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Hakone Ashinoko (Lake Ashi) Boat Cruise

Hakone Ashinoko(Lake Ashi) Boat Cruise have double hulls, so they have superior stability and twice the width.

The observation deck in particular provides 360-degree views. You can take a 30-minute excursion from the port at Hakone Sekisho-ato Port or the Moto-hakone Port. You can tour the southern half of Lake Ashinoko and view the Hakone Sekisho(Checkpoint) and the red torii archway of Hakone-jinja Shrine from on board the boat. On clear days, you can view Mt. Fuji, which is a registered world cultural heritage site, as you enjoy your short trip on the lake at Hakone. Regularly scheduled boats link the four ports of the Hakone Sekisho-ato Port, Moto-hakone Port, Hakone-en Port, and Kojiri Port. *In the event of thick fog, strong wind, or other inclement weather, boat schedules may be altered or trips canceled.

Hakone Travel Ideas

Hakone hachiri.

Visiting Japan Heritage

Forest Adventure

Glide through the trees and nature

Hakone Geisha Event

Hakone is one of the most famous places to see and meet Geisha. There are events throughout the year to give visitors a chance to see, interact, and experience this amazing part of Japanese culture and history.

ONSEN AND TATTOOS

If you are inked there are still many wonderful opportunities

Tenzan Hot Springs

A wonderful day use onsen in Hakone for those looking for a traditional and refined atmosphere.

Sengoku Golf Course

Hakone has mountain trails and views for everyone

If you are inked there are still many wonderful opportunities to enjoy the Japanese hot spring in Hakone

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Guide to Japan

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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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.

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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?

departing on a sightseeing cruise lake ashi japan hakone

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 on Lake Ashi: 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

lake ashi sightseeing cruise pirate ship onboard hakone japan

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

view of lake Ashi iwth traditional ships

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

lake ashi sightseeing cruise pirate ship hakone japan in the port

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 the Ashi lake cruise 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.

arriving on a sightseeing cruise lake ashi japan hakone

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

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Tours from Tokyo

Most frequently asked questions.

 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.
Tel: +81 50-3701-6391
Email: [email protected]
Working Hours: 8am-7pm, (Japan)
Tel: +1-6265617117
Working Hours: 8am-7pm, Pacific Time

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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.

Information

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)

Official Website *Information may be in Japanese.

https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-kankosen/

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Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

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A Hakone Sightseeing Cruise ship crossing lake Ashi

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise by Cha (CC BY 3.0)

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is a sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi in Hakone Japan. There are currently 3 routes that cross the lake. The longest route takes approximately 30 min. The "Key" reason most people take the cruise is to get a good look or "photo" of Mt. Fuji in the background and or the Autumn colors in the fall. The ships themselves are decorated as old time Pirate ships (just "decorated" only... they are modern ships). On weekends and during Japanese holidays the ships can get quite packed... and possibly hard to find a good position (unless you quickly get a spot when you get on). The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise serves the 3 ports of Togendai-ko, Hakonemachi-ko, and Motohakone-ko on Lake Ashi.

Closest Train Station: Togendai

164 Motohakone, Ashigarashimo District Hakone, Kanagawa 250-0522 Japan

Leaves from the pier close to Togendai Station.

Find a train route and times by Hyperdia & Jorudan

Departure or Arrival time

Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2024 2025 2026

3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm 12 am 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am 12 pm 1 pm 2 pm 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

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Hours & Fees

Hours: First ship leaves around 9:00 a.m., Last around 5:00 p.m.

Closed: Never, view the Timetable on Official Site.

Cost: 13+: One Way 1,000 yen, RT 1,840 yen | Under 13: One Way 500 yen, RT 910 yen | If you want a private cabin, +500 - +800 yen. Other discounts tickets available.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.

Website: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Homepage

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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.

Other activities

Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko (��m��, Ashinoko) was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone . The lake's shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels.

The best views of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from Moto-Hakone (a few steps south from the sightseeing boat pier), from the Hakone Detached Palace Garden and from the sightseeing boats cruising the lake.

Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji , and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Two companies, Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Ashinoko Sightseeing Boats, operate boats from Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi at the lake's southern shores to Togendai at the lake's northern end (25-40 minutes, 1200 yen one way) and Hakone-en at the eastern shore (15-30 minutes, 780 yen one way). The Hakone Free Pass is valid on the pirate ship-shaped Hakone Sightseeing Boats but not on the Ashinoko Sightseeing Boats to/from Hakone-en.

Getting there and around

From odawara and hakone-yumoto.

Frequent buses connect Odawara via Hakone-Yumoto with Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi at the southern end of Lake Ashinoko. The one way journey from Odawara takes about 50 minutes and costs 1340 yen. From Hakone-Yumoto it takes about 35 minutes and costs 1080 yen. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on Hakone Tozan buses (bus line H) but not on Izuhakone buses (bus line Z).

There is also a frequently served Hakone Tozan Bus line from Odawara via Hakone-Yumoto to Togendai at the northern end of Lake Ashinoko (bus line T). The one way journey from Odawara takes about 50 minutes, costs 1440 yen and is covered by the Hakone Free Pass . From Hakone-Yumoto it takes about 35 minutes and costs 1180 yen.

A slow and scenic way of approaching Lake Ashinoko from Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto is taking the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora, followed by a cablecar and ropeway ride to Togendai at the northern end of of the lake. From Togendai one can continue by sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi. The whole journey is covered by the Hakone Free Pass .

From Mishima

There are buses from Mishima Station to Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone (bus line N, operated by Numazu Tozan Tokai Bus) every hour. The one way journey from Mishima to Moto-Hakone takes about 50 minutes and costs 1050 yen. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on these buses.

From Gotemba

There are two buses per hour between Gotemba Station and the northern and eastern shores of Lake Ashinoko (bus lines V and W, operated by Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus). The one way journey from Gotemba to Togendai takes about 30 minutes and costs 1040 yen. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on these buses.

There are buses (operated by Izuhakone Bus) from Atami Station to Hakone-machi every hour. The one way journey takes about 60 minutes and costs 1290 yen. The Hakone Free Pass is not valid on Izuhakone buses.

How to get to and around Hakone

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hakone sightseeing boats, ashinoko sightseeing boats, 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.