hakone sightseeing cruise how long

Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise: your guide for the perfect trip

The Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy Lake Ashi and its surrounding beauty. That beauty, of course, includes Mount Fuji!

It’s part of the Hakone Loop – which covers most of the must-see spots in the Fuji-Hakone National Park and uses no less than five different types of transportation.

But on a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, you get to cruise Lake Ashi on a pirate ship! And if you’re lucky, you might see Mount Fuji in all its glory. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t see the volcano, as the northern end of the lake was all in clouds.

But we still enjoyed the views from the cruise.

What is the Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise?

Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise is a short cruise that runs on Lake Ashi, which is one of the Fuji Five lakes. It’s 25 to 40 minutes long, depending on which port you board the ship.

You go on this “cruise” to get from one end of the lake to another, enjoying the unique views from the water. On clear days, you can see the snowy top of Mount Fuji from the boats. And if you find a good spot on the boat, you get to see the Hakone-jinja shrine’s floating torii together with the Queen Fuji.

Companies running the Hakone Cruises

Two companies run cruises: The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and the Hakone Yuransen.

The one really worth it is the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise boats, and that’s for more than one reason. The first and main one is, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is included in the Hakone FreePass. And second, it’s Pirate ships!

So if you’re wondering which Hakone boat to choose, let me suggest the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise boats.

Hakone Pirate ships

Three different Hakone Sightseeing boats look like the Pirate ships don’t just look like pirate ships. The details on those ships are honestly incredible. The colours, the goddesses on bows, and of course, the interior.

The viewing area is quite big so a lot of people can enjoy the views. If you like to do some photography, though, make sure to get a spot by the railings so that you’re not blocked.

Even inside, there’s the subtle – or not-so-subtle – luxury. On at least one of the ship’s walls have ōkawakumiko latticework and other decorative elements. For an extra fee, you can choose the First class cabin or the “Special room”. There are limited tickets available so you get to enjoy the extra luxury without the crowds.

I enjoyed the economy room – for me, it seemed good enough. It’s like a fancy version of a normal ferry with more comfortable seats. And there are even different pirate “objects” and 3d art inside the ship!

What I didn’t enjoy as much was the outside – it was really cold, as we were surprised by snow in Hakone . I hadn’t packed enough warm things with me, unfortunately, because it was supposed to be rather warm.

The Pirate ships can even be chartered, if you feel like having a special event in a unique setting.

Different ports on Lake Ashi

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise boats run from Togendai Port to Hakone Machi Port to Moto-Hakone Port and back to Togendai Port . If you want to do a Hakone Loop like we did, you’d be taking the Pirate ship from the Togendai port to Moto-Hakone.

At the Togendai Port, which is at the north of the lake, you can enjoy several restaurants. This is the port you arrive at if you’re taking the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani station. If you’re doing the traditional Hakone circle, you’ll be boarding the Pirate ship here to go to the Hakone Mochi port. You can go to Moto-Hakone, too, as the ports are only 20 minutes’ walk apart.

The Hakone Mochi port has some interesting things to see. The most famous are probably the Hakone Checkpoint and the entrance to the Old Tokkaido Highway. The Hakone Checkpoint Exhibition Hall and Hakone Ekiden Museum are right by the Hakone Mochi port, too.

By Moto-Hakone, which is just a tiny bit further, you’ll find the Hakone Shrine with the famous Torii gate, the Narukawa art museum, as well as a number of shops and restaurants. One of the best-preserved parts of the old Tokkaido highway is here, too.

Where to get tickets for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

If you’re doing the Hakone Loop or are planning to take other public transport in the area, the best idea is to get the Hakone FreePass . That way, you have the boat cruise included in the ticket – unlimited times during the validity of the ticket.

If you wish, tickets for the Hakone sightseeing cruises can be bought separately, too. You can do it at the Sightseeing cruise/ropeway platform. You can pay for the tickets by card as well, not just cash.

If you’d like to use the “first-class” room, you need to purchase an upgrade – that’s whether you’re buying tickets for the cruise separately or using the Hakone Freepass.

Hakone Lake Cruise: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, I think it is worth it. It’s quite a special experience, and both the boats and the views are magnificent.

You can get on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise boat with your Hakone FreePass. If you don’t have the Freepass, check this website for up-to-date prices.

The boat ride lasts 25 to 40 minutes. The trip from Motohakone port to Tōgendai takes around 25 minutes and Tōgendai port to Hakone-machi takes around 25 minutes, too.

The best way is to do the Hakone Loop , so take Cablecar from Gora to Sounzan and the Hakone ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani. Afterwards, take the Hakone ropeway from Owakudani to Togendai.

You can easily do the Hakone Loop in a day, even as a day trip from Tokyo . Although we do recommend staying two nights in a Ryokan in the Hakone area , as that’s an experience that should be on your Japan bucket list.

Wrap up: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Hakone Lake Ashi cruises are quite an interesting experience. You get to enjoy going on a pirate ship – it’s quite unique to ride a pirate ship on a crater lake in Japan.

If you were wondering if to do it or not, I definitely recommend including this boat ride in your Japan itinerary !

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Hakone Sightseeing Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise – Kanagawa

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Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Pirate Ship, Lake Ashinoko, Kanagawa Prefecture

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, commonly referred to as the Hakone Pirate Ship, is a must see attraction in Hakone. Departing from three docks around the lake, this sightseeing cruise is a perfect way to see the stunning scenery Hakone has to offer.

On clear days, views of Mt.Fuji can be enjoyed from the Hakone Scenic cruise, providing a stunning backdrop to your relaxing journey, attracting both international and domestic tourists. Also on the cruise, you can see Hikone Shrine – the oldest and most significant shrine in the area. Mt. Hakone, and the crater of Owakudani can also be seen when the weather is clear.

he cruise is a year-round attraction, and the surrounding landscape changes with the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter all provide different and captivating perspectives of the area.

Many visitors combine the cruise with other attractions in the Hakone area, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, and Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Sightseeing cruise is definitely one of the top things to do in Hakone, and should be on your itinerary if you are in the area.

For those with the Hakone Free Pass , you can use this pass on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, taking as many trips as you want during the validity period.

Start planning your trip to Japan, book your accommodation now!

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Hours and Admission

Hours: Varies by departure point, First ship at 9:30am, last at 4:20pm
1200JPY One way (Free with Hakone Free Pass)
Average Time Spent: 25 minutes
Official Website

Where To Stay near the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Terminal

Jemsty inn hakone ashinoko, odakyu hotel de yama, hakone hotel, accessing the hakone scenic cruise.

There are 3 departure points for the Sightseeing Cruise, but most people primarily use the Hakonemachi Port, on the south side of the lake, and the Togendai Port on the north side of the lake. Togendai Port is directly outside of the Hakone Ropeway. Hakonemachi Port is where most of the hotels and accommodation is, and is the town centre.

Both of these ports can easily be accessed from both the Hakone town, and the Hakone Ropeway.

You can access the town of Hakone from Odawara Station, taking the Hakone Tozai Line, which is a snaking train system which scales part way up Mt.Hakone, to Gora Station, then you can use the Hakone Ropeway to access Togendai Port.

Are you planning a trip to Japan soon? Then you really should consider purchasing a JR Rail Pass, especially if you are planning on hitting all the major tourist cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo.

The JR Rail Pass makes getting around the country easy, and can save you several hundreds in travel expenses. All you need to do is just show your pass at the ticket gate, and you have access to any and all JR rail lines across the country, and not just the standard commuter trains, but luxury trains, and even the world famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train). A JR Rail Pass is an essential item for any visitor to Japan. Buy your pass today by clicking here now!

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Lake Ashinoko, which surrounds Hakone, with Hakone Shrine floating on the shore, Mount Fuji in the background, Kanagawa Prefecture

Hakone – Kanagawa

Kamakura Daibutsu at Kotoku-in Temple, Kanagawa

Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotokuin Temple) – Kanagawa

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse – Kanagawa

Hakone Ropeway, climbing over Mount Hakone

Hakone Ropeway – Kanagawa

Lake Ashinoko – Kanagawa

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Hakone Sightseeing Boats: Cruising Spectacular Lake Ashi in Style

On a clear day at Hakone’s Lake Ashi, the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture, you can see Mount Fuji. The surrounding mountains, including Komagatake and Kamiyama, provide similarly breath-taking views of the iconic peak. Visitors will also be met by the more curious sight of garish “pirate ships” gliding across the lake’s surface, miles from the nearest ocean. Now a well-established symbol of the lake, these vessels offer children the fantasy of sailing on the high seas and adults stylish, comfortable interiors in which to savor Hakone’s natural scenery.

The Queen Ashinoko, the latest addition to the pirate ship fleet, with Mount Fuji in the background. (Photo courtesy of Odakyū Agency)

Historic Lake Ashi

Historically, Lake Ashi’s location on the ancient Tōkaidō highway stretching from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto made it an important commercial center. Reminders along the shore of the days when the area was a bustling post town include Hakone Shrine, a Shintō sanctuary dating back to the Nara period (710–94) that was worshipped by notable military commanders like Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–99), and the Hakone sekisho , a critical checkpoint where authorities strictly controlled the movement of travelers to and from the feudal capital.

Since the Meiji era (1868–1912), Hakone has been a popular destination for people wanting to escape the heat of Tokyo or take a dip in the thermal springs. The area boasts a multitude of tourist attractions, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

The Hakone “pirate ships” ferry passengers between three lakeside piers, with the Hakone-machi dock being the closest to the old highway and checkpoint. Just a stone’s throw away the finish line of the outbound leg of the Hakone Ekiden , a long-distance relay race held every New Year (the event has become a national sporting tradition with its own dedicated museum that tourists can visit). Morning cruises depart from the Hakone-machi dock for the Motohakone docks, where it is just a short walking to Hakone Shrine and Onshi-Hakone Park. Both piers are located at the southern tip of the long, narrow Lake Ashi and the trip takes only 10 minutes.

Tourists board the “pirate ships” Royal II (left) and Queen Ashinoko docked at Hakone-machi.

