A new sightseeing boat themed around Japanese tea has been unveiled on Lake Ashi in the resort town of Hakone.

 

The vessel, named “Hakone Yusen—Daichakai,” was introduced by the fuji-q group and is a renovated version of a conventional sightseeing boat, redesigned with tea culture as its central concept.

 

inside the boat is a golden tatami-mat tea room, along with spacious observation seating that allows passengers to relax while taking in views of the lake.

 

The outdoor deck also features tiered seating inspired by the stepped landscape of tea fields.

 

The overall design emphasizes the warmth of wood and was created by designer Kawanishi Yasuyuki who has worked on projects such as jr west’s overnight train “West Express Ginga” and the limited express “Yakumo.”

 

kawanishi yasuyuki, designer: I hope passengers will walk around the boat, enjoy good tea, and have a memorable trip across lake ashi that feels over all too quickly.

 

The “daichakai” sightseeing boat will begin regular operations on December 20 and is expected to add to Hakone's appeal as a tourist destination.