both tours operate every 15-45 minutes as needed.
*Group reservations (15 or more people) will be given priority on weekdays only.
*The start and end times are subject to change slightly depending on conditions on the day of the tour.
*Service is 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.
*Surcharge will be applied.For more information, click here.
*Definition during cherry blossom blooming is here.
*Because of the crowds during the cherry blossom viewing period, please allow plenty of time for your visit.


After the end of the cherry blossoms blooming

10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00

*For details, please check X (formerly Twitter) “Operation Information” Japanese only.
*If there are group reservations (15 or more people), group reservations will be given priority.
*Closed: Mondays (except holidays), the day following a holiday, and other special holidays.
*The first and last departure times are subject to change slightly depending on conditions on the day of the tour.
*There may be times when extra buses are available.
*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)


2024/4/26 – 2024/10/6 (Matsukawa History Cruise)

*This service will be suspended when the full-scale restoration work for the Noto Peninsula earthquake scheduled to start around summer begins.

10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00


2024/10/8 – 2024/11/30 Late fall time (Matsukawa History Cruise)

*This service will be suspended when the full-scale restoration work for the Noto Peninsula earthquake scheduled to start around summer begins.

10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00


2024/12/1 – 2025/3/14 Winter time

There will be no winter cruise this winter.


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.
* The schedule is subject to change without notice depending on the spread of the new coronavirus. (e.g., the Matsukawa History Cruise will operate only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, etc.)

 

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

JINZU(神通) ; capacity : Up to 40 passengers
Matsukawa Cruise Jinzu

JINZU II(神通II) ; capacity : Up to 44 passengers
(Boarding will be limited to 40 passengers)
Matsukawa Cruise Jinzu II

TAKI RENTARO II(滝廉太郎II世号) ; capacity : Up to 51 passengers
2seigo

(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 @.

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

[Hotels]
River Retreat Garaku
Hotel Grand Terrace Toyama

MENU