The City of Water: Exploring Osaka by Aqua Bus (Video)

Waterways aplenty in the city of Osaka. At right, the Aqua-Liner waterway bus passes under a bridge on the Ōkawa river.

The Aqua-Liner passes the early-twentieth century splendor of Osaka City Central Public Hall on Nakanoshima.

The boarding point at Osakajō (Osaka Castle) Pier, which has one departure per hour during operating hours.

Passengers can rent crew uniforms free of charge and have a souvenir snap taken in costume in the captain’s seat.

Aqua-Liner pamphlets are available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional).

Looking up at Osaka Castle main tower from near Shinshigino Bridge.

The Japan Mint, known for its riverside tunnel of cherry trees, is just to the north of the OAP (Osaka Amenity Park) Pier.

The bright interior with glass from wall to roof.

The glass roof offers an uncommonly good view of city skyscrapers.

The Aqua-Liner just makes it under the bridge (top); standard window and roof height (bottom left); roof dropped approximately 30 centimeters (bottom right).

Drinks and snacks on sale on the Aqua-Liner. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are also available.

Crew members take souvenir snaps on request.

Cherry trees lining the riverbank make a marvelous display in spring.