As the phrase “eight hundred and eight bridges” suggests, the canal city of Osaka has many bridges spanning the rivers that flow through it. There’s been a lot of buzz recently around picnics on the water, where visitors enjoy meals and games on boats near Honmachi Bridge, the oldest of Osaka’s bridges. In this article, we will introduce how to enjoy these new and booming floating  picnics.

In 2020, the Japan CitySUP Association began offering floating picnics on the Okawa River near Nakanoshima. In 2021, the venue was moved to Beta Hommachibashi on the Higashi Yokobori River, where it remains today. Initially, it was mainly used by people from nearby areas such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. Before long, it got big on social media, and its popularity skyrocketed. Nowadays, many tourists from faraway places such as Tokyo and Okinawa come to visit.

Originally, staff members were supposed to accompany picnickers onboard, but with COVID-19, the plan was reworked to maintain social distancing. Now, only passengers board the boat, with no staff to steer. Offerings also change according to the season, and the service has been continually improved since its inception.

These picnics on the water are often used for parties like a girls day out, but there are many different ways to enjoy it. Some people bring musical instruments to hold concerts, and others visit in groups for work meetings. On weekends, it is often filled to capacity in all time windows, so you should make a reservation through the Japan CitySUP Association official website well in advance.

Now that we’ve given you an overview, let’s talk about the boarding process. First, after registering at the venue, you’ll put on a life jacket. After receiving instructions and explanations from the staff, you will board the boat. Baggage is limited to the bare minimum. The Higashi Yokobori River has a highway running directly above it, so even if it rains, you can enjoy a picnic on the water without worrying about getting wet. Note that picnics will be canceled if staff deems it dangerous, such as when a weather warning is issued.

The boat with passengers on board will be towed by a staff member riding on a water bicycle. Once the boat reaches the center of the river, it will be secured to a buoy. The boat can accommodate up to four people, and the size can be changed according to the number of passengers. If something happens after boarding, you can call the staff and return to the boarding point, but you will lose valuable experience time—so be sure to use the restroom beforehand.

Now, let’s look at the seasonal variations for this floating picnic experience. In spring, you can rent a tea set and enjoy a casual outdoor matcha tea ceremony called “nodate.” in the warm sunlight. Visitors must bring their own matcha and sweets, but matcha can be purchased at the venue for ¥150 (excluding tax) per serving.

In the summer, you can feel the cool breeze on your skin while staying out of the sun on a covered boat. The gentle wind blowing over the river is oh-so-refreshing.

In autumn, the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, we recommend relaxing on a boat with a tent. You are free to bring your own food and drinks, so why not enjoy the autumn breeze while savoring seasonal foods?

Winter is the most popular season for these picnics. Try a kotatsu picnic on the water and stay cozy with a rustic charcoal heated table. Portable cooking stoves and plates are available to rent, so you can enjoy cooking takoyaki, yakisoba, and more to warm your body and heart. Many people bring pots to cook oden. Cotton-filled hanten coats to wear over life jackets are also available for protection against the cold.

A popular game for picnic goers is Jenga. As you play, the shimmering of the water increases the tension. Even if blocks fall into the river when it collapses, the staff will retrieve them so you can play to your heart’s content.

The picnic experience lasts 90 minutes. When it is finished, a staff member will come on a water bicycle to tow the boat. A picnic on the water turns even ordinary, casual activities into a special time by having them take place on the water. If you want to enjoy sightseeing in Osaka from a slightly different angle than  usual, be sure to experience some activities unique to this beautiful canal city.

Picnic on the Water

4-8 Hommachibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Google map

Period: Spring – mid-March to the end of May
Summer – early June to the end of September
Autumn – early October to early December
Winter – early December to mid-March
Boarding time:[Weekdays] 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (The number of picnics per day varies according to the season.)
[Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays] 11:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (The number of picnics per day varies according to the season.)　
Fee on Weekdays: Early bird ¥6,600; Advance payment ¥8,800; Payment on-site ¥9,900
Fee on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: Early bird ¥8,800; Advance payment ¥9,900; Payment on-site ¥11,000
*Early bird discount on weekdays for 4 people: ¥1,650 per person
Capacity: 1-4 people
Phone: (+81) 6-6125-0550
Official URL

LOCATION

By train: Six minutes on foot from the Sakaisuji Hommachi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.

Source: Japan CitySUP Association (https://www.citysup.jp/)

Information presented here is current as of 2024. Please check the websites of the individual shops and facilities for up-to-date information on business hours.