Free Tokyo Port Night Cruise on Nov 30 and Dec 4: How to Apply by Nov 9

Tokyo Port is opening up its annual evening harbour cruise to the public again, and it costs nothing to join. A water bus leaves Hinode Pier in Minato-ku, loops past the illuminated Rainbow Bridge, the giant gantry cranes of the container terminals and the Odaiba waterfront, then brings you back about an hour later. There are two sailings, on Monday, November 30 and Friday, December 4, 2026. Places are limited to 250 per sailing, so you apply online first, and if too many people enter, a lottery decides. The deadline is Monday, November 9.

Opens the Tokyo Metropolitan Government page in a new tab. Applications close Nov 9, 2026.

The cruise at a glance

The official Japanese name is long: Tokyo Port Night View Cruise, held to mark the 58th anniversary of the port opening (東京港開港58周年記念 令和8年度東京港夜景観賞クルーズ). Here is what matters for planning your evening.

Where the boat goes

This is not a sightseeing loop around Odaiba alone. The route takes in the working side of the port too, so you pass under Rainbow Bridge twice and get close to the container terminals, where the cranes are lit up after dark.

If you liked the free boat rides at the Shibaura Canal Festival, this is the bigger version: same neighbourhood, but out on the open harbour instead of the canals.

How to apply

You cannot just turn up on the night. Everyone needs a place first, and the only route is the online application form linked from the official announcement.

1. Pick your sailing. Decide whether November 30 (Monday) or December 4 (Friday) works for you. Both run at the same times.
2. Gather your group. One application can cover up to five people, so agree on who is coming before you fill in the form.
3. Submit the online form by November 9, 2026. Open it from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announcement or the organizer site. If the pages show up only in Japanese, your browser translation feature will get you through.
4. Wait for the result. If more people apply than the 250 places per sailing, winners are drawn by lottery. How and when results are sent is explained on the official pages, so check there.

Organizer site: Tokyo Metropolitan Port Promotion Association

Getting to Hinode Pier

The meeting point is the Hinode passenger waiting area at Hinode Pier, 2-7-104 Kaigan, Minato-ku. Be there by 18:00; the boat leaves at 18:30. The map below, from the official announcement, circles the waiting area in red.

The cruise itself is free, but your train or bus fare to the pier and home again is on you. The cruise also ends where it started, so you will be back at Hinode Pier around 19:30, which makes it easy to head for dinner nearby afterwards.

Tips for a cold night on the water

• Dress for the wind. Late November and early December evenings on the harbour feel colder than on land. Bring a warm layer, gloves and something for your neck if you plan to stay out on deck.
• Charge your phone. An hour of night shots drains a battery fast. If you are worried about running out on the way home, a free ChargeSPOT rental through d VALUE PASS is worth setting up beforehand.
• Check the weather on the day. The cruise is cancelled in stormy weather, so look at the organizer site before you leave home.
• Arrive early. Gathering starts at 18:00, half an hour before departure, so give yourself time to find the waiting area.

Looking for more free things to do in Tokyo this season? Our guide to the Setagaya Tamagawa fireworks covers another night out by the water, and the Asoview campaign with up to 3,000 yen off helps if you want a paid outing on another day.

FAQ

Q. How much does the Tokyo Port night cruise cost?

Nothing. Taking part is free, but you pay your own fare to Hinode Pier and home again after the cruise.

Q. How many people can I apply with?

One application covers a group of up to five people.

Q. When is the application deadline?

Applications close on Monday, November 9, 2026. If more people apply than there are places, winners are chosen by lottery.

Q. How long is the cruise?

About 60 minutes on a water bus. You meet at 18:00, the boat leaves at 18:30 and you are back at Hinode Pier at 19:30.

Q. Where do I meet?

At the Hinode passenger waiting area, Hinode Pier, 2-7-104 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Q. What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise is cancelled in stormy weather. Check the organizer site before you set out.

Two evenings, 500 seats, and a view of Tokyo that usually costs money. If you have a free night on November 30 or December 4, the application takes a few minutes. Just do it before November 9.

Sources: Tokyo Metropolitan Government announcement (metro.tokyo.lg.jp) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Port Promotion Association. Details may change, so check the official pages for the latest information.