Osaka has such a well-developed network of waterways that it is known as the “City of Water.” The Ofune Camome pleasure boat is becoming popular in Osaka. A maximum of ten passengers can board this small boat and enjoy a leisurely view of the waterside scenery. Steered by its captain, Hiromi Nakano, it glides gently on its way.

A tour of modern Osaka architecture from a homely small boat

All sorts of boats come and go from Hachikenyahama Pier on the Okawa riverbank. One of the most charming is the Ofune Camome wooden pleasure boat. Plump cushions are laid out on its wooden decks. A kotatsu (a low blanketed table with a heat source underneath) is installed during the winter, giving it a homely feel like visiting a friend.

“I based it on an image of a small home floating on the river. I ask passengers to remove their shoes so they can feel as if they’re relaxing at home,” says Nakano-san.

The boat was originally used in pearl cultivation. Nakano-san said he was captivated by its size, wide enough to stretch out your legs and relax, so he converted it into a passenger boat.
The views from the river are spectacular. Passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of retro-modern architecture such as Osaka City Central Public Hall, which is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, which boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics.

“Nakanoshima is particularly popular with overseas visitors. They’re surprised to find such a peaceful place in Osaka,” says Nakano-san.

A surprising pivot from TV director to captain of a pleasure boat

Nakano-san has followed an unusual career path as he was in fact previously a director for Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), commonly known as NHK, where he used to make documentaries and educational programs.
His shift to such a completely different line of work is due to his wife, Kaori Yoshizaki, who also captains the boat.

“We both love rivers, and the Osaka waterways became a part of our daily lives when my wife started using water taxis thanks to an NPO that the design office where she worked was involved with. It made me think it might be fun to show people around the rivers on a small pleasure boat, and I struck out on my own when I reached 30.”

Nakano-san launched his Ofune Camome business in 2009. The name would usually be written “Kamome” under the Japanese system of transliterating into the Latin alphabet, but there is a reason why he uses “Camome” instead.

“I chose the Japanese word for seagull (kamome) because I would love to be as free as a migratory bird. The designer advised me that using a C rather than a K would convey a gentler impression.”

The boat’s route stretches beyond Nakanoshima to offer passengers various views depending on the season, time and course. In spring the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Sakuranomiya Park, as its name suggests. The boat approaches Osaka Castle as far as the moat.

Passengers have a surprise when jets of water are fired from both banks of the Higashi-Yokobori River. These jets signal that it is dangerous to approach when the water gates are being opened or closed. All those experiences are as thrilling as attractions at an amusement park.

“The row of Hanshin Expressway bridge piers along the Higashi-Yokobori River are surprisingly popular as they look like something out of a sci-fi movie,” says Nakano-san.

The boat made its way to lively Dotombori. Looking up at the Glico sign and waving to the people ashore establishes a connection. Even that very familiar sign somehow looked special when gazed up at from the river. That is the moment when the charms of Osaka as seen from the river gain fresh impact.

A vegan-friendly breakfast or huddling over a kotatsu, just some of the many ways to enjoy a boat trip

Another specialty is the breakfast cruise available on weekends and public holidays. The ingredients of this refreshing treat are directly sourced from Nouen Sugi-Gohei, a farm that practices organic circular agriculture.

A fully vegan-friendly menu is also available.
“We can switch to a menu that doesn’t use ingredients such as animal-based stock if so requested. We want passengers to see a different side of Osaka while enjoying a fresh breakfast,” says Nakano-san.
The fresh sweetness of carrots served that day, eaten leaves and all, was simply astonishing.
Another of Ofune Camome’s strengths is that it can be enjoyed all year round, with a kotatsu installed in the winter, for example.

The scenery and atmosphere change throughout the seasons, making people want to ride the boat again and again. Osaka looks very different when seen from the river. Passengers can gaze upon such new aspects of Osaka if they like, or drowsily enjoy a siesta if they prefer. Whether it is your first time in Osaka or whether you have visited many times before, please give this experience a try.

* For the purposes of this article, multiple courses have been combined.
  Please check the official website for details of the actual courses as they will vary from the information in this article.
  Click here for details

Information as of June 2025.