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Table of Contents
- What is the Amagasaki Canal Exploration Cruise?
- Process until departure
- The largest in Japan! Passing through Ama Lock!
- A relaxing cruise on the Amagasaki Canal
- Empty-handed fishing experience
- You can also enjoy a barbecue.
- Rates and timetable
- access
- Reservations and inquiries
- Finally
What is the Amagasaki Canal Exploration Cruise?
This 60-minute boat tour will let you rediscover the charm of the sea in Amagasaki , a town of human kindness and manufacturing located right next to Osaka . You will travel around the Amagasaki Canal, a network of waterways in the industrial area, and pass through the Amagasaki Locks (nicknamed Ama Lock), one of the largest Panama Canal-style locks in Japan. Children from 4 years old can participate in the cruise, so it is also recommended for families. If you are thinking of planning a day trip from Osaka, we recommend the Amagasaki canal adventure curuise. (Please make sure to make a reservation by 12:00 noon the day before your desired boarding date.) You can also see the Osaka-Kansai Expo site in the distance from the sea!
There are also plans that include “fishing” where you can participate empty-handed, and “barbecue” where you can eat the fish you catch.
Let’s take a look at the actual itinerary. (The contents are as of April 2025. The contents and prices are subject to change without notice. Please note.)
Process until departure
The Amagasaki canal adventure curuise requires a reservation, so please make sure to make your reservation by 12:00 noon the day before your desired boarding date.
The meeting place on the day of the cruise is the Muko River Ferry office at the entrance to Amagasaki City Fishing Park.
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The nearest station is Hanshin Railway’s Muko River Station. It takes 13 minutes by express train from Muko River Umeda Station and 22 Osaka by express train from Kobe Sannomiya Station.
A free shuttle bus is available from Muko River Station (advance reservation required).
If you are driving your own car, please use the municipal parking lot next to Amagasaki City Fishing Park (charged).
When you arrive at Amagasaki City Fishing Park, check in at the Muko River Ferry office.
After that, you’ll put on your life jacket at the nearby ferry dock and once you’re ready, it’s time to set off!
There are many factories along the coast of Amagasaki City, so you might think that the sea water quality is poor, but in recent years, environmental awareness has increased and active efforts have been made to improve the water quality, making it a popular fishing spot. Approximately 85 types of fish have been identified, and it seems that most of the fish on the menu at sushi restaurants, such as horse mackerel, sardines, and sea bass, can be caught there.
The largest in Japan! Passing through Ama Lock!
As the boat heads towards the Amagasaki Canal, the Amagasaki Lock (nicknamed Ama Lock) finally comes into view.
Ama Lock were built in 1955 and are the first Panama Canal-style locks in Japan, and are one of the largest in Japan.
Amagasaki’s ground level is originally low, and many factories along the coast have pumped up groundwater, causing land subsidence, with about one-third of the city now at zero meters above sea level. Having suffered repeated severe damage from typhoons and heavy rains, a seawall was constructed along the city’s coast. Ama Lock is the entrance and exit point for ships carrying cargo to factories inside the breakwater, and adjusts the water level between the sea side and the land side, which are at different water levels.
Ama Lock not only protects the city of Amagasaki from flooding, but also ensures the safety of ships sailing through it.
Once the front door closes, the Oku door opens. The water level is higher on the ocean side, so it gradually drops until it matches the water level in the canal. This is the “boat elevator” experience. (*Depending on the tide, the boat may not go Joge.)
Once the door at the Oku is fully open, proceed into the canal.
A relaxing cruise on the Amagasaki Canal
While listening to the guide’s explanations, we will leisurely navigate the Amagasaki Canal, a network of waterways lined with factories, by boat. There are almost no waves inside the canal, and it is calm. The Amagasaki Canal is still in use, so you may encounter large ships loaded with goods and products.
After your canal cruise, you will return to the pier via Ama Lock.
Empty-handed fishing experience
With the plan that includes a fishing experience, you can enjoy fishing before the cruise. All the necessary equipment such as fishing rods and bait are provided, so you can participate casually. In addition, there will be a lecture by the staff, so even beginners can feel at ease.
You can also enjoy a barbecue.
If you choose a plan that includes a barbecue, you can enjoy a barbecue at the fishing park after the cruise. The barbecue area is covered, so it is comfortable and shady.
The basic course is a meat platter. You can also order additional vegetables, rice, and alcohol. Those who participate in the fishing experience can also eat the fish they caught. All ingredients and sauces are provided, and there is no need to start a fire or clean up afterwards, so this is also a very casual experience.
Rates and timetable
Period: April 1st to November 30th, 2025 (fishing experience starts around late April)
Days: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (please contact us for other days)
Number of participants for each plan: 2 to 12 people
The price (tax included) and time schedule for each plan are as follows.
* Cruise times may change or be canceled depending on the weather.
*The barbecue time can be extended.
Cruise Plan
â‘ 9:00-10:00 â‘¡10:00-11:00
Adults (16 years and over) 2,500 yen Children (4 to 15 years old) 1,500 yen
Cruise & BBQ Plan
â‘ 9:00-12:00 â‘¡10:00-12:30 (Both â‘ and â‘¡ include breaks)
Adults (16 years and over) 5,500 yen Children (4 to 15 years old) 3,500 yen
Cruise & Fishing & BBQ Plan
7:00-12:30 (including breaks)
Adults (16 years and over) 7,000 yen Children (4 to 15 years old) 5,000 yen
In addition, we also offer plans where you can bring your dog on board (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and night cruise plans where you can enjoy the night view. For more information, please check our website .
access
For those coming by train
Nearest station: Hanshin Railway “Muko River Station” (express train, 13 minutes from Osaka Umeda Station, 22 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya Station)
There is a free shuttle bus from Muko River Station to Amagasaki City Fishing Park. (Advance reservation required) Please let us know when making your reservation.
For those coming by car
About 10 minutes from the Amagasaki Suehiro Exit on the Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Line. Set your car navigation system to “Amagasaki City Fishing Park.” There is a municipal parking lot (paid) with about 400 parking spaces adjacent to the park.
Reservations and inquiries
For reservations, please call 06-6430-6519
Reservations can be made up until 12:00 noon the day before your desired boarding date.
When making a reservation, please be sure to check the notes on our website .
Organizer: Amagi Development Co., Ltd. Muko River Ferry
Business hours: 5:00-19:00
Finally
What did you think? Why not try a boat cruise, which is easily accessible from Osaka or Kobe and perfect for a day trip? You can have a special experience that can only be had by the sea. Why not try it during your trip to the Osaka-Kansai Expo?
