"Hakone Yusen DAICHAKAI" Sightseeing Cruise to Debut in December, Featuring a Tea Room-Inspired Interior, New Shop, and Box Seating

Exterior of the "Hakone Yusen DAICHAKAI" sightseeing cruise.

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise has announced the launch of its new sightseeing boat, the "Hakone Yusen DAICHAKAI," on Lake Ashinoko in December 2025.

The vessel's theme is "Encounters and discoveries born from a single cup of tea, embodying the spirit of *ichigo-ichie* (a once-in-a-lifetime meeting)." It is designed by Yasuyuki Kawanishi, who also created the company's "SORAKAZE" vessel. Showcasing traditional Japanese tea, the interior is crafted to give passengers the experience of moving through a classic teahouse.

Concept images have also been released. The third-floor open-air deck will be furnished with traditional square benches reminiscent of a teahouse, in addition to conventional seating. The first and second floors will introduce new seating arrangements like private box seats and window-facing benches. A gift shop will be located on the first floor, and a special "Golden Tea Room" will be situated on the second floor.

Logo

First-floor passenger area

The shop on the first floor

Second-floor passenger area

The open-air deck on the second floor

The "Golden Tea Room" on the second floor

The third-floor open-air deck (bow)

The third-floor open-air deck (stern)