Hakone Cruise Matcha Party: A Tea-Themed Ride on Lake Ashi

Hakone Cruise Matcha Party: Setting Sail on December 20, 2025

The Hakone Cruise Matcha Party invites you to experience Japanese tea culture with all five senses. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Ashi, this one-of-a-kind cruise blends tradition with sightseeing.

As Hakone welcomes visitors from around the world, this experience offers a serene moment to appreciate the seasonal beauty of the lake while savoring a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural history.

• Table of Contents
• Concept: Japan's Tea Culture and the Scenic Beauty of Lake Ashi
• Design Features of Hakone Cruise Matcha Party
• Matcha Desserts and Beverages for the "Tea Cruise on the Lake"
• Hakone Cruise Matcha Party: Tickets and Itinerary

Concept: Japan's Tea Culture and the Scenic Beauty of Lake Ashi

The vessel features several thoughtfully designed spaces: Kinpuuan, a tatami-seated tea room that evokes the radiance of a golden ceremony hall, an area bathed in the soft glow of traditional paper lanterns, and an open-air deck reminiscent of rolling tea plantations.

For those seeking a classic view, Ryokufuuan offers a serene tea room centered around a signature round window overlooking Lake Ashi.

Complementing the journey, the first-floor tea shop serves a curated selection of matcha-based drinks and sweets. Whether you are exploring the decks or quietly admiring the majestic scenery, these treats transform your voyage into a true "tea-led journey on the lake."

Inspired by the concept of ichigo ichie—where a single cup of tea fosters unique encounters and discoveries—this cruise is designed as a space for people to meet and share meaningful experiences.

Matcha Party provides a serene stage for these exchanges. Surrounded by the beauty of the lake, you can experience the profound spirit of Japanese tea culture and hospitality. This is more than a cruise; it is a journey into the heart of Japan.

While the Hakone Cruise SORAKAZE—launched in February 2024—was designed as a "floating green park" centered on active play and discovery, the Hakone Cruise Matcha Party offers a contrasting experience of refined, leisurely tea-drinking.

By providing these two distinct ways to enjoy the lake, visitors can tailor their journey to their specific mood or travel goals, adding a new dimension of choice to the Hakone experience.

The Hakone Cruise Matcha Party honors the history of the Jukkokumaru, a vessel in service since 1986. Through a major refurbishment and reimagining, the ship has been repurposed with a focus on SDG-oriented priorities.

Design Features of Hakone Cruise Matcha Party

The vision for this vessel was led by award-winning designer Yasuyuki Kawanishi.

Renowned for his work on high-profile projects such as JR West Group’s SEA SPICA and the WEST EXPRESS Ginga, Kawanishi also shaped the Fujikyu Group’s newest icons: the Hakone Cruise SORAKAZE (2024) and the Hatsushima Resort Line Kinpa Ginpa (2025).

His signature blend of modern innovation and cultural respect is evident in every detail of the Matcha Party ship.

Tea Garden Steps (3rd Floor Bow): An open-air seating area inspired by the terraced beauty of tea plantations.

These long benches offer a peaceful space to relax and enjoy the breeze at the front of the vessel.

Chashitsu Ryokufuuan (3rd Floor Stern): A traditional tea room featuring a stunning circular window.

This space invites guests to admire the panoramic beauty of Lake Ashi while immersed in a setting of classic Japanese refinement.

Chashitsu Kinpuuan (2nd Floor): A radiant tatami-seated tea room designed with a golden theme.

This space offers a unique, high-concept environment where guests can relax in a setting that evokes the splendor and prestige of historic tea culture.

This is the 2nd-floor outdoor deck.

This is what the 2nd-floor passenger seating looks like.

Lantern-Inspired Seating (1st Floor): A passenger area defined by soft, warm lighting reminiscent of traditional paper lanterns.

This space offers a dreamlike and calm environment, setting a serene tone for your cruise across Lake Ashi.

Matcha Tea Shop (1st Floor): Discover a variety of matcha-based drinks and sweets at our onboard shop.

Whether you prefer a refreshing beverage or a delicate treat, this shop provides the perfect flavors to complement your exploration of Lake Ashi’s seasonal beauty.

Matcha Desserts and Beverages for the "Tea Cruise on the Lake"

The first-floor Tea Shop features premium matcha drinks and sweets, ideal as refreshments or souvenirs.

By pairing the deep flavors of traditional tea with the quiet beauty of Lake Ashi, you'll experience a “Tea Cruise on the Lake.”

Matcha Party Bottle Green Tea (800 yen with tax)

Create your own blend by choosing from six premium green tea varieties. This interactive tea experience comes with an exclusive original bottle, perfect for enjoying on deck or taking home as a souvenir.

Matcha Party Pudding Ice Cream (800 yen with tax)

This is a harmonious blend of smooth matcha pudding and refreshing matcha ice cream. Customize your dessert with an accompanying matcha sauce, drizzled to your preference for a rich, layered tea flavor.

Deck Picnic Yokan (800 yen)

This treat is a stylish and photogenic take on traditional sweet bean jelly. Inspired by the Tea Garden Steps seating on the outdoor deck, this artistic sweet is the perfect companion for a scenic picnic on the water.

Dango Matcha Latte (700 yen)

A matcha latte topped with iconic three-colored dango. Enjoy the perfect harmony of a premium beverage and a traditional sweet in one photogenic cup.

Matcha Experience Set (600 yen)

A fun, hands-on way to enjoy Japanese tea culture! Simply shake to prepare your own fresh matcha. This easy-to-use set brings the "five senses" experience to life, letting you play a part in the creation of your own tea-led journey.

Hakone Cruise Matcha Party: Tickets and Itinerary

- Start of service: December 20, 2025
- Itinerary: Hakone Sekisho-ato Port – Motohakone Port – Hakone-en Port – Kojiri Port (approximately 11.3 km)
- Operating hours: 10:00–16:00 (*Operation may change depending on the season and weather conditions)
- Fares: Circular route (70 minutes), unlimited boarding and disembarking for one day
Adults (junior high school and older): 2,400 yen
Children (elementary school): 1,200 yen
*One-way routes are also available. Please see the official website for details.

Access

- By car
From Hakone-Yumoto Station via Hakone Shindo: about 30 minutes
From Tomei Gotemba IC via Otome Pass to Lake Ashi: about 50 minutes

- By train
From Odawara Station, transfer to an Izuhakone Bus: about 50 minutes
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, transfer to an Izuhakone Bus: about 35 minutes

Contact

Hakone Yusen Co., Ltd. (Motohakone Office)
Address: 45-3 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 0460-83-6351
Official website: https://www.hakone-yuransen.jp/

Picture courtesy of Fujikyu Corporation
This article was compiled based on a press release from PR TIMES