Disapppointed. This lake trip is highly recommended by many guides and its advertisement is on point, the experience on the other hand is lackluster to say the least.

First of all: when Mount Fuji is not visible, don't even bother. Yes the lake view is beautiful, but let's be honest you want to board to have a chance of snapping a picture of you with mount fuji and the lake in background.

Pricing: for around 8€ you get the standard ticket, which grants you access to the back half of the ship (both downstairs and in open air). If you add 4 € more you can access the front half of the ship, but you hardly get any advantages, since many people will buy this ticket anyway and it will be crowded.

Biggest problem in my opinion: Rude and careless passengers. Yes, I might sound cruel and insensitive, but I was unlucky to have a big group of kids board the first class with me, and they spent 30 minutes running around and screaming, often bumping into other passengers (myself included) and making my "first class experience" miserable. Their parents couldn't care less, but I didn't expect much by the typical locust-like chinese tourists. I expected to cruise the lake in silence and finally relax, but I couldn't because of others.

TLDR: this is the most pleasant way to cross from the southern bank of Ashi lake up to the north. The trip is worth it if you can see Mount Fuji, otherwise it's just a normal ride to get from point A to B. Don't bother with first class tickets since it will be overcrowded anyway. If you have kids it might be worth it because they will like the ship design and its playground capabilities. Please educate them well before boarding.