A Fukuokan's Notes from Sapporo

Fukuokan started offering boating trips down a river in March this year, and I tried it today thinking it would be like your punt-- peaceful and romantic. But in many ways our boat trip was different from yours. 

Fisrt of all, the boat was with engine, and life jackets (free of charge).

Also, the boat in Fukuoka is designed to pass under bridges,

so the height must be very low. As you know, near estuaries the water level of rivers can greatly differ depending on the tide. You sit just on the surface of the riverr.

During winter, blankets and hot coffee are also offered on board (free of charge, too).

The view is more industrial (but wider)

and less historic (the oldest building you can see from the boat is built in 1909).

…and (I hate to say, but) much less popular... Actually I was the only passenger on the boat, and two young crewmen tried to entertain me… I was about to say “you don’t have to start the boat if you don’t want”, which I didn’t say (I know I was cruel).

The biggest difference I think is today's boat trip was much more adventurous and wilder than your peaceful boating punt. As the boat went to the sea (still inside of a local bay, though) and made a turn there, side waves gave the boat a good shake (remember the size of the boat is only a bit bigger than ones floating ponds in parks).  

So it is rather scary to be on the boat in winter when winds become stronger and waves higher.

I guarantee it is more thrilling than being on rotating machine for barium examination

which I recognise as a kind of scary ride.

Fukuoka Water Bus

http://yokanavi.com/waterbus/en/about/index.html