The trip from the Motohakone dock at the south end of the lake to the Tōgendai dock on the northern shore takes around 25 minutes. From there, it is a 16-minute ride from the adjacent Tōgendai gondola station to the famous Ōwakudani geothermal valley and its billowing plumes of smoke. Riding the ropeway to the last stop, Sōunzan, provides visitors some of the best views Hakone has to offer. From there, the cable car takes passenger to Gōra Station, where they can change to the Hakone Tozan Railway .

The Hakone Ropeway traverses the smoking Ōwakudani valley.

The trip from Tōgendai back to Hakone-machi takes around 25 minutes. The standard route travels counterclockwise around the lake from Hakone-machi to Motohakone before returning to Tōgendai, a total of 70 minutes including stops. Holders of roundtrip tickets are able to reboard from any stop making it possible to explore the tourist attractions along the way and enjoy the amenities of different ships. There is plenty of free parking at the docks, making visiting by car a convenient option.

Attractions for the Whole Family

A total of three pirate ships currently traverse the lake. The oldest, the Victory , went into service in 2007 and is modelled on the famed British Royal Navy vessel HMS Victory . To add to the fantasy, the ship has been fitted out with cannons, treasure chests, and other curiosities.

The Royal II , which entered service in 2013, is modelled on the Royal Louis , which was part of the Royal French Navy in the eighteenth century. The ship features pirate figurines on the deck and optical illusions in the hallways where passengers can snap photos.

The Victory is recognizable by its predominately black color scheme.

The ship currently creating the biggest buzz is the latest addition to the fleet, the Queen Ashinoko , which entered service in the summer of 2019. The ship’s interior is the work of industrial designer Mitooka Eiji, who also applied his innovative style to the Kyūshū Shinkansen and the luxury cruise train Nanatsuboshi.

Sporting a figurehead of the Greek goddess Nike and a gold color scheme, the Queen Ashinoko is a sight to behold. On the deck, crimson shades and crown emblems have been used to great effect.

Shibayama Nanako, who oversees marketing for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise line, explains that the Queen Ashinoko is designed on the concept of excitement. “We’ve built on the existing pirate ship theme, which was already a favorite with children, by adding a level of sophistication that will appeal to adult passengers as well.”

Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, adorns the bow of the Queen Ashinoko.

Mitooka’s flair for design is apparent on the inside of the ship as well, right down to the finest detail. The interior combines lavish Western-style decoration and native esthetic, including doors and panels with ōkawakumiko latticework from Fukuoka and floor patterns that evoke local Hakone yosegi zaiku marquetry.

Luxury and comfort awaits passengers even in economy class.

First-Class Elegance

Shibayama recommends that passengers ride in the first-class cabin of the ship, an experience she insist is worth the extra fee. Located at the front of the ship, the first-class cabin is roomy and comfortable and has its own observation deck boasting an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape.

Shibayama says the Queen Ashinoko remains something of a hidden gem due to the drop in tourism along Hakone’s “golden course,” a sightseeing circuit that loops the area by bus, train, boat, and cable car. Just weeks after the ship entered service in April 2019, the Hakone Ropeway was shut down due to an increase in volcanic activity in Ōwakudani. Then, in October, just when the alert level had finally been lowered, a devastating typhoon put the Hakone Tozan Railway out of action. The situation has been further compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.

Shibayama notes that area has started to regain its previous vitality since service on the Hakone Tozan Railway resumed in late July. She notes that the golden course celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this autumn and that there are a range of events planned to mark the occasion.

The Royal II cruises gracefully across Lake Ashi.

Hakone Sightseeing Boats

Hakone-machi dock: 161 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa
Motohakone dock: 6-40 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa
Tōgendai dock: 164 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa
Roundtrip tickets: Adult: ¥1,930, child: ¥940 (first-class cabins are an additional ¥770 for adults and ¥400 for children)
One-way tickets: Adult: ¥1,050, Child: ¥520 (first-class cabin are an additional ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children).
Other tickets like the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and Hakone Ropeway 1-Day Pass are also available.

(Originally published in Japanese. Reporting, text, and photos by Nippon.com . Banner photo: The Queen Ashinoko cruises past the Gate of Peace.)

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Hakone Sightseeing Cruising

Sail Lake Ashi in a replica war ship

When in the Hakone region of Kanagawa, there are many places to go and many things to do. All of these things, on a clear day (a rarity in the summer), will afford you a great view of the icon of Japan, Mt. Fuji.

Taking a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖, Ashi-no-ko in Japanese), is one of the best ways to see the area and learn a bit about the lake itself.

The boats used are unique themselves and are part of the charm of the trip too. There are three boats in the fleet and they are all life-size replicas of old man-o-war ships. Named Victory, Royal and Vasa, these ships make regularly scheduled round trips of the lake departing approximately every 40-50 minutes from one of three locations. It is possible to take the cruise one-way or round-trip.

I settled on the round-trip option on my recent trip and started the journey at Togendai-ko station at the end of the Hakone Ropeway.

Onboard, most people head immediately up to the top decks for the best views, thus those areas are always quite crowded. For those that want to stay out of the sun and wind, there are a couple of lower level rooms with benches to sit down on that offer similar views, just a little limiting, one of these being a first class cabin that requires an additional fee to enter. The advantage of staying in one of these rooms is that you are able to listen to some pre-recorded information about things you can see around the lake. These announcements are made in both Japanese and English and can be useful in learning about local landmarks such as Hakone Shrine and its torii gate located in the water.

Up on the top deck, you are afforded a 360 degree view of the lake and Hakone area. And if you are lucky, you will be able to get your picture taken with a crew member dressed up in an authentic period costume.

The first stop after Togendai-ko is Hakonemachi-ko and the Hakone Checkpoint as well as some hotels, and places to rent small pleasure craft to take out on the lake (such as paddle boats in a swan shape, or canoe-like boats).

The third stop is Motohakone-ko, which is the closest to Hakone Shrine, but also passes by the location of the former Hakone Castle.

The trip back to Togendai-ko is much like the ride out except seeing the same places again can actually help you notice things you might have missed the first time.

The entire round-trip will take approximately 55 minutes and is a must to do on your trip to Hakone. Another option is to take your time, get off at some of the stops for some sightseeing, making your way back gradually.

You’ll be glad you did.

Find out more about Lake Ashi .

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By Christopher Harley

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Information

Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi 250-0521, Kanagawa Prefecture ( Directions )

0460-83-6325

hakone-ashinoko.net

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Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

At Lake Ashi, a serene lake surrounded by mountains, a pirate ship cruise runs between the three ports of Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko and Togendai-ko. Three ships with different designs sail on the lake, and the visitors can enjoy the grand view of the ships passing by each other. During the cruise, there will be a spot where the passengers can view Mt. Fuji, the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine and the lake all at once, so have your cameras ready.

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Hakonemachi-ko / Motohakone-ko / Togendai-ko

Nearest Station

Hakonemachi Port: "Hakonemachi-ko" bus stop (OH66, Hakone Tozan Bus) Motohakone Port: "Motohakone-ko" bus stop (OH67, Hakone Tozan Bus) Togendai Port: Togendai Station (OH65, Hakone Ropeway)

Hakonemachi Port: 2 minute walk from "Hakonemachi-ko" bus stop (OH66, Hakone Tozan Bus) Motohakone Port: 1 minute walk from "Motohakone-ko" bus stop (OH67, Hakone Tozan Bus) Togendai Port: Directly connected to Togendai Station (OH65, Hakone Ropeway)

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Hakone ashinoko boat cruise.

A leisurely catamaran cruise with fun activities and entertainment for sailors of all ages

The spacious upper deck of the Hakone Ashinoko Boat Cruise’s catamaran offers uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji and the forest around Lake Ashinoko. It is a relaxing way to sightsee in Hakone, leaving road traffic and crowded transportation behind.

Children will enjoy collecting stamps at the four different ports where the boat stops, while babies and toddlers can play safely in the crawl room—a dedicated children’s area with padded flooring and lots of soft toys.

Special events on the boat include musical performances and night cruises, and you can view fireworks from the boat during the five-day Hakone Ashinoko Summer Festival.

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 Do your Hakone day tours include Hakone Sightseeing Cruise? Some of our Hakone tour packages include Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. The sooner you book the Hakone cruise of Lake Ashi, the more secure the seats. Especially in the peak season of Hakone Tour.
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Home » Asia » Japan » Hakone

HAKONE Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Explore the magical natural beauty of the Japanese municipality. Discover cultural and religious icons and soak in hot springs with the locals. Our itinerary for Hakone will have you experiencing it to the fullest!

Hakone is an incredible place, mountainous and wild. You’ll find volcanic action, hot springs dotting the landscape, and hiking trails with views that rival the best in the world. It’s the perfect area to enjoy a tranquil vacation away from city life!

Once you get there you may struggle to figure out what to do in Hakone, since many of the locals don’t speak much English and you won’t find all that much information online.

That’s where we come in. We’ve put together a 3-day itinerary in Hakone, so that you can make the most of your time here without stress or misstep!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Best time to visit Hakone

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Planning a trip to Hakone? You’ll be happy to know that no season is a bad season! Hakone is a beautiful area with a warm, temperate climate. If you’re interested in the summer heat, the best time to visit is in the balmy summer months (July – September). The city’s summers are reasonably short and muggy but very comfortable!

Winter is also short and very cold, but the city is geared towards a huge variation in weather, so you’ll find yourself with just as much to do in the chilly months as the warm ones! Hakone’s biggest drawing point – at least for broke backpackers – is its incredible natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities!

Honestly, it’s difficult to say when to visit Hakone! The shoulder months are also a great time to visit, as prices are down and crowds are small. You’ll have many places to yourself, and you can take in the Japanese town more like a local, rather than a tourist. You’ll also find that many of the natural attractions take on a special glow in fall.

No matter the time of year you visit, Mount Fuji towers above the scene, often coated in white.

Hakone is a small, serene Japanese municipality with little tourist presence. While this is wonderful and ideal for a break-away vacation, it does mean that you’ll struggle to find information on where to stay in Hakone !

Fortunately, we’ve done the digging, and we have you covered. If you’re interested in the local culture and people, we suggest you stay in Motohakone. This is the municipality’s main town. Atmospheric and situated right on Lake Ashi, it is the best place for holiday-makers.

