Osaka Water Bus Routes
Aqua-Liner
The Aqua-Liner is a sightseeing vessel that cruises along the Okawa River, also known as the former Yodo River, in central Osaka. “Aqua-Liner” is the general name for the service, while individual vessels have their own names.
Main route:
Osaka Castle Port → Temmabashi Port → Yodoyabashi Port → OAP Port → Osaka Castle Port
The complete circuit takes approximately 60 minutes. Passengers can board at any of the ports and return to their original departure point after completing the circuit. It is also possible to get off at an intermediate port.
During the cherry blossom season, additional services may be operated to accommodate visitors enjoying the blossoms around Sakuranomiya Park. The service generally operates daily, and during the spring and summer seasons, some cruises may also operate after sunset.
Suigo Aqua mini
Suigo Aqua mini primarily operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, connecting Osaka Castle with Dotonbori.
On weekdays, the vessel is often available for private charter cruises. Thanks to its compact size, Aqua mini can also navigate smaller waterways such as the Hirano River and Neyagawa River.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a sailing-ship-style sightseeing vessel departing from Tempozan Harbor Village. It is modeled on the famous Santa Maria used by Christopher Columbus during the Age of Discovery and was built at approximately twice the scale of the original.
During the daytime, the vessel operates as a day cruise, while in the evening it becomes a twilight cruise. The evening service is particularly popular with passengers who want to enjoy Osaka’s illuminated waterfront scenery.
Santa Maria schedule:
Day Cruise: Departures every hour between approximately 11:00 and 16:00.
Twilight Cruise: Operating times vary by season, with summer departures generally around 19:00–20:00.
The boarding area is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.
Vessels Used by Osaka Water Bus
Aqua-Liner Vessels
Gross tonnage: 35 tons
Length: 28.5 meters
Beam: 4.9 meters
Passenger capacity: 108 passengers
The Aqua-Liner vessels were built by Mokubei Shipbuilding in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. They use water-jet propulsion, allowing them to travel smoothly and quietly along Osaka’s waterways.
Santa Maria
Gross tonnage: 566 tons
Passenger capacity: 791 passengers, or 315 passengers during night cruises
Santa Maria operates primarily around Osaka Port and can accommodate large numbers of visitors during special events and on particularly busy days.
Other Vessels
Himawari: Entered service in 1998 and is available for private charter cruises.
Aqua Cielo: Returned to service in 2020. This open-style sightseeing boat features a roof that can slide open, providing passengers with a more open view of the surroundings.
History of Osaka Water Bus
Osaka Water Bus was established in 1983 as a commemorative project for the 400th anniversary of the construction of Osaka Castle.
In its early years, the company operated commuter boats in the morning and evening as well as the Aqua-Liner sightseeing service during the daytime.
The commuter boat service ended on June 23, 2005, and the company subsequently focused its operations on sightseeing and tourism.
In 1990, the company began operating the Santa Maria sightseeing vessel around Osaka Port. Other distinctive services, including Suigo Aqua mini and Himawari, which offers cruises featuring music and dining, were also introduced.
History at a Glance
1983
Osaka Water Bus was established and began operations at Osaka Castle Port.
1990
Santa Maria entered service.
1998
Himawari entered service.
2005
The commuter boat service associated with Aqua-Liner ended.
2017
Santa Maria received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
Experience Osaka from the Water
Osaka Water Bus offers visitors a chance to discover the city’s waterways through distinctive sightseeing vessels such as Aqua-Liner and Santa Maria.
The variety of boats and routes makes it possible to enjoy different aspects of Osaka’s waterfront scenery throughout the seasons, from spring cherry blossoms along the Okawa River to illuminated city views on evening cruises.
For travelers exploring Osaka, taking a cruise is a memorable way to experience the city’s unique relationship with its rivers, bridges, historic districts, and waterfront landmarks.