Dec 6, 2015 - 1 min read

Osaka Bay - Santa Maria Cruise Ship

Sail the bay and conquer the waters of Osaka

By Vicky Amin

Community writer

Just look how strong the structure looks, and how delicate the details are.

Closer look to the front side of Santa Maria

Everybody races to sit on the forecastle deck

Passengers can also sit at the main deck

The main sail was rolled for some reason...

All aboard! First route: under Tempozan Bridge

Looking up at Santa Maria's main mast and the couds

The sailor's prayers: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us!

Sailor maps and many other pirate-like decorations can be found inside the ship.

Being the water capital of Japan gives Osaka’s nautical side a strong appeal to the sea —including to the famed Santa Maria ship which frequently visits Osaka Harbor. While this one is a replica, it is open for public to board on a sightseeing cruise around Osaka Bay.

Just a walking distance from Tempozan Harbor Village and Kaiyukan Aquarium, a gallant yet elegant ship modeled after Christopher Columbus’ largest vessel pulls over by the pier, once an hour. Her name is Santa Maria, and she will take the awed-and-impetuous visitors in a 45-minute cruise, sailing through Osaka Bay. With open space and access to every corner of the ship, this Spanish-styled cruise will definitely make each of its passengers feel like sea dogs.