You’ll have easy access to restaurants and cafes, as well as some of the top stops on your Hakone trip itinerary! They’re conveniently located within walking distance. You’ll also be able to catch boats and cruises from here, solidifying its status as the most convenient neighborhood in Hakone!

Another great area to stay in is Tonosawa. This one is for the nature lovers. You’ll find the village nearly hidden among trees, nestled against the hillside. This is the perfect location for a totally tranquil holiday in Hakone.

The train also stops right here, so while it doesn’t have the convenience of Motohakone’s centrality, it’s easy to reach everything you want to. Even on a weekend in Hakone!

Best Hostel in Hakone – K’s House Hakone

Centrally located and with beautiful views over Hakone, K’s House is the best hostel in town! The communal kitchen is well-stocked, and the dorms are comfortable and spacious. Perhaps most importantly, the charming little hostel has its own open-air hot spring! It’s the perfect place for broke backpackers to spend their Hakone vacation.

For more hostel ideas, check out these GREAT hostels in Japan.

Our Favorite Airbnb in Hakone – Private Onsen for 2

If you’re looking for a traditional Ryokan in Hakone , this is where you should stay! Enjoy your very own onsen with dinner (about 6 courses) and breakfast included. Over 70 tons of fresh hot spring water flows into their onsens each day. Only 15 mins away from Yumoto Station on foot (5 mins by shuttle bus). This a full legitimate Japanese experience.

Best Budget Hotel in Hakone – Emblem Flow Hakone

This lovely 3-star hotel has everything you need and then some! The warmly-lit rooms are cozy and air-conditioned. There is a bar and a hot spring, making evenings here delightful. Continental breakfast is available daily, and most stops on our Hakone itinerary are within walking distance!

Best Luxury Hotel in Hakone – Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

For a luxurious stay with epic views of the mountains and lake, Ashinoko Hanaori is unbeatable! The staff are excellent, the location is incredible, with a terrace and a pool overlooking Lake Ashi. The rooms embrace that classic Japanese simplicity, and you can enjoy a massage and sauna any time of day. It’s the best place to stay in Hakone in 3 days!

Hakone is a laid-back backpacker’s paradise! Many of the Hakone itinerary stops are within walking distance from one another, making it ideal even for a short stay and a Hakone walking tour.

You don’t only have to use your own two feet! Considering where our other Hakone itinerary stops are, you won’t want to. Fortunately, Japan is famous for its efficient and impressive public transport systems and Hakone exemplifies this!

The mountainous municipality has a terrific system of buses, trains, boats, cable cars, and even ropeways. You certainly won’t need to rent a car, as the public transport system operates smoothly, and you’ll never have to wait long.

Keep in mind that it is a municipality, not a city, so you may have to take more than one means of transport to get to where you want to go. It is therefore valuable to ask for a transport map at the desk of your hotel (or download offline maps on your phone) and plan out your trip before the day starts. That way, you’ll be able to spend your time enjoying the Hakone attractions, and sitting at bus stops as little as possible!

We recommend you get the Hakone Free Pass if you’re spending 2 days in Hakone or more. It costs just over $50 USD, which is a lot, but all transport is included and many of the stops on our Hakone itinerary offer discounts or free entrance to people with the pass.

Your first day in Hakone will be spent exploring the area’s natural beauty, as well as some incredible museums! Pack your camera and get excited.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Visit the Open Air Museum

Why it’s awesome: It’s a unique and fascinating outdoor sculpture museum!
Cost: $15 USD.
Food nearby: Get some early morning sushi at a lovely nearby restaurant, Hakone Kappei. If you prefer coffee and a pastry, there are cafes within the museum space itself!

Start day one in Hakone right with a languid visit to its monumental Open Air Museum! Possibly the most important of Hakone’s points of interest, it is truly one of a kind, with sculptures large and small arranged within the park.

The mountainous scenery provides the perfect backdrop for the arts, and if you visit during the cherry blossom season, there simply isn’t a place more beautiful! Stroll through the park and admire the strange and interesting sculptures – and be sure to take lots of pictures.

The park is very large, so we recommend you spend about two hours here. That way, you’ll have time to see the Picasso exhibit, where some of the artist’s most influential works are showcased. You’ll also see, and go up the glassy building – an incredible structure of colorful mosaic glass!

The works are both by Japanese and Western artists, creating unique contrasts and symbiosis! Whether or not you enjoy art, a stroll through this park is well worthwhile, and a great deal of fun.

Insider Tip: Artworks are showcased both inside various buildings, and outside in the park. If you’re running low on time, we recommend you spend most of that time outside. This is where the most unique works are found, balanced perfectly with nature.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Cruise on Lake Ashi

Why it’s awesome: It’s a beautiful lake with awesome views of Hakone
Cost: $10 USD
Food nearby: Grab a pastry or a sandwich at Bakery & Table Hakone

700 meters above sea level, the gorgeously peaceful Lake Ashi, or Ashinoko Lake, is an icon of Hakone. You can easily join a cruise on the lake, rent a boat to explore it on your own, or even just take a walk along the lakeshore and dive in (if it’s that time of year)!

The scenic lake was formed 3,000 years ago in the caldera created by Mount Hakone’s last eruption! The shores are for the most part left untouched, so you can cruise past Japanese wilderness for hours.

A 30-minute Hakone sightseeing cruise crossing the lake is the easiest trip to come by and costs only $10 USD!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Stop at Hakone Shrine

Why it’s awesome: It’s Hakone’s most famous and most brilliant Shinto shrine!
Cost: Free!
Food nearby: Enjoy outdoor dining with an idyllic view at Salon de thé Rosage.

Hakone Shrine is – you guessed it – the Hakone’s emblematic shrine! Standing at the shore of Lake Ashi and the foot of Mount Hakone, it’s the perfect destination to end your Lake cruise and set off on the next adventure!

The shrine structures are dispersed among the forest trees. You’ll find giant red Torii gates at the lakeside, showing pilgrims and visitors where to go.

Walk up steps through the forest flanked by lanterns donated by past pilgrims. The peaceful shrine sits among the trees, often shrouded in mist! Depending on the season you choose to visit, the shrine is often rather crowded. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Insider Tip: We suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as you’ll be walking uphill for a while!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Okada Museum of Art

Why it’s awesome: It’s your best opportunity to take in the history of Japanese art styles!
Cost: $26 USD
Food nearby: Grab a coffee right here at the Okada Museum of Art footbath cafe.

For an art experience that’s a little more traditional, the fourth stop on your Hakone itinerary is this amazing art museum! The collection of Japanese paintings is incredible, and there’s so much to see and learn here.

Japanese art is a totally unique art form, which has developed and changed totally separately to the various art movements in the Western world. It is fascinating to walk through the museum and appreciate how truly different the styles are!

There is also an immense Chinese ceramics and sculpture collection on display at the museum – dating, like the other artworks, from antiquity to the current era!

Even the design of the building is fascinating, with ultra-modern structures and curated gardens. The museum ticket comes with a hot spring footbath! So you’ll be able to enjoy a soak and relax after spending about 2 hours at the museum, resting your feet before the last stop of the day!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Hakone Glass Forest Museum

Why it’s awesome: It’s a gorgeous Venetian glass museum right in rural Japan!
Cost: $14 USD
Food nearby: Stop in at the Japan Countryside Cafe, just opposite the museum

For a little slice of Italy right in Japan, visit the unique Glass Forest Museum! This stop is a brilliant photo opportunity, with such incredibly aesthetic backdrops. The art is displayed in wonderfully creative ways!

The Venetian art museum will have you in a trance! But our favorite part of this museum is its garden. There are trees and a bridge made entirely of glass, contributing to the beauty of the natural surrounds rather than contrasting with them.

Insider Tip: This museum and its garden are definitely more impressive and enjoyable on a sunny day! So if your send day in Hakone is cloudy, we suggest you postpone this stop till the sun shines again.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Chill in a Hakone Onsen

Why it’s awesome: You can luxuriate in geothermally heated healing water!
Cost: $15 USD +
Food nearby: Enjoy a traditional meal at the in-house restaurant, Irori.

Let your worries melt away in a traditional Hakone Onsen! These traditional hot spring baths are what make Hakone special – you simply can’t miss it.

Our favorite Onsen is Hakone Yuryo, but there are many dispersed around the municipality, and you can just as happily tick off this Hakone itinerary stop at any one of them! The Onsen, based on hot springs that stem from the volcanic activity of the area, can be enjoyed in a variety of ways!

If you’re traveling on a budget, we suggest you relax in one of the public baths. If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, and maybe even romantic, go for a private open-air bath! Both are on offer at most Onsens, and they’re both great ways to experience the traditional spaces!

This is also an ideal way to end off your daytime adventures, soaking after your explorations! You may be a little bone-weary by now, so this will rejuvenate you and have you ready for day 2 in Hakone! Backpackers exploring Japan will especially enjoy stopping here to relax.

Insider Tip: Many Ryokan, or hotels, have their own Onsen! So when you book into your hotel, check if they have one – you may be able to head straight back to your accommodation to enjoy this evening stop, and it will be free! If it doesn’t, fees range between $5 USD and $20 USD.

Day 1 / Stop 7 – Meet locals at CafeBar Woody

Why it’s awesome: Enjoy great cocktails and get to know the younger locals.
Food nearby: You can tuck into cheap comfort food right here!

If you want to get to know the more modern, nighttime elements of local culture, get a drink at CafeBar Woody!

With fantastic cocktails and tasty food, this bar is always busy. It has a fun, vibrant atmosphere, and the prices are really good. The bar also has a Toy Story theme and a jazzy playlist! While you may not think that those two things match, it manages to combine them wonderfully!

It’s quirky and unusual. While it’s certainly not a must-see stop on your 2-day itinerary in Hakone, if you have the energy to go after your onsen soak, you won’t regret it!

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On your second day in Hakone, you’ll experience volcanic activity and local Japanese culture! It’s a beautiful day planned, full of activity and fun.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Hike to Chisuji Falls

Why it’s awesome: It is a beautiful and unique waterfall.
Food nearby: If you haven’t had breakfast, you can stop for something tasty at the Bar Hotel Hakone Kayama’s in-house restaurant.

