A Stunning Tea Ceremony Boat in Japan's Premier Hot Spring Town
In the picturesque town of Hakone, nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, a unique and captivating experience awaits visitors. This charming destination, just a short weekend or overnight trip from Tokyo, boasts some of Japan's best hot springs, breathtaking scenery, and a must-see journey across Lake Ashinoko. But our recent visit to Hakone revealed an extraordinary surprise—a boat that is not just a means of transportation but a floating tea ceremony venue.
The Daichakai, which translates to 'Grand Tea Ceremony,' is a recently launched sightseeing boat that has undergone an extensive renovation. This transformation is so remarkable that it has earned a new name, reflecting its tea-themed interior. The boat's design is a masterpiece of aesthetics and functionality, with a recurring motif of green tea hues and verdant strands hanging from the ceiling, resembling hanging lanterns.
The interior design showcases a harmonious blend of colors, with green tea-like shades and gold accents. The walls of the stairwell feature a striking golden hue, adding a touch of elegance. However, the true masterpiece lies in the second-floor passenger area.
Here, stringed curtains create a sense of relaxation and seclusion while maintaining an open and spacious atmosphere. At the end of the central walkway, a bonsai pine tree crafted from washi paper adds a touch of natural beauty. But the surprise comes when you step around the wall, revealing a hidden gem—a tea ceremony room!
This space, named Kinpuan, can be used as a passenger lounge when not hosting events. The tatami reed flooring hints at the presence of a rodotani, or sunken hearth, indicating that actual tea ceremony demonstrations can take place here. For those seeking a quick tea fix, the first floor hosts a tea stand called Chaten, offering a variety of green tea beverages, from matcha to matcha floats and even matcha beer. They also serve delicious green tea sweets and light snacks like rice balls and ochazuke with salmon.
The tea served is freshly brewed and of the highest quality, presented in reusable bottles that passengers can take home as souvenirs. The boat also features a corner dedicated to souvenir sweets, perfect for those spending a night at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) and craving some snacks.
The third floor boasts a drink/snack bar, ready for peak travel days, and a half-open-air tea cottage-style space called Ryokufuan, featuring a circular window for a classic Japanese villa ambiance. Certain outdoor deck sections are painted in a vibrant vermilion shade, reminiscent of Japanese lacquerware.
Despite the upcoming chilly weather in Japan, the Daichakai offers ample stylish interior seating areas, ensuring passengers can enjoy the stunning views while staying warm. The boat's route takes it past the Hakonejinja shrine, with its torii gate standing near the lakeshore.
The Daichakai operates from the Hakone Sekisho Ato port, making stops at Motohakone and Hakone-en. From Hakone-en, it usually returns to the starting point. However, two daily boats depart from Hakone Sekisho Ato at 9:20 a.m. and 3:05 p.m., extending their journey to Kojiri at the lake's north end without docking before returning. The final boat of the day offers a short hop from Hakone Sekisho Ato to Motohakone at 4:30 p.m.
For those interested in exploring further, the full timetables for the Daichakai and its sister ship, Sorakaze, are available on their official website (https://www.hakone-yuransen.jp/timetable/).
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