Lunch moves slowly, and the sea stays still. This HANAIKADA raft-type boat cruise lets you eat while floating across the calm Ono Seto with Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine in view from the water.

What I like most is the feeling that you’re right on the sea surface, not stuck in a big, bouncy vessel. I also really value the included meal at an easy pace, with a menu like hamburger steak, pasta, salad, baguette, dessert, and coffee or tea—plus the option to order beer, sake, shochu, highball, gin and soda, or wine. The main drawback to weigh is that the trip depends on weather, and the total time is fairly short for the price.

Key things to know before you go

• Raft-type boat experience: You’ll feel the water more than on a typical cruise ship.
• Oyster raft scenery: Floating oyster rafts are part of the show on this stretch of sea.
• Included lunch service: Seasonal-style meal with dessert and coffee or tea.
• Small group size: Max 8 travelers keeps it more personal.
• Drinks available on board: Alcohol is orderable; water/tea/coffee are free services.
• Toilet on board: Western-style toilet is available.

Why Miyajima Looks Different From the Ono Seto Strait

Miyajima—officially Itsukushima, often called God’s Island—gets most of the attention from the shore. From the water, though, the whole place reads more calm and intentional. You’re not rushing across streets or waiting in crowds; you’re watching the coastline float by at a slow pace.

This cruise focuses on the west side approach, out on the Ono Seto where the sea is described as very calm. That matters because the experience is built around stillness: you’re eating, looking, and letting the scenery come to you rather than forcing it. And yes, that quiet “floating feeling” is exactly what makes a raft-type boat interesting instead of just novel.

If you’re hoping for a more serene, water-first way to experience Miyajima, this is the kind of plan that makes sense.

Getting to Onoura Station and Finding the HANAIKADA Van

You start at JR Onoura Station (meeting point at 1 Chome-1 Shioya, Hatsukaichi). The schedule is built around a pickup: the beige van marked HANAIKADA leaves at 11:10, and then you transfer to the port.

A few practical tips that will save you stress:

• Go to the south exit of Onoura Station and meet in front of the rotary.
• Aim to arrive early, since the bus departs on time and there’s no pickup regrouping if you miss it.
• If you’re driving, you can skip pickup; they’ll guide you to the parking lot.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, so have that ready on your phone. And the tour supports Japanese and English menu instructions, with translation-app help available for Chinese and Korean.

None of this is complicated, but it’s also not the kind of outing where you want to show up at the last second.

Boarding the Raft-Type HANAIKADA: Close to the Water, Easy Comfort

This boat is the star: a raft-type vessel designed for a close-to-the-sea feel. The itinerary has you arriving at HANAIKADA around 11:20, and then lunch cruise begins about 11:45. That gives you a short window to settle in before you’re actually moving.

What you can expect on board:

• Comfortable seating, including space inside the cabin.
• A smooth, relaxing ride. One of the standout comments from prior guests is how little the boat seems to toss, which is exactly what you want when your goal is eating and sightseeing.
• A Western-style toilet on board.

You’ll also get a simple equipment reminder: wear shoes that are easy to walk in and avoid high, thin heels. It’s a small detail, but it matters on boats where you might be shifting positions or stepping carefully.

Lunch at Sea: Hamburger Steak, Pasta, Dessert, and Coffee or Tea

The lunch is included, and that makes a big difference in value. You’re paying for the experience plus a full meal, not just a “ride with snacks.”

Here’s the lunch menu format:

• Hamburger steak
• Pasta (daily menu switches between tomato sauce and cream sauce)
• Salad
• Baguette
• Coffee or tea after the meal
• Dessert

On top of that, you can order drinks. You can get beer, sake, shochu, highball, gin and soda, and wine, and there’s also an all-you-can-drink option for those items. Water, tea, coffee, and black tea are free services.

Two practical notes:

• If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, contact them in advance. They specifically ask you to share allergy information ahead of time.
• If you’re traveling with kids: children age 5 and under are free, but lunch for them is not arranged, so you’ll need to bring lunch.

The overall tone of the meal experience is “unhurried.” Reviews highlight attentive staff and kind service, and the boat setup gives you a chance to eat without feeling like you’re being rushed through a buffet line.

The Oyster Raft View That Makes This Cruise Worth It

A big reason this cruise is special is the oyster rafts. The Ono Seto area is known for oyster farming, and the boat passes the floating rafts while you’re out on the water.

This is more than scenery decoration. The raft-style boat helps you feel like you’re part of the working coastline rather than just sightseeing from a distance. Watching those rafts float on calm water is the kind of detail you usually can’t get from a normal walking viewpoint.