The hike to the falls itself is short and easy, as the metro stops just a short way from it! However, there are many gorgeous hiking trails around it, which we recommend exploring. There’s so much to see here, and it just gets more beautiful the deeper you go!

Chisuji Falls is a short, small waterfall only 3 meters high. What it’s lacking in height, it makes up for in breadth! The waterfall falls in strings flowing delicately over the mossy rock. It looks almost ephemeral and totally charming!

The name ‘Chisuji’ means 1000 lines, and that is the aptest description of the uncommon waterfall. 20 meters wide, you can stroll along the riverbank and admire the way the water separates and flows, surrounded by greenery.

This is a particularly beautiful place to visit in summer when the forest is green and vibrantly alive, and the water is flowing quickly. Since the first stop on day 2 of your itinerary, you’ll likely have the falls all to yourself. You’ll certainly miss the crowds, even if you’re a bit of a late sleeper!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Experience the Hakone Ropeway

Why it’s awesome: You’ll enjoy spectacular views while on your way to your next stop!
Cost: $14 USD (one way).
Food nearby: Dine with a view at Owakudani Station Restaurant.

The Ropeway is the perfect way to take in Hakone’s sights! Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi – not to mention the sulfurous gasses below and around you.

An aerial lift between two Hakone villages, the Ropeway stops at Owakudani, your next Hakone itinerary stop. It leaves every minute, so whether there are crowds or not, you will never have to wait long at all! The gondolas fit about 10 passengers and all will be able to comfortably enjoy the views!

This stop is a lot more enjoyable on a day with good visibility, as you will then be able to see the impressive Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape! Even on a cloudy day, there’s much you will see. It’s also the best way to reach Owakudani!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Marvel at Owakudani

Why it’s awesome: It’s an active volcano, streaming with steam!
Food nearby: You can grab snacks at the Owakudani Kurotamago Kan souvenir shop, or sit down for Ramen noodles at the on-site restaurant.

Visiting this mountain is certainly one of the best things to do in Hakone! Owakudani is the area around Mount Hakone’s crater, formed around 300 years ago (along with Lake Ashi). It is an active volcanic zone, with sulfurous steam and hot rivers! Honestly, it’s a pretty apocalyptic area in the best way.

See pools which have become caldrons, and there’s steam rising ominously into the air! You can also buy a black egg here – naturally blackened and cooked by the sulfurous water and said to prolong your life by 7 years if you eat it!

Until 1873, when a Japanese Empress renamed it, this crater was called Great Hell. You can certainly imagine it being the entrance to such a place!

This is a fantastic morning excursion, and you’ll beat the afternoon crowds! While the crater itself does not cost anything to see, parking, and the ropeway (our previous stop for good reason) does cost enough that you’re paying for the experience – but it contributes to conservation and safety measures, which we fully support!

If you’re spending more than 3 days in Hakone, we recommend extending this stop and taking another hike along one of the trails! The views are spectacular and well worth the time and effort.

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out on Hakone alerts. When volcanic activity in the area increases, both Owakudani and the ropeway, your next stop, is closed off for your safety.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Stroll along Old Tokaido Road

Why it’s awesome: It’s absolutely lovely and historically significant.
Cost: $5 USD
Food nearby: Enjoy casual, traditional dining at Tatsumi Garden!

This one is for those interested in historic Hakone landmarks! Built during the feudal Edo Period, this road was an important means of getting through the area without getting attacked by bandits!

Now you can stroll along the road in exactly the same condition as when it was first made! The rocky road stretched between tall Cedar trees, overgrown in many places with moss and lichen.

It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours and enjoy a picnic in the forest!

If you want to learn more about the old highway, you can also visit the little museum found along the route. It’s free to enter, and there are some interesting reconstructions and displays relating to the history and purpose of Old Tokaido!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Take in the Pola Art Museum

Why it’s awesome: The setting is almost as incredible as the artworks!
Cost: $17 USD
Food nearby: Enjoy pastries and light meals in the forest atmosphere at Cafe Tune.

Japan is known for its combination of modernity in architecture with interesting natural elements and pops of strangeness! The Pola Art Museum has just this. The futuristic structure sits in the middle of the Hakone forest, housing a huge body of art!

The collection of nearly 10,000 artworks changes frequently, while some masterpieces can always be found here. Strolling through the museum, admiring the artworks while full-length windows open up onto the forest is surreal. An incredible museum experience! On a rainy day its even more impressive, the eerily magical forest blanketed and somber.

The museum’s primary display is on Impressionism, with some of the greatest works by Monet, Cezanne, and Renoir! It is truly spectacular, and one of the most impressive things you’ll enjoy on your Hakone trip!

The museum also has a spectacular nature trail that you can explore.

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Join the locals at Amazake-chaya Tea House

Why it’s awesome: It’s a charming wooden tea house, centuries-old!
Cost: $4 USD +
Food nearby: The tea house itself has some amazing options!

Step into the past and experience Japan as it has been for centuries! This 400-year old tea house is the perfect way to enjoy the local culture.

Amazake is a traditional sweet rice wine which has been around since the samurai! The tea house also specializes in a large variety of sake, so you can try a good deal of different drinks! It’s nestled in the bend of a hiking trail but easy to find.

With wonderful fresh local dishes and a lovely atmosphere, we had to include Amazake-chaya on our Hakone itinerary! If you’re touring Hakone looking for the best food and drinks, this is the best place to be.

Insider Tip: The tea house only works in cash, so be sure to keep yen on you when you visit! In fact, it’s always good to have cash when out of the city, as many places to visit in Hakone may not have embraced the technology, and it’s always good to come prepared!

K’s House Hakone

Centrally located and with beautiful views over Hakone, K’s House is the best hostel in town! The communal kitchen is well-stocked, and the dorms are comfortable and spacious. This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Hakone.

Free Laundry Facilities

Mount Fuji | Odawara Castle | Little Prince Museum | Hakone Tozan Railway | Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field

Continue your 3-day itinerary in Hakone with these wonderful stops! Whether you’re spending one more day in the area, or another two weeks, these stops can be combined to make for the perfect vacation in Hakone.

Climb Mount Fuji

This is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that few have.
Mount Fuji is open to hikers from early July to early September!
Make lifelong memories on Japan’s highest and most famous mountain.

If you want to climb alone this hike may not be for you – since it is only open for a short time, you will most likely be joined by hundreds of other enthusiastic hikers! But since it is a difficult climb, and requires some dedication, the people with you will be the kind you’ll want to be with.

People come from all over the world to Hakone, specifically to climb Mt Fuji! The views are exquisite, and often you meet people who will remain friends for years! It’s simply a great bonding experience, tackling that peak together.

We recommend you avoid Obon week, in mid-August, as this time is extra crowded and often leads to queues – which is not a fun part of hiking.

While the hike can be strenuous, it is not technically difficult! So as long as you have a decent level of fitness, you should be just fine. Expect it to take two days – we recommend you set out early in the morning to make the most of your trip!

There are various different trails, which take between 5 and 8 hours to ascend. The descent should take about half the time. There are also plenty of huts to camp for the night, so that you can really take it in, and don’t have to rush down on the same day! If staying Mt. Fuji interests you, check out our guide to the best places to stay here.

Plan carefully, and be sure to pack everything you need!

Visit Odawara Castle

Explore the town of Odawara, with its landmark medieval castle.
Rebuilt in the 60s, the castle is now a museum.
Nestled in the foothills, you can enjoy fantastic views from the rooftop!

First built in the 15th century, Odawara Castle is a gleaming white, traditionally built reconstruction. It is an important town landmark, and well worth the visit if you’re spending more than 3 days in Hakone.

The castle is now a museum, but it’s been a Hakone stronghold for centuries. Built by a notable Samurai family, it has a rich and interesting history, which you can learn about upon visiting!

Because of Japan’s difficult history, few structures have survived since the days of the Samurai . That’s why, despite this being a reconstruction, its accurate design and wealth of artifacts make it a great visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and martial arts!

Many of the displays inside are unfortunately only available in Japanese; so unless you’re very interested and happy to use a translation tool, you may prefer to just enjoy the grounds and the view from the top!

The garden is terrific, and different flowers flourish throughout the year. In fact, many tourists visit specifically for the grounds. Well-maintained and beautiful, there is lots to see and explore! It is also free unless you enter the museum.

If you have the time, we recommend you make a day trip of it, and explore the charming town after a visit to the castle!

Explore the Little Prince Museum

For a little whimsy and childhood nostalgia, visit this charming museum.
Dedicated to the Little Prince and its author, this museum is the only of its kind.
Beautiful 18th-century European architecture and lovely artworks.

Not everything in the area is geared towards children, and if you travel to Hakone as a family, you’ll be looking for something a bit more kid-oriented after 2 days in Hakone! This is the perfect stop.

In fact, even if you’re an adult who loved The Little Prince when you were younger, this is a lovely little stop! Dedicated to the life and work of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and particularly his novel The Little Prince, this museum is totally out of the ordinary.

The museum looks as if it’s situated squarely in old-world France, which makes for an interestingly whimsical experience, and some lovely photos! Displays are both indoor and outdoor, and you’ll spend a few hours strolling through the buildings and the grounds. There is even a little French townscape!

While its charming and great fun, we do recommend this stop mostly to big fans of the novel and families! It’s a 30-minute bus ride from most other things, although, the surrounding countryside is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy a picnic.

Bring your camera, as there are lots of lovely photo opportunities! Keep in mind, the gift shop is terrific and the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs for anyone else you know who’s a fan of the novel!

Hakone Tozan Railway

Wind through the Hakone forest on one of these charming little trains.
Chugging up the steep hillside, it’s a feat of engineering!
The trip is especially wonderful in June, andJuly when thousands of hydrangea line the tracks.

Hop on the train for the upper section of the Hakone Tozan Line! This impressive line with charming little trains is fun for more than just train enthusiasts!

The track winds through the densely forested valley and up the mountain in a zigzag pattern. It takes about 40 minutes and is pure charm and fun. Particularly in June or July, the train is surrounded by such exquisite natural beauty, you won’t want to blink.

