The Gozabune Atakemaru, a replica of a feudal-style samurai ship, sails through Tokyo Bay. Ships like these were used to transport feudal lords (daimyo, their families, and retainers) from their home provinces to Edo (Tokyo), during the policy of Sankin Kotai, or “alternate attendence.” By having daimyo alternate their residences between their home province and Edo, the shogun effectively had full control over their finances and troops, so that the daimyo were unable to concentrate their full strength at home.

The Gozabune Atakemaru sails on cruises of Tokyo Bay daily via the Hinode passenger terminal in Odaiba. The inside of the ship is fairly lavish. There is a main room for visitors to sit and watch theatre and musical demonstrations, as well as lots of room on deck to move around and take photos of the Tokyo skyline. The day I took the cruise, there were only three other passengers - it was a weekday afternoon, and it seems from the official website that the Gozabune Atakemaru does most of its business on evening and weekend dinner cruises.