And if you like nature surprises: one of the most memorable mentions from past guests is the chance of seeing dolphins. It’s not guaranteed in the info you’re given, but it’s a good reminder to keep your eyes on the surface while you relax.

In short, you’re getting a view that’s connected to the sea itself, not just the skyline.

Watching Miyajima From the Water: How the 2.5-Hour Timing Plays

The cruise starts around 11:45 and you head back to JR Onoura Station by 13:25. Total time is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes. That’s not an all-day experience, and it’s worth saying plainly: if you want a long, slow wander at sea, you might feel it ends quickly.

That said, the timing works well for most people because:

• Lunch is served during the cruise, so you’re using the time efficiently.
• You’re not standing around waiting after you arrive at the port.
• You still get a sea view experience without turning the outing into a whole afternoon commitment.

You’re also right near the action of Miyajima. The description focuses on views of Itsukushima Shrine from the sea, with a “calm Seto Inland Sea” feel and minimal elevation difference from the water surface—basically, the boat doesn’t feel like it’s jumping high above everything.

It’s a great plan if you’re already visiting Miyajima and you want to add a water-based perspective without piling on too much transportation.

Price and Value: What $66.66 Is Paying For

At $66.66 per person, you’re paying for a bundled package:

• Boat ride on a raft-type vessel in the calm Ono Seto area
• Included lunch (meal, dessert, coffee/tea)
• A special viewpoint of Miyajima/Itsukushima Shrine from the water
• Small group size (max 8 travelers)
• On-board toilet and staff service

What’s likely not included:

• Alcohol and mixed drink orders are available, but the info says drink service involves local payment options (cash/card/electronic payment). Non-alcoholic drinks like tea, coffee, and water are free services.

So when does this feel like a good deal? When you compare it to the cost of piecing together “transport + a full meal + a unique water view.” Here, you’re getting the meal and the viewpoint as one experience, and the boat type is doing real work in the value equation.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates wasting time—no waiting for lunch after the views, no hunting for food—you’ll probably feel like the price makes sense.

Who This Cruise Fits (and Who Might Skip It)

This works best for:

• Couples and small groups who want quiet, scenic time rather than sightseeing marathons.
• People who enjoy food as part of the trip, not just as a necessity.
• Travelers who want something more “close to the sea” than a large cruise boat experience.
• Anyone who likes the idea of seeing oyster rafts in the water while staying comfortable.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re expecting a long sea journey. The cruise is short, and one comment even points out that the trip felt too short (in a good way).
• You dislike weather-dependent plans. The tour can be canceled due to adverse weather, and you should be flexible.
• You want a purely shrine-focused tour with lots of structured time on land. This is a water-first lunch cruise.

Also, because the group max is 8 travelers, it’s a nice option when you want a more personal atmosphere.

Should You Book the HANAIKADA Lunch Cruise?

Book it if you want a calm, water-led Miyajima experience where lunch is part of the view. The raft-type boat setup, the included meal, and the oyster-raft scenery are a strong combination. I’d especially recommend it if you’re visiting Miyajima and you want at least one moment that feels like you’re breathing the Seto Inland Sea air, not rushing through a checklist.

Hold off or adjust expectations if you need a longer cruise, or if your schedule is rigid and you can’t tolerate weather changes.

If you can be flexible and you enjoy the idea of eating while gliding past Miyajima’s coastline, this is the kind of outing that tends to leave people smiling—and saying they should do it again.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup is from JR Onoura Station at 11:10. The shuttle takes about 10 minutes to the port, and the lunch cruise starts around 11:45.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour starts at Ono-Ura Station (1 Chome-1 Shioya, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0445) and ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in lunch?

Lunch includes hamburger steak, pasta (tomato sauce or cream sauce depending on the day), salad, baguette, dessert, and coffee or tea after the meal.

Are drinks included?

Water, tea, coffee, and black tea are free services. Other drinks like beer, sake, shochu, highball, gin and soda, and wine are available for purchase, and you can order a single item or all-you-can-drink.

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes. There is a Western-style toilet on board.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour may be canceled due to adverse weather. If canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can small children join for free?

Children age 5 and younger are free, but lunch for children is not arranged, so you should bring lunch.

You Might Also Enjoy

Hiroshima: Peace Park, Castle, and Mitaki Temple E-Bike TourWalking Through History: Hiroshima’s Path to PeaceJapanesel Archery Experience HIROSHIMA CASTLE SHARAKUHalf-Day Hiroshima Highlights Tour