It’s also a lovely trip to take in winter when the landscape is covered in white! Whether you come in time for the blooming hydrangeas so close to the train that you can almost touch them, the fall colors, or the white winter, it’s a wonderful way to experience Hakone!

You can even take the train in the evenings when the tracks are lit up and the sunset can be watched on the trip. For this, you will have to book seats in advance, as they are always booed out, and overcrowding is prevented.

You will pass over rivers, along wooded glens, and up the mountain in what is truly an impressive accomplishment – few trains can mount such a steep incline! It’s a lovely little stop on your 2-day itinerary in Hakone, perfect for couples looking for a little quaint romance or just to gaze at beauty.

Stroll through Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field

A wonderful hiking destination, this flowing field is gorgeous.
The field stretches for hundreds of meters, covering the hillside.
The pampas grass changes colors every season, glowing golden in fall.

If you’re looking for one more lovely hiking destination in Hakone, this vast field is the perfect stop! This is one of the few places where you can admire the tall pampas grass, or Suzuki, and certainly the largest.

The best time to visit is in fall, when the heads of the grass become golden, and the wind makes them look like flowing gold! It is wonderfully beautiful, and another one of those stops where you’ll want your camera!

There is a path through the field, leading up the hill. So you won’t have to walk through the field – in fact, it’s frowned upon, as it can damage the plants. They are about as tall as a human, so you could also get lost in the field!

Fall is a terrific time to visit Hakone, and this is one of the reasons why! From here you can choose to hike up Daigatake Mountain, or turn around and explore the town. Either option is great, though if you’re looking for fantastic photos, we recommend continuing up the mountain! Especially on a sunny day, it’s a wonderful hike.

Hakone is a very safe part of Japan! There is very little theft or violent crime in the municipality, and you have little to be concerned about, moving either at night or during the day. Even traveling alone is safe!

We do recommend that in crowded areas like shrines and museums, you keep your bag closed and your hand rested on it.

While Japan is one of the world’s safer countries, it is rural areas like this one that are best to visit for those concerned about crime. What you do need to be aware of, however, is Hakone’s volcanic risk.

First of all, the risk is very low. There are occasionally times of increased volcanic activity. It is, after all, an active volcano! However, it has been a full 3,000 years since the volcano has actually erupted, so there really isn’t much to be concerned about (currently).

If the volcano were to erupt (because never say never), you should have ample warning time to make your way out of the field of danger. So you needn’t disturb your tranquil vacation with concerns about safety! You can visit this website for current volcano updates .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Hakone

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If you’re spending more than 3 days in Hakone, go beyond the usual attractions! These day tours from Hakone are the perfect way to explore those hard-to-reach places. Not to mention a trip or two to Tokyo for those of you growing a little bored with the peaceful vacation!

Tokyo Coach Tour and Bay Cruise

Hop on a bus or train to the great bustling city of Tokyo for a day full of activity and sightseeing! One of the best day trips from Hakone, there are plenty of sightseeing tours you can join. We recommend you join one that combines land and sea – because, why not!

Marvel at the many Tokyo monuments and attractions while you cruise around the city. Hop on a boat and see the sights from a different angle!

This is a wonderful opportunity to tick all things Tokyo off your bucket list. You can try incredible local dishes, stop at the Imperial Palace Garden, and explore neighborhoods known for their cuisines and sumo culture. If you want to spend more than a day in Tokyo, book a hostel using our Tokyo hostel guide.

Hakone Fuji Day Tour: Cruise, Cable Car, and Volcano

Explore more of Hakone on this full-day tour! You’ll cruise along the lake on a fun pirate ship, enjoying breathtaking views and on-board entertainment. Try local cuisines and experience the tranquil ambiance of the area!

You’ll also take the ropeway up Mt Hakone and experience the unique volcanic environment of Owakudani. This day tour is ideal for those who are only spending one day in Hakone and want to cover the most important natural attractions in the municipality!

As such, it wouldn’t be complete without an opportunity to relax at a traditional hot spring!

Tokyo: Disneyland 1 Day Admission Ticket

This day trip is for those of you who decide the kids need to use all that energy – or, for that matter, you do. We recommend you buy a skip-the-line ticket so that you don’t have to spend any time waiting to get in – you can head straight to the rides.

Tokyo’s Disneyland is one wild ride! Jump on the theme park’s most thrilling rides, and watch the shows that appeal to you most. You can stay long into the night, and there’s a nightly fireworks show!

This theme park has a unique Japanese twist to the traditional Disneyland characters and entertainment. It’s a wonderful place for families and couples to spend the day.

Tokyo Pub Crawl

If a night trip sounds better than a traditional day trip, join a pub crawl! There’s little nightlife in Hakone, so a trip to Tokyo may be just what you need. Particularly if you’re already in the city after joining the last day trip!

Join the fun on a bar-hopping tour that will take you to Tokyo’s best pubs and clubs! You’ll enjoy discounted drinks all night, and party the night away with some new friends. It’s a brilliant way for backpackers to meet new people, and have a great time without trying to find folk the traditional way. If you’re only spending one night in Tokyo, we highly recommend it!

Lake Ashi Cruise, Odawara Castle & Seafood BBQ

For an alternative way to experience Hakone, join this fun day tour! It’s a great way to conclude your trip to Hakone, experiencing a few of your itinerary stops in new ways and seeing some lovely hidden places.

You’ll visit Mishima Skywalk , a long suspension bridge over the lake with fantastic views! In addition to the cruise, which is comfortable and explores some really cool places, there’s a buffet seafood lunch! There are so many delicious dishes available here, we would join the tour just for that.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Hakone itinerary.

How many days do you need in Hakone?

While you could visit Hakone in a day, having 2-3 days to explore is ideal. This way, you can properly get to know the area without having to rush!

What should you include on a Hakone 2 day itinerary?

Don’t skip a visit to these top Hakone attractions: – Lake Ashi – Hakone Shrine – Hakone Glass Forest Museum – Mount Fuji

Where should you stay if you have a full Hakone itinerary?

Motohakone is the coolest place to stay if you’ve got a full itinerary. Surrounded by nature, this town offers great views and easy access to shops, restaurants, and the lake.

Is Hakone worth visiting?

Hakone should be on every traveller’s Japan itinerary! Home to hot springs, incredible hiking trails, and the infamous Mount Fuji, this area is not to be missed.

Hakone is renowned for its natural beauty and lovely local culture! Backpackers with a penchant for hiking will absolutely love it and any photographer will have a field day.

No matter how you prefer to travel, our Hakone itinerary will show you all the best in the area! Visit charming museums and outdoor art spaces that rival the best in the world. Take a trip up the mountains on hiking trails, cable cars, and trains! Experience an active volcano and the fascinating influence it has had on its surrounds over millennia!

Whether you’re visiting Hakone as a break from Tokyo, or because you’ve always wanted to see the iconic Mount Fuji, you will not be disappointed! It’s an ideal rejuvenating destination for solo travelers, families, and couples.

Pack walking shoes, sunscreen, your travel camera , and an extra memory card. You will need it for this adventure!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Avast Ye! Climb aboard Hakone’s Pirate Ships (a.k.a the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)

Be ye brave enough to sail Japanese waters? Until One Piece , pirates and Japan were two words that rarely went together. However, to everyone’s delight, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise has found another way to merge them together. Let’s give them a round of applause. Due to their efforts, visitors can climb aboard one of Hakone’s pirate ships, enjoy a stately sightseeing cruise around Lake Ashinoko, and maybe even find some treasure…

Lake Ashinoko is home to Hakone's pirate ships, courtesy of the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

What? Where?

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise rules the waters of Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko. Furthermore, it offers dreamy, lake-side views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone Shrine. The area itself is a notable tourist hotspot and is especially popular amongst those visiting Tokyo. Hakone is renowned for its hot springs , volcanic valley, ropeway, and shrines . In particular, the area’s volcanic valley, Owakundai, is well-known for its black eggs, which are carefully boiled in its volcanic waters. If you can, definitely try one. They’re good luck and taste, not unsurprisingly, like a slightly smoky egg.

As visitors descend the ropeway from Owakundai toward Lake Ashinoko, many are baffled by the sudden appearance of Hakone’s pirate ships. Initially, they are a very confusing sight. However, the ships are beautiful examples of 18th-century design and a great opportunity for some swashbuckling fun. In total, the ships dock at three ports. The recommended starting port is Motohakone-ko, which is close to the stately Hakone Shrine. From there, the ships dock at Todengai-ko, which is close to the volcanic valley . Finally, the ships dock at Hakonemachi-ko, which is a less exciting, general access point close to Hakone City.

The Origins of Hakone’s Pirate Ships

Surprisingly, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise owes its creation, in part, to Disneyland . Allow me to set the scene. It was the 1960s. As Japan’s economy started to pick up, so too did interest in new leisure activities. One fateful day, the company president embarked on a trip to Disneyland . Reportedly, he was inspired by the company’s creativity and success. After taking some time to think things over, he embarked on a new adventure: Western-style pirate ship cruises. Despite initial apprehension, the ships were a huge hit, especially among children. These days, nearly 2 million people board the ships each year.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise docks at three separate ports

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise: The Fleet

In total, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise maintains a fleet of three ships: a French flagship, a British battleship, and a luxury cruiser. Shockingly, each of them can hold up to 500 people. The Royal II , with its vivid red hull, is a reproduction of an 18th-century French flagship. Amongst its classical French décor, guests can seek out the ship’s trusty, wooden captain for a photo-op . Meanwhile, the Victory is a model of the infamous HMS Victory , an 18th-century British warship. The original was a pivotal participant in many key sea-faring battles. Its black and gold hull hides an intriguing secret: there be treasure on board. Finally, the Queen Ashinoko offers the best in sea-worthy refinement. It’s the most luxurious of the ships, and its most easily recognizable for its heavy use of gold accenting on its hull.

Whichever ship you should choose, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is a not-to-be-missed adventure. It’s a great way to traverse the area, take in its top sights , and have a ton of fun to boot.

Board Hakone's pirate ships and set sail with the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Name: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Address: Motohakone-ko is the recommended starting port; its address is 6–40 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0522 URL: https://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/foreign/en/ Post by Japan Journeys .

