Arggh, matey-san!

The scene felt like a strange hybrid of Japanese-Swiss Family Robinson and an overcrowded Haitian refugee boat. Naturally, someone made the brilliant decision to use faux pirate ships as passenger ferries on Lake Ashinoko, which lies in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. I'm not sure if the rampant use of kitsch across Japan is the result of poor taste or a wicked sense of humor, or some combination of the two. Whatever the cause, sometimes you just have to give in, take snapshots, and laugh.

Aaargh, nothing like me camera and beer in hand on the high seas.

An enemy pirate ship, er, ferry steers clear of our path.

More to come on the Japanese tourist mecca of Hakone...

T