15 Best Boat Cruises in Kyushu

The boat in most of these is a rowboat you paddle yourself through Takachiho Gorge, between basalt walls and under the spray of Manai Falls. Rentals are limited and the high-season queue runs long, so a tour with a slot already booked is worth having.

2.Kyushu Takachiho One-Day Tour | Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride-Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine/Takachiho Mini-Train-Mount Aso-Kusasenri (Departing from Kumamoto)

Compare boat and no-boat options on this full-day Kumamoto tour to Takachiho Gorge, Kusasenri and Mount Aso, with practical notes on tickets and timing.

★ 4.9

“The tour guide personally handled everything, big and small, giving us peace of mind and deeply moving us. From accompanying us at the end of the line while waiting for the shuttle, to walking fast enough to rush back to the front of the group,…”

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4.Kyushu Itoshima Popular Route: Itoshima Meoto Iwa & Angel Wing & Ichiran Ramen & Shiraito Falls & Dazaifu & Yanagawa River Cruise 1-Day Tour

Compare Yanagawa’s singing boatmen with Itoshima’s sea views on a full-day Fukuoka tour, and learn what’s included, what costs extra, and which route to choose.

★ 4.9

“Thanks to our tour guide, Mr. Tsai, for arranging such a successful itinerary! We got to eat delicious Ichiran ramen without waiting in line at all. The matcha soft serve ice cream recommended at Dazaifu was wonderful, and the Yanagawa boat ride was also a…”

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6.Kyushu Miyazaki | Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Small Train, Forest Secret Cafe, Amano Iwato Day Trip | Optional Takachiho Boat Tour (Departing from Fukuoka)

Spend a long day from Fukuoka at Takachiho Gorge, ride a rural sightseeing train, visit a forest cafe and explore a mythic cave.

★ 4.8

“Aiko gave us a great Tour! She helped us a lot when needed while still giving us enough time exploring on our own. Quick headsup: While beautiful, the paddleboat area is quite small and you get 20-30 Minutes on the water. The Train also goes…”

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8.Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise Ticket

Cruise Sasebo’s Kujukushima islets aboard the Pearl Queen, with 50 minutes of sea views, onboard commentary, and practical tips for timing your visit.

★ 4.8

“Buy your boat tickets in advance, then just exchange them at the counter when you arrive. The counter staff was very kind; we were a little late, and they let us take the next boat (sincerely, thank you 😊). The scenery is beautiful, and there…”

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9.Battleship Island Cruise Experience (Nagasaki)

See Nagasaki’s Battleship Island by ferry, explore its digital museum, and learn what to expect from the guided visit, weather rules, and costs.

★ 4.5

“We were very lucky to have good weather and be able to visit the island that day. However, there aren't many places to explore on the island; visitors mainly stay within the designated walkways to observe and listen to explanations. The overall visit was quite…”

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10.Kyushu Miyazaki Takachiho Gorge Boat Ride Experience & Wagyu Beef Lunch Day Trip: Takachiho Gorge & Mount Aso & Kusasenri (Departing from Fukuoka)

Review this Fukuoka day trip to Takachiho Gorge and Mount Aso, with practical advice on boat tickets, lunch, long drives and changing weather.

★ 4.6

“This trip arranged for a large tour bus to pick up travelers, with spacious seating between rows. The air conditioning on the bus was excellent. The views of Takachiho Gorge and Kusasenri were absolutely beautiful. The trip included a boating experience. Our tour guides, Mr.…”

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11.Departing from Kyushu Kumamoto | Aso Kusasenri & Minami Aso Railway & Takachiho Gorge Day Trip (Boat Ride Optional)

Travel from Kumamoto to Takachiho Gorge, Kusasenri and the Minami Aso Railway, with an optional gorge boat ride and guide-led transport.

★ 4.9

“When I originally booked this trip, I really wanted to take the Takachiho sightseeing train. Unfortunately, it rained that day, so we went to Takachiho Shrine instead. It's still a very beautiful little place, and I'll definitely visit again next time!”