Hakone Pirate ships

Queen Ashinoko

The Hakone pirate ship cruise runs between the three ports of Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, and Togendai-ko. Three ships with different designs sail on the lake.

https://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/foreign/en/recommend/queen.php

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Lake Ashi Cruise

Hakone lake ashi | tranquilizing boat cruise.

Cruise on Lake Ashi provides a beautiful view of Lake Ashi, a lake formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano’s last eruption 3,000 years ago. Today, Lake Ashi is often pictured with Mount Fuji in the background as a symbol of Hakone. The best views of the lake in combination with Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed from Moto-Hakone, Hakone Detached Palace Garden, and from sightseeing boats cruising the lake. Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mt. Fuji, and you must consider yourself very lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Colder seasons and early mornings and late evenings often provide better views of the mountain. A boat cruise from one end of the lake to the other takes roughly 30 minutes. At the northern end of the lake, the Hayakawa River runs through Miyanoshita. The tranquilizing boat cruise is included in our most tours at Japan Deluxe Tours.

A boat cruise from one end of the lake to the other takes roughly 30 minutes. At the northern end of the lake, the Hayakawa River runs through Miyanoshita. The tranquilizing boat cruise is included in our most tours at Japan Deluxe Tours.

Hakone Lake Ashi | Related Pages

Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and famous for Hot Springs

Hakone Ropeway - Mt. Fuji View

Beautiful Scenery of Mt. Fuji from a different perspective

Famous for Odawara Castle and is known for cherry and plum blossoms

Japan's tallest mountain and its symbolic heart

Hakone Shrine

Hidden in the dense forest, but are well advertised by its huge torii gates

Open-Air Museum

First Open-Air Museum in Japan, Picasso Pavilion and Foot-Bath Hot-Spring

Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone

Owakudani Valley

Famous crater in Hakone and active volcanic zone

Hakone | Movie

Japan Here We Come

The Hakone Loop

If you’re looking to experience the very best that Hakone has to offer, then the Hakone Loop is a must-do adventure. This popular route allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and natural wonders of this enchanting region in Japan. It’s the perfect 1-day itinerary for Hakone.

The Hakone Loop is a scenic circuit that takes you on a journey through Hakone’s most iconic sights, including Lake Ashi, the Owakudani Valley, and the Hakone Shrine.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji.

You can travel along the loop in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. We did this counterclockwise, as did many others, but you are free to do this however you see fit.

Map of the Hakone Loop

Traveling along the Hakone Loop

The Hakone Loop is not merely about reaching the iconic sights such as the Hakone Shrine, but also about enjoying the journey as you navigate through the picturesque landscape.

The Hakone Loop consists of scenic train rides, a trip in a cable car over a volcanic valley, and a relaxing boat trip on the idyllic Lake Ashi.

Below we discuss exactly what you can expect when traveling along the Hakone Loop. We discuss everything in a counterclockwise direction since that is how we did it.

If you travel by JR to Hakone you will need to switch trains in Odawara station. This gives you the opportunity to quickly stop by Odawara Castle which is right next to the station. (take the east exit)

The castle dates back to the 15th century. It stands on a hilltop overlooking the city and is surrounded by a beautiful park with many cherry trees.

The castle can be visited and you can climb the main keep to the very top from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and even of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Next, continue your journey to Gora with the Hakone Tozan train. You first make your way to Hakone-Yumoto Station where you board a train for Gora.

The Hakone-Tozan train to Gora

The train ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway between Hakone Yumoto and Gora is a truly thrilling experience. It is a scenic journey through the lush forests and rolling hills of Hakone. The train gently chugs along the tracks, winding its way through tunnels and around curves, and the journey even incorporates some switchbacks, the only way to navigate the steep inclines.

The large windows of the train provide ample opportunities for you to capture the beauty of the passing scenery.

Along the way, several announcements will be made. You will learn more about the challenges encountered in building this railway and about the views you pass.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

The train to Gora passes the renowned Hakone Open-Air Museum. Art lovers who want to visit this unique museum need to get off at Chokokunomori Station.

The museum showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary artworks from both Japanese and international artists. The artworks are scattered throughout the lush greenery.

You can take a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured gardens and enjoy the sculptures as well as the natural beauty that surrounds you.

In addition to the outdoor exhibits, the museum also houses several indoor galleries and a Picasso exhibit.

Once you arrive in Gora you will need to transfer to the cable car. This is a piece of cake as the cable car shares the station with the train.

If you wish, you can stay on the cable car to the final stop, but we recommend stopping along the way for a short visit to Gora Park .

Gora Park is a meticulously landscaped garden nestled on the steep. mountainside. It features a stunning rose garden, several vibrant flower beds, and a traditional Japanese garden. The entrance is free for Hakone Freepass holders.

To visit the park you can get off at Koen-Kami Station or Koen-Shimo Station. From Koen-Kami you reach the highest entrance of the park and you can walk down to take the train back at Koen-Shimo.

Hakone Ropeway

The cable car stops at Sounzan Station where you board the Hakone Ropeway . The ropeway ascends to the Owakudani Station where you pass over the volcanic valley right before arriving at the middle station.

At this station you can witness the fascinating geological activity up close, with steam rising from the ground and the distinct smell of sulfur in the air. You can also taste the black eggs, a local specialty. The eggs are boiled in the hot springs and eating them is said to prolong one’s life.

From here you continue the journey with the 2nd part of the cable car to Lake Ashi.

From the cable car you are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding landscapes, including, on clear days, iconic Mount Fuji when approaching and leaving the middle station.

Once you arrive at Lake Ashi, you can choose to immediately board the pirate ship or first take a walk along the lake.

We walked from Togendai (the ropeway terminal) to Moto-Hakone and if you have the time we absolutely recommend it. It was a beautiful walk and the Kakuryu Shrine that you pass along the way is sort of a hidden gem in the Hakone area. It’s absolutely worth a visit.

With the pirate ship you set sail directly to Hakone-Machi or Moto-Hakone, skipping the Hakuryu Shrine and Komagatake ropeway. To visit those places you can either hike along the lakeshore or take the Odakyu Highway bus to Komagatake.

Since the bus only runs sporadically the 35 min walk will usually be the fastest option. It’s certainly the most scenic option.

Once past the ferry terminal, the walking path branches off from the road and from there to the base station of the Komagatake ropeway you walk along a separate trail surrounded by lush greenery with beautiful views of the lake.

First you pass the Hakuryū Shrine . Thanks to its location in the tranquil forest along the lakeshore the shrine is not only a place of worship but also a natural sanctuary.

Hakone Shrine is the popular choice among tourists, many skip the Hakuryū shrine. This results in a peaceful and serene atmosphere. We enjoyed leisurely walks along the serene pathways and immersed ourselves in the beauty of the surrounding nature. Unfortunately, the entrance fee is not covered by the Hakone Freepass.

From the Shrine it is not far to the Komagatake ropeway . If you continue along the trail you will automatically arrive at the base station.

On a clear day it is worth getting to the top for the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. (you get 10% off with the Hakone Freepass)

Here you have the choice of taking the Odakyu Highway bus and driving back to Togendai, where you started the walk, or walking another half hour to the Hakone Shrine.

There are also buses heading to Moto-Hakone but those are not covered by the Hakone Freepass.

Hakone Shrine

The Hakone Shrine is without a doubt one of the top attractions of the Hakone Loop. One of the most iconic features of this shrine is the picturesque Torii gate. Standing majestically in the waters of Lake Ashi it is the entrance to the shrine for those people arriving over water.

From the gate, a long flight of stairs leads up to the shrine’s main building, called Honden. The shrine is believed to bring blessings for safe travel, which can explain why it is such a popular destination for tourists.

If, like so many others, you want to take a photo of yourself posing in front of the Torii gate, you will have to be patient. When we were there there was a line of at least 50 people.

Moto-Hakone

From Hakone Shrine, you can reach Moto-Hakone in 15 minutes on foot. If you have not yet done the cruise, you can board the pirate ship here.

If you arrive here by boat this is the place to get off to visit the Hakone Shrine .

We boarded the pirate ship in Moto-Hakone and sailed to Togendai and from there back to Hakone-Machi.

It is ideal to end your trip in Hakone-Machi as you can then take the bus at the final stop and have a better chance of getting a seat. Moreover, you can also visit the Hakone Checkpoint there.

Hakone Checkpoint

The Hakone Checkpoint is located between Hakone-Machi and Moto-Hakone, the 2 stops of the pirate cruise on the southern edge of Lake Ashi.

The checkpoint dates back to the Edo period. It was managed by the Tokugawa Shogunate who wanted to have control over the trade along the Tokaido route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo).

The buildings have been reconstructed and you can see where people were checked and how cargo was weighed. Whenever the weight exceeded the legal limit extra taxes would be imposed. Security was also an important aspect, the shogunate wanted to be sure that no weapons were smuggled into Edo.

Onshi-Hakone Park

Walking through the checkpoint coming from Hakone-Machi you will arrive at Onshi-Hakone park.

On a clear and sunny day, it is definitely worth taking a stroll in the park. It features an observation platform from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop.

To reach the observation platform, follow LakeSide rd, on your left just before you reach the parking lot.

This is where the Hakone Loop ends.

If you are staying in Hakone for several days, our advice would be to book a hotel in the centrally located Gora. The ‘H’ bus travels between Hakone-Machi and Kowakidani where you board the train to Gora.

If you’re heading back to Tokyo you board the ‘K’ bus to Hakone-Yumoto where you then change to a train to Odawara and onwards to Tokyo.

Hakone Freepass

If you’re exploring the Hakone region, the Hakone Freepass is an excellent discount pass.

The pass provides unlimited access to all modes of transportation within the Hakone Loop and offers discounted admission to several popular attractions in the area.

It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to make the most of your visit. While the savings may not be significant for a day trip, the pass offers the convenience of not needing to purchase individual tickets repeatedly. It allows for seamless transfers between the various modes of transportation of the Hakone Loop.

The pass is valid for 2 or 3 days. If you’ll be spending more days in the region, your savings will increase.

