The impact of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and this year’s operation
The Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1 this year caused damage to the Matsukawaberi riverbank and riverwalk, etc. Unfortunately, the service is expected to be suspended after full-scale restoration work begins (scheduled to begin around summer).
https://twitter.com/matsukawa_kaika
Take a cruise and feel the nature and history of Toyama!
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. Then, please wait nearby. If there are group reservations, group reservations will be given priority. 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 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)
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.
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