noun
small river transport boat (Edo period); barge; lighter
Historical term for a small boat used to transport goods or people on rivers during the Edo period, or to unload cargo from larger vessels.
See also: 瀬取り船
江戸時代、茶船は川での物資輸送に欠かせなかった。
In the Edo period, chabune were indispensable for transporting goods on rivers.
noun
roofed pleasure boat
A boat with a roof used for leisurely river excursions, often associated with entertainment and dining.
屋形船のような茶船で川遊びを楽しんだ。
They enjoyed river boating on a roofed chabune, similar to a yakatabune.
noun
river food-and-drink boat
Archaic term for a small boat that sold food and drinks on rivers, functioning like a floating stall.
かつては茶船が川で軽食を売っていたという。
It is said that chabune once sold light meals on the river.
Compound of 茶 (cha, 'tea') and 船 (fune, 'boat'), possibly because such boats were used to transport tea or served tea to passengers. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.