Yokohama Sky Duck is a unique sightseeing vehicle that tours as a bus on land and as a boat on the sea. As a bus the Sky Duck first makes a circuit of the historic Yokohama Santo buildings (also called Yokohama Three Towers) before driving straight into the sea with an enormous splash! After that, the Sky Duck operates as a boat and the tour continues as a leisurely port cruise allowing you to enjoy the best possible view of the Yokohama coastline. The Sky Duck is a large bright red and blue vehicle, so many people will stop and wave as the Sky Duck passes by. Also, because the passenger seats are very high, you can always enjoy a clear view of your surroundings.
The Sky Duck in Yokohama Bay
The tour lasts around 60 minutes. There is a tour guide on board who points out all the local landmarks, but this explanation is only given in Japanese, so if you want to know what the guide is saying you will need to bring an interpreter. However, the tour is still very enjoyable even without the guide’s explanation. Here are some of the sights you can see from the Sky Duck.
The view from the driver’s seat
Cosmo Clock 21, the Landmark Tower, and Yokohama Intercontinental Grand can all be seen from the Sky Duck
The Akarenga (Red Brick Warehouse) shopping center
Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal
Yokohama Bay Bridge
The Yokohama Skyline
Yokohama Sky Duck usually operates 7 days a week, but the tour may occasionally be unavailable due to bad weather or maintenance. The number of tours each day also varies, but there can be between 3 and 6 tours per day. There is usually a Twilight Cruise which allows you to see the Yokohama seafront illuminations.
Seating on board the Sky Duck
To avoid suffering from sun stroke, it is a good idea to wear a hat in sunny weather. Food and open drinks are not allowed on board the Sky Duck, but you can bring a drink with a top such as a water bottle or flask.
The Sky Duck on land
Yokohama Sky Duck Fares
Adults: 3,600 yen
Children (aged between 4 and junior high school age): 1,800
Children aged 3 or younger can ride for free if sitting on their parent or guardian’s lap.
The Yokohama Sky Duck Ticket Counter at Nippon Maru Memorial Park
Departure Point
The departure point for the Sky Duck tour is located in Nippon Maru Memorial Park. No reservations are required as tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter for your preferred time, but you should be back at the departure point ten minutes before the tour begins.
Cruise times and fares at the ticket counter
The departure point at Nippon Maru Memorial Park is a 7 minute walk from Sakuragicho Station on the JR Negishi Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line. Here is a map of the location.
Article by Michael Lambe. Photos by by Michael Lambe and ackey/pixta (1). All rights reserved.