Do you need more info? Read our full guide on the Hakone Freepass .

Book your Hakone Freepass: Buy on Klook

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Planning a great Hakone day trip

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: April 16, 2015 - Last updated: August 31, 2021

We decided that a Hakone day trip had to be included on our winter visit when we woke up one morning in Tokyo, flung open the curtains of our room at the Hotel New Otani and were greeted with an amazing view of Mt Fuji in the distance set against a clear blue sky. A few days later on another super clear morning, we jumped on an early bullet train and half an hour later we were in Odawara. We stopped into the information centre and picked up the ‘Hakone Free Pass’ and were on our way.

This pass was great value for us and there are a couple of versions to suit your travel needs. If you don’t have the JR Pass you can get the version that starts at Shinjuku in Tokyo, otherwise, jump on the Shinkansen to Odawara at Tokyo or Shinagawa stations and you’ll get there faster and save a few dollars.

The base pass is for 2 days but it’s still great value for a day trip, then there’s a 3-day version if you’re staying a couple of nights. The ticket we purchased was Y4000 (just over $43 Australian dollars). It covers all the transport you’ll need, the Tozan train and the cable car, the Hakone ropeway, a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi and a variety of buses between locations too. You can use all of them multiple times and in either direction. You also get discounts from dozens of museums, restaurants, onsen and other attractions by showing the pass.

>> Check latest prices for the Japan Rail Pass <<

We have another article on the site to give more information and to help you decide whether the Hakone Freepass is good value and if it might work well for you.

The variety of transport on this circuit and the amazing views they provide are a big part of this trip. We did the course anti-clockwise and if we did it again we would probably have doubled back after exploring the attractions at the southern end of the lake to enjoy the ropeway a second time. The bus was a faster way back to Odawara from Motohakone-ko but didn’t add much to the trip for us but we loved the ropeway and our time up the mountain.

>> Reviews and deals for the Hakone Freepass <<

Table of Contents

Hakone Tozan Train

Hakone tozan cable car, hakone ropeway, hakone sightseeing cruise, hakone checkpoint, there’s free wifi too, looking for a way to do mt fuji and hakone in one day, additional information for planning your trip to hakone.

We arrived at Odawara station on the Shinkansen but other JR local trains will get you to here too. We then took the Tozan train on the Odakyu line through to Gora. It’s a pretty standard older style train but very clean and comfortable as you come to expect in Japan. There are plenty of windows and we sat on the left-hand side which gave some gorgeous views as it meandered along its 40-minute route.

The train is built to climb the steep mountain slopes through the heavily planted area and over the 43-metre high Deyama Bridge. We’ve now been back through here in the autumn and I can imagine this route would be stunning in all seasons.

How gorgeous is the snow! Probably not so much if you live with it all the time but for someone from the sub-tropics it is a real highlight and had my camera out constantly. I had expected snow up the top of the rope-way but seeing it along the route was a definite bonus. The clear blue winter sky really made it extra special.

Hakone-Yumoto station is a popular stop on the Tozan Train route. This is the starting point if you arrive on the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku or about a 15-minute ride from Odawara if you arrived by Shinkansen or other JR train. It’s an adorable little town with some good restaurants along the main street.

You can follow the river to the Tamadare waterfall and Shogenji Temple or do an onsen experience at Hakone Yuryo as we did if you can fit it into your day. Either start here or end your day with a relaxing soak and dinner.

If you want to visit the Hakone open air museum , an outdoor art gallery and park then that is accessed along this route from the Tozan train. We visited it on a separate autumn visit and have included all the details you need and a load of photos to give you an idea of what to expect in the link.

Hakone Tozan Cable Car | 2 Aussie Travellers

From the train station in the onsen town of Gora you walk to the adjacent cable car station. It looked a pretty town and I’d have liked more time in our schedule to explore a little on foot. Once on the cable car, it’s only a 10-minute ride up the hill and the views along the way are stunning, make sure you get a seat by one of the huge windows. Then at the top of the cable car is the first rope-way station.

The ropeway was amazing, each carriage has huge windows that provide amazing views of the mountain and the valley below. The full ropeway from Sounzan to Lake Ashi takes 30 minutes but you’ll want to get off in the middle to explore Owakudani.

Three thousand years ago Mount Hakone erupted leaving a crater that is known today as Owakudani. The area remains an active volcanic region with hot rivers and springs and the ever-present smell from the sulphur fumes. It’s sometimes called Hell Valley which may be a throwback to the name O-Jigoku meaning ‘great hell’ which the area was known as around 150 years ago.

You can walk up to see the kuro-tamago (black eggs) being boiled in the natural springs, the minerals turn the shell black but inside it still looks like a normal boiled egg. Legend says eating one will extend your life 7 years but I couldn’t bring myself to do it, I hate everything about boiled eggs. There are plenty of weird and wonderful things I’ll eat on my travels but a boiled egg, well heck no! The legend also says you should eat no more than 2 so don’t go trying to make yourself immortal.

The view of Mt Fuji was unbelievably good from up here but I believe it does depend on the day. If you can pick a clear one it’s best, on a bad day Fuji-san might be off hiding in the clouds and you’ll never know it’s there.

I also loved this small Buddhist alter near the entrance to the walk up to the hot springs. The Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi who founded the Shingon sect in Japan visited this spot 1000 years ago, he prayed for those suffering in the hell realms and placed a statue of the Bodhisattva Jizo. Today the Enmei Jizouson Temple stands here.

Enmei Jizouson Temple | 2 Aussie Travellers

From Togendai the pirate boat cruises the length of Lake Ashi to Moto-Hakone-Ko. The views of Mt Fuji are also pretty stunning from the lake but the day was starting to cloud over as the afternoon progressed. I would imagine in other seasons the hillsides would be really pretty but with just a dusting of winter snow, they were quite brown and bare.

Hakone Lake Cruise | 2 Aussie Travellers

At the southern end of Lake Ashi is the Hakone Checkpoint. During the Edo period, this was an important checkpoint on the Tokaido highway that linked Tokyo and Kyoto. Recent work has restored it to a structure consistent with that time with gates, fencing, a lookout, prison and housing as it would have been for the officers and soldiers during that time.

Also further on from here is the cedar walk, a segment of the old Tokaido highway. There was a good covering of snow on the ground so it wasn’t possible to tell on the day we went but I believe some of the original highway stone paving is visible here during most of the year.

A bit further on again you’ll come to the Hakone Jinja (Shinto shrine). It’s set into the forest but you’ll see the torii gates as you approach from the Moto-Hakone road. Once inside walk down to the lake and you’ll see a ‘floating’ torii, it’s much smaller but a similar concept to the one at Miyajima island.

We pretty much called it a day from here and headed back using the local bus service which was also covered by the pass. With a day trip during the short days of winter, it was difficult to fit much more in. We are slow travellers, love a bit of a detour and did spend longer than we planned at Owakudani. We decided to stop for lunch up the top of the mountain there as the views out to Mt Fuji were just so good.

We went back on another trip to visit the Hakone Open Air Museum (art gallery) as we ran out of time to loop back as we planned to at the end of the day. Also an overnight trip would allow you to make use of the hot spring onsens that the area is renowned for, several of the hotels have these available for guests. I’ve shared information on our Hakone Onsen experience and it is practical to add this and dinner to the end of your day’s sightseeing even if you’re returning to Tokyo or on to Kyoto.

You might have noticed that free Wifi isn’t as easily available in Japan as it is in many western countries. This had been a surprise to me given how technologically advanced Japan is. There are personal wifi options for travellers and some free connections available if you know where to look. We now choose to carry personal WIFI that works across our phones, tablets and computer across Japan. This WIFI service is a good option for many travellers and can be quickly collected from the airport when you arrive and dropped back as you leave

If you choose to use the free options when they are available then the Hakone day trip will make it a little easier for you to look up information or share those gorgeous pictures of your day on Instagram during the day using the Odakyu Free Wifi. There are blue signs with the international wifi symbol showing where it’s available but it’s at the various stations, ports and on the boat as you go around the course.

Travelling independently our experience is that Hakone and Mt Fuji require a minimum of a day each in order to see enough to really enjoy it. Sometimes though time is really limited and you just don’t know when you will have the chance to be back.

If that’s the case then there is a recommended tour option that includes the highlights of both Mt Fuji and Hakone. The tour picks you up from a variety of locations in Tokyo, you make the trip up to Mt Fuji’s 5th station for its incredible views, cruise in on Lake Ashi, and ride the ropeway taking in the unique perspective on stunning views of Hakone and Mt Fuji. The tour includes lunch and transfers back to Tokyo.

We have a few extra resources to help you plan your trip to Hakone.

Our route and an assessment of when the Hakone Free Pass is good value
Our experience at a traditional onsen in Hakone during the autumn season
Tips for planning your trip to see the outdoor art display at the Hakone Open Air Museum
The tips you need to get the most out of the transport system in Japan
Our Japan Guide linking you up with all the information, tips and suggestions you need to know

Have you visited the Hakone area either on a day trip or longer stay? If you have a moment please leave a comment below to share your thoughts on your experience and your favourite spots in the area.

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Saturday 18th of January 2020

Hello 2AT, thank you so much for your great posts! I will be traveling with my husband and 2 sons, ages 24 and 18 to Japan during the 2020 Olympics. We want to take one of the days from Tokyo to do a day trip to Hakone. Obviously, we anticipate big crowds. We think the Hakone Free Pass is the best choice, even though we will only be there one day and return to Tokyo in the evening. What happens if the trains are full? Do we catch the next one? Also, where is the absolute best view of Mt. Fuji? That is our main objective, since we will not have much time there. I appreciate your feedback. Vivian

Toni Broome

Hi Vivian, I think you are right that it will be very busy during the Olympics but it's much harder to predict how that will impact outside Tokyo than normal seasonal peaks. I would pre-book the romance-car or another train between Tokyo and Odawara/Hakone that way you know you are going to get there and back on your own timetable. The Hakone transport on the loop using the pass is just a case of waiting for the next one if it is full, it's less of an issue on the trains and buses but there is often a bit of a queue as they are loading up the cable car (due to be reopened in March after the typhoon damage) and at the ropeway stations but it moves quite quickly.

