If you hear strains of 'When the Saints Go Marching In' as you're walking along Dotonbori River, don't be surprised. It's only the jazz boat going by. The Tombori River Cruise is one of the most popular tourist highlights in Osaka, and the 40-minute Tombori River Jazz Boat is a new, seasonal feature.
So for a unique and fun experience of Osaka, hop on board the jazz boat, where you will be entertained by a professional 4-piece jazz band. Osaka is the birthplace of jazz in Japan and had a significant scene in its heyday, so jazz and the city is the perfect combination, along with takoyaki, its famous octopus balls.
As you cruise along the waterways in the heart of the city, you can enjoy the flashing neon lights of Dotonbori from a new perspective, all while being serenaded by popular jazz standards. Some of the jazz favourites on the playlist are 'On the Sunny Side of the Street', 'Somebody Stole My Gal' and 'All of Me'. Guests are given a choice of instruments before they board the boat, so they can join in the fun and play along to the band.
It is not all music on the cruise -- guests are also given a tour in Japanese as they go along. Some of the highlights include the multiple bridges that criss cross Dotonbori River, the iconic Glico running man and huge statues of octopuses on the side of buildings. Don't be surprised to find yourself at the centre of attraction as on-lookers wave and take photographs of the jazz boat as it cruises by.
The check-in point is at the Minatomachi River Place, where you buy your ticket and board the cruise. The ticket counter is open from 11 am, so come early to reserve your seat at the time of your choice. Evening cruises tend to be the most popular. The cruise starts from 1.30 pm (April to June, September and October) and the last cruise is at 8.30 pm. Tickets are priced at ¥1,800 for adults. This cruise is included as one of the attractions in the Osaka Amazing Pass 2016.
