1.
ferryboat; ferry
A small boat used to carry passengers across a river, lake, or narrow body of water. Historically common at river crossings in Japan, some still operate as tourist attractions.
渡し means 'crossing' or 'ferry point,' and 舟 means 'boat.' 渡し舟 refers to the small boats traditionally used to ferry people across rivers at designated crossing points. Before bridges were widely built, these were essential for travel.
Common collocations
Cultural note
渡し舟 were once a common sight at river crossings throughout Japan. Some famous historical ferry crossings, such as the 矢切の渡し on the Edo River, still operate as tourist attractions. The word evokes a sense of traditional Japanese landscapes.