There are many places to view Fuji but all of them depend on the day and with the Olympics being in summer that is less likely to be a clear day although it changes frequently, our best view was from Owakudani near the geothermal area at the top of the ropeway but when we arrived it wasn't visible due to clouds, when they cleared just a few minutes later it was a stunning from up there. On Lake Ashi and from the shores around the lake is another top spot. Both are on the circuit with the Hakone Freepass.

IFTEKHAR I ASIF

Thursday 26th of December 2019

Thanks for the post. I am going on a day trip this new year's vacation. I will follow this blog.

Anyway, I have a question. If I take a 2-day pass & come back to Shinjuku that day, then can I use the same pass the next day? I am not getting this information anywhere. So, if you know please let me know before 30th December. Thanks!

At this stage (December 2019) the Tozan Cablecar is not operating due to damage to the track that occurred during a major typhoon in the late summer. Odakyu are operating an alternative bus between Gora station and Sounzan Station. This is expected to continue until late March 2020. The bus fare is included in the Hakone Freepass. Changes to services can be seen on the official site.

The 2-day pass includes 2 days of transport in the Hakone area but one return trip to Tokyo.

Travel in pictures

Thursday 5th of September 2019

Thanks for sharing. We went to Japan with the kids and it was amazing.

Tuesday 2nd of April 2019

Hi, Great post!! We are visiting Japan next week and will have a JR pass. Does this cover all the transport options you mention in your day trip? Thanks viv

Hi Viv. The JR Pass covers very little of Hakone. JR or Japan Railways is the National train company and operate most of the intercity routes and bullet trains in addition to some routes in city areas. There are also many smaller railway companies that cover smaller areas and provide commuter and/or tourist services in those areas. In Hakone that is Odakyu which is why their 'Hakone Free Pass' can be a good option for visiting here and saving money if you are doing the loop or moving around quite a bit. With your JR pass you will probably want to take the bullet train as far as Odawara (the JR Hakone stop) but from there will need individual tickets or the Hakone Free Pass. Odawara is a hub station, both JR and Odakyu use it. I'll link another article that shows a value calculation on the pass, this was based mostly on one of our first trips there where we also use the JR pass as far as Odawara.

Thursday 7th of March 2019

Hi, This article and the Hakone Freepass value was extremely informative. It has helped me plan my Hakone itinerary very well. I have one doubt though - All through your Hakone trip(Odawara-Gora-Sounsan-Togendai circuit), you do not mention the Fuji 5th station. Is this a deviation? I would like to include this also in the aforesaid circuit. Can you advise please?

While you can see Fuji really well from points around the circuit you aren't actually that close to it so it doesn't form part of the Hakone circuit. If you were going to do both destinations in a couple of days the Fuji Hakone Pass would be better than the Hakone free pass for that. By preference, if doing it independently I'd go directly from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko then take the bus from outside the train station (just under an hour) to the Fuji 5th station.

Hakone Round Course

A popular and attractive way of visiting Hakone is by circling the region with five different means of transport (train, cablecar, ropeway, boat and bus), using the Hakone Free Pass .

The round course outlined below starts and ends in Hakone-Yumoto and circles the Hakone region in the counter-clockwise direction. Of course, it is also possible to follow the course in the opposite direction or to start and end somewhere different.

If you leave early in the morning, it is possible to completed the Hakone round course in a one day trip from Tokyo . However, we recommend allocating two days and one night to your visit, preferably with a stay at a ryokan with hot spring baths.

Hakone-Yumoto to Gora

Gora to Sounzan

Sounzan to Togendai

Togendai to Hakone- machi

Hakone-machi to Moto- Hakone

Moto-Hakone to Hakone- Yumoto

Getting there and around.

How to get to and around Hakone

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Odakyu electric railway, hakone tozan, hakone tozan bus, hakone sightseeing boat, hakone ropeway, hotels around hakone.

Hakone / Odawara Sceneries

JAN 29.2019

APR 12.2023

Swamps・Lakes
Pleasure Boats・Ferries

Cruise Hakone's Lake Ashi on a Pirate Ship! Nearby Spots & Ticket Deals

Hakone is a hot springs town located about two hours by train from Tokyo. The town sits by Lake Ashi, and cruising the lake is a popular sightseeing activity. One unique and fun way you can cruise Lake Ashi is by a pirate ship. The ship departs at Hakone’s three ports: Togendai Port, Moto-Hakone Port and Hakone-machi Port. Keep reading to learn more about the pirate ship cruises, buying tickets, nearby attractions and more.

【Related Article】 Read about the Hakone Free Pass, and how it can help you travel Hakone on a budget↓↓ Travel Hakone on a Budget! Using the Hakone Free Pass (with Prices & Courses)

Kanagawa < Hakone / Odawara

Travel Hakone on a Budget! Using the Hakone Free Pass (with Prices & Courses) What kind of transportation would you use to travel from Tokyo to Hakone? How about trying the transportation unique to Hakone on your trip, including the dream train of Romance Car, pirate ships and the Hakone Ropeway?

Hot Springs, Public Baths

About the Hakone Pirate Ships

Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji

The Hakone Pirate Ships began operating in 1964. These ships tour Lake Ashi, which is located at the foot of Mount Hakone.

The 3 Hakone Pirate Ships of Lake Ashi

There are three different pirate ships to choose from: Royal II, Victory and Vasa.

1. The Royale II

The first Hakone Pirate Ship: "The Royale II"

The Royal II ship models the 18th century French battleship Royal Louis. It has a beautiful red exterior, and its details (such as the hall in the rear of the ship) accurately resembles that of Royal Louis.

In the ship, you can find figures of sailors and a realistic steering wheel.

2. The Victory

The second Hakone Pirate Ship: "The Victory"

Victory models the 18th century English battleship Victory, which fought many battles such as the Battle of Trafalgar.

Both Royal II and Victory have elevators inside, making them a more accessible option.

3. The Vasa

The Vasa and Mount Fuji over Lake Ashi in Hakone

The third Hakone Pirate Ship: "The Vasa"

Vasa is inspired by the 17th century Swedish warship Vasa, which was made by King Gustavus Adolphus. The ship is lavishly decorated with stained glass windows and sculptures.

Pirate looking through a telescope

On the observatory deck, you can find a figure of a pirate looking through a telescope. On Vasa, too, are many figures of pirates.

3 Ports to Board the Hakone Pirate Ships

The Hakone Pirate Ships can be boarded from three of Hakone’s ports: Hakone-machi Port, Moto-Hakone Port and Togendai Port.

1. Hakone-machi Port

Victory and a sign reading Hakone-machi Port

Hakone-machi Port is accessible via the Hakone Tozan Bus and the Tokai Bus Orange Shuttle. Nearby, you can find the Hakone Ekiden Museum.

Hakone Ekiden Museum

The Hakone Ekiden Museum is dedicated to the Hakone Ekiden collegiate relay race, which is held every January. The race is a popular New Year’s tradition, and at this museum, visitors can learn about the race’s history, see displays of the uniforms worn and more.

There is a café and a souvenir ship at the Hakone Ekiden Museum, where you can relax before or after the pirate ship cruise.

About a 5-minute walk from Hakone-machi Port, you can find the Hakone Sekisho, which was a significant checkpoint during the Edo Period (1603 – 1867). The checkpoint buildings today are a reconstruction of its original form.

The inspection sites at Hakone Sekisho are very accurately depicted. The facility will have you feeling as if you have slipped back into the Edo Period.

2. Moto-Hakone Port

Moto-Hakone Port

Moto-Hakone Port locates about a 10-minute ship ride from Hakone-machi Port. Near Moto-Hakone Port, you can find Hakone Shrine.

Hakone Shrine

The torii gate of the shrine sits by Lake Ashi. The gate is named the “Torii of Peace”.

“Torii of Peace” at Hakone Shrine

Next to Hakone Shrine is Kuzuryu Shrine. Visiting the two shrines is said to bring good fortune.

【Related Article】 Read more about the spiritual hotspots - Hakone Shrine & Kuzuryu Shrine↓↓ Guidance for Ryo-sha Mairi to Hakone Shrine & Kuzuryu Shrine

Torii or Gateway to Hakone Shrine seen from Lake Ashino

Guidance for Ryo-sha Mairi to Hakone Shrine & Kuzuryu Shrine If you travel to the Hakone area, visiting the shrines is a must. If you visit Hakone Shrine, which is famous as one of Kanto's most important spiritual energy sites, why not extend your visit to "Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu".

Shrines & Temples

View of Hakone Shrine's torii and Mount Fuji

Kuzuryu Shrine

3. Togendai Port

Togendai Port

Togendai Port is about a 25-minute ship ride from Moto-Hakone Port. Togendai Station, for the Hakone Ropeway, is connected to the port.

Owakudani Valley

Hop on the ropeway for about 20 minutes, and you’ll reach Owakudani Valley. The views there are incredible, with the vast horizon and the steam and smoke rising from the ground.

Make sure to try out kuro-tamago, a naturally cooked egg that is black due to the chemical reaction of the volcanic gasses.

Kojiri-enchi Park

About a 3-minute walk from Owakudani Valley, you can find Kojiri-enchi Park. Here, you can delve in Hakone’s rich nature.

Hakone Ropeway

Getting Tickets for Hakone Pirate Ships

For those planning to ride both the Hakone Pirate Ship and the Hakone Ropeway, there is a set ticket deal. You can purchase roundtrip tickets for both the Hakone Pirate Ship and the Hakone Ropeway for a total of ¥3,400.

Without the set deal, the one-way ride from Hakone-machi Port or Moto-Hakone Port to Togendai Port is ¥1,000. A round trip ticket for the Hakone Pirate Ship is ¥1,840, and ¥2,550 for the ropeway, adding up to a total of ¥4,390. You can save ¥990 by purchasing the roundtrip tickets together!

*Prices as of February 2019.

For those traveling to Hakone by train or bus and staying overnight, the Hakone Free Pass is a great option.

With the purchase of the Hakone Free Pass, you can ride on Odakyu trains, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Pirate Ship, and Hakone Bus. You can choose between the 2 or 3-day pass.