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13.Mt. Aso & Takachiho Gorge Tour with Optional Boat Ride

Discover the natural beauty of Kyushu with this guided tour featuring Mount Aso's volcano crater, Kusasenri Grasslands, and Takachiho Gorge’s boat ride. Great value and authentic sights.

★ 4.7

“gJimmy is,a great guide, who made the trip with his charisma a wonderfull experience 😀 must do trip with Jimmy when you are in Fukuoka!”

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15.Fukuoka Nakasu River Cruise Ticket

See Fukuoka from the water on a short Nakasu cruise, with riverside stalls, Canal City, port views, sunset colors and possible live music.

★ 4.6

“On the last day of our trip, experiencing the Nakasu Cruise was wonderful, enjoying the cool autumn breeze along with upbeat songs and descriptions of the surrounding area. We leave with wonderful memories, cheering on the aspiring idol who worked hard singing and dancing on…”

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4.8Kyushu Yanagawa & Itoshima Day Trip: Meoto Iwa & Ichiran Ramen & Yanagawa River Cruise & Shiraito Falls/Raizan Sennyoji Temple & Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Departing from Fukuoka)10 hours$44.20 4.8Kyushu Culture and Nature Tour: Dazaifu Kimono Experience / Strawberry Picking-Yanagawa River Cruise-Tosu Premium Outlets Seasonal Limited Itinerary (Departing from Fukuoka)9.5 hours$44.20 4.8Kyushu Itoshima Coast & Yanagawa River Cruise & Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Day Trip (Departing from Fukuoka)10 hours$44.20 4.9Kyushu Itoshima Coast Sightseeing & Shiraito Falls & Yanagawa River Cruise & Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Classic Dual Route Day Tour9.5 hours$44.25 4.8Fukuoka Aso Takachiho Gorge Day Tour (including boat ride experience)$61.25 4.8Kyushu Landscape Overview | Mount Aso & Minami Aso Train Experience & Takachiho Gorge (Optional Boat Ride) Day Tour9.5 hours$44.20 4.6Dazaifu Tenmangu & Yanagawa Full-Day Boat Tour$34.45 4.8Kyushu Dual Route One-Day Tour: (Seasonal) Strawberry Picking / Dazaifu Kimono Experience & Yanagawa River Cruise & Tosu Outlet (Departing from Fukuoka)9.5 hours$44.20 4.9Fukuoka: Yanagawa Boat with Ticket & Dazaifu or Ukiha-Inari8.5 hours$51.30 4.8Fukuoka Yanagawa River Cruise & Meoto Iwa Full-Day Tour$44.20 5.0Dazaifu Tenmangu & Yanagawa Full-Day Boat Experience$44.25 5.0Miyazaki Classic Tour: Takachiho Gorge & Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine | Includes Japanese Desserts & Shuttle Bus | Optional Takachiho Boat Ride1.3 hours$44.25 4.7Hakata River Boat Ride Experience in Fukuoka20 mins$9.49 4.9Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge, Optional Boat Ride & Vintage Train1 day$45 4.8Half-Day Private Guided Yanagawa Canal Cruise and Grilled Eel Lunch$90.80 5.0Guided Train and Boat Tour of Dazaifu & Yanagawa From Fukuoka$166.57 5.0Half-Day Guided Yanagawa River Cruise and Grilled Eel Lunch$145.29 4.7Private Fukuoka Night: Yatai Food Tour & River Cruise3 hours$103 4.9Kyushu Miyazaki & Aso Natural Scenery: Optional Takachiho Gorge Boat Experience, Daikanbo, Kurokawa Onsen (Departing from Kumamoto)$44.19 5.0Fukuoka Night Cruise Tour3 hours$96 5.0Fukuoka Ukiha Inari, Yanagawa & Itoshima Full-Day Tour with Cruise Ticket$53.65 5.0Fukuoka Nakagawa River Night Cruise & Street Food Tour$126.15 3.9Fukuoka: Yanagawa River Cruise & Lunch Private Guided Tour6.5 hours$164 4.7Departing from Kumamoto, Kyushu | Takachiho Gorge & Daikanbo & Kurokawa Onsen Day Trip (Takachiho Gorge boat ride option$44.19