lake ashinoko pirate cruise

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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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 Pirate Boat (Hakone Sightseeing Boat)

• www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp
• 0460-84-8618
• Hakone Freepass , FUJI HAKONE PASS +1

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise offers sightseeing boats that sail around Lake Ashinoko, a popular spot in Hakone. There are three boats: Royal II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, and passengers can board the cruise at any of the three ports along the edge of the lake. Those ports are Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, or Togendai-ko. We recommend the cruise that leaves from Motohakone-ko, as you can view Mt. Fuji, a large torii gate, and Lake Ashinoko all at once. Passengers can enjoy majestic views on sunny days, when the contrast between the blue sky and the sparkling surface of the lake is very beautiful.

Purchase a Hakone Free Pass to cover the public transportation costs to Lake Ashi and purchase discounted tickets for the boat tour.

Hakone Pirate Boat (Hakone Sightseeing Boat) at night

Fireworks cruises operate on the eve of the Setsubun Festival on February 2 and during the Lake Ashinoko Summer Festival Week from July 31 to August 5 every year. Enjoy the fireworks as they spread across the night sky while you feel the sound of the fireworks echoing off the mountains.

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Essential Information

Check the official website for the latest information.

• 181 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun
• TEL:+81-460-83-6325
• E-mail: [email protected]
• https://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/

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• www.hakonenavi.jp Official website

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• 1, Nihon-odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
• + 81-45-210-1111

Hakone Freepass

Hakone Freepass makes it convenient to go around the Hakone area with additional discounts, and includes 8 tickets such as for trains, buses, cable car, and ropeway.

FUJI HAKONE PASS

Fuji Hakone Pass is exclusive to non-Japanese visitors. It covers excursion travel in the popular Fuji and Hakone areas from Tokyo (Only Shinjuku Station) on the Odakyu Line or Chuo Highway Bus.

HAKONE KAMAKURA PASS

HAKONE KAMAKURA PASS allows you to explore major tourist spots, Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura. It offers unlimited rides on all Odakyu Lines and includes all of the services provided in “Hakone Freepass” and “Enoshima-Kamakura pass”, which are popular among visitors from abroad. In addition to unlimited rides, you can receive special services at about 70 facilities such as art museums and gift shops in Hakone and Enoshima-Kamakura area by presenting this pass.

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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…

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: 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.

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 .

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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 Pirate Ship

Cruise along Ashinoko Lake in this pirate ship-inspired boat

This boat is based on the sailing war vessels of the 18th century, and connects Togendai on the north shore, Moto-Hakone on the east shore and Hakone-machi on the south shore. Offers great views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone while relaxing in grand fashion while sightseeing on the lake.

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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 Lake Ashi Cruise: Ultimate 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 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

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 Machi 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 the Hakone lake Ashi 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.

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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Guest author

Kristine Eksteine-Nizka is a guest author of Wanderlust Designers. She has lived in 4 countries and has visited over 200 places in 30 countries, all while holding a full-time job or studying, and is determined to inspire and teach others to do the same.

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• Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko 芦ノ湖

Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

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A caldera lake with a lakeshore torii gate, picture-perfect views, and pirate ships

• Views of Mt Fuji — both the real thing and its reflection on the lake
• The magnificent Hakone Shrine
• The forest around the former Imperial summer palace

How to Get There

You can get to Ashinoko by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Buses connect Hakone-Yumoto with Motohakone-ko on the southern shore of Ashinoko, and take approximately 35 minutes.

Go for a leisurely boat ride

Go for a ride on one of the pirate ships run by Hakone Sightseeing Boats, and you'll be treated to some amazing scenery. Stopping at the ports of Moto-Hakone, Togendai, and Hakone-machi, you can sightsee and visit attractions on the lakeshore.

If you would rather explore the lake at a more leisurely pace, there are also swan paddle boats available for hire.

See the magnificent Hakone Shrine

One of the biggest destinations around Ashinoko is Hakone Shrine. The iconic red torii gate can be seen from boat tours, standing right on the lakeshore, but the rest of the shrine is hidden by forest. The main buildings of the shrine are painted a striking red.

Explore the former summer palace of the Imperial Family

Located between Motohakone and Hakonemachi on the southern shore of Ashinoko is the Hakone Detached Palace, which once served as the summer palace for the Japanese Imperial Family. The site is now a beautiful park known as Onshi Hakone Park with many walking trails and scenic views of the lake.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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