Yakatabune are traditional Japanese roofed boats (yakatabune means “roof shape boat") with a history spanning more than a thousand years. Originally used as pleasure boats by the Imperial court, they became more popular during the Edo Period, when wealthy merchants and high-ranked samurai started using them too.

Today, yakatabune are extremely popular floating restaurants, and their picturesque lanterns are adorning many riverside landscapes, like in this night photo taken in Odaiba, Tokyo, nearby the Rainbow Bridge.

Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Traditional Japanese street, Inuyama castle town