Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sail across Lake Ashi on a unique pirate ship, enjoying stunning mountain views and the iconic Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for Mt. Fuji views
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Best Time
Best chance for Mt. Fuji views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sail across Lake Ashi on a unique pirate ship, enjoying stunning mountain views and the iconic Mt. Fuji on clear days.
"The cruise is well worth the travel, offering very nice scenery and a decent, comfortable ride."
🎯 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Essential for unlimited rides on cruise, ropeway, buses & more! Saves money and hassle .
☁️ Check Mt. Fuji Forecast
Clear skies are crucial for iconic Fuji views. Plan your cruise accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi
Sail across Lake Ashi on a unique pirate-themed ship, enjoying stunning mountain vistas and the iconic red torii gate.
Views of Mount Fuji
Lake Ashi
On clear days, the cruise offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Mount Fuji, a truly unforgettable sight.
Hakone Shrine Torii Gate
Lake Ashi
Catch a glimpse of the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing serenely in the water from the cruise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hakone Free Pass is Your Best Friend
Timing is Key for Mt. Fuji Views
Check the weather forecast and aim for mornings or late afternoons for potentially clearer skies and softer light.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Essential for unlimited rides on cruise, ropeway, buses & more! Saves money and hassle.
☁️ Check Mt. Fuji Forecast
Clear skies are crucial for iconic Fuji views. Plan your cruise accordingly!
🚢 Pirate Ship Fun
Embrace the unique pirate ship theme for a fun experience, especially with kids.
💺 First Class vs. Ordinary
First class offers more space, but ordinary decks have shaded outdoor seating with unobstructed views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Essential for unlimited rides on cruise, ropeway, buses & more! Saves money and hassle.
☁️ Check Mt. Fuji Forecast
Clear skies are crucial for iconic Fuji views. Plan your cruise accordingly!
🚢 Pirate Ship Fun
Embrace the unique pirate ship theme for a fun experience, especially with kids.
💺 First Class vs. Ordinary
First class offers more space, but ordinary decks have shaded outdoor seating with unobstructed views.
🚶♀️ Cruise as Transport
Use the cruise to conveniently travel between lake ports, saving time.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Cruise
Your furry friends can enjoy the scenic ride too!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers generally find the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise to be a pleasant and scenic experience, especially as part of the larger Hakone Loop. The pirate ship theme adds a unique touch, and the views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, Mount Fuji are highly praised. While some find the cruise itself brief, it's considered a worthwhile and convenient mode of transport between lake attractions.
"It's a pretty quick cruise not that expensive. Very nice scenery. Boats are very nice and well maintained. It's a big day from Tokyo on trains, cable car, ropeway, boat, bus and train again. A good day out in the country hills."
Haydn Collins
"The boats are simple yet, very well designed. If you want to grab a simple meal or a beer, you can do so on-board. The crossing ride is only 15 minutes but it's well worth the travel. Very quiet."
Gabriel
"The ferry service to get from one side of the lake to the other is quite useful. It is much nicer than riding the bus, and the views along the way are great. I could pass on the fake pirate theme, but it doesn't hurt for the kids. They push getting the first class tickets, but I didn't see much of an advantage when we were there with low congestion. It might be worth the space if the ship is crowded."
Bill Reichman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Line to Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara Station. From there, you can utilize the Hakone Free Pass to access various transportations, including buses that lead to the cruise ports like Togendai-ko or Motohakone-ko.+1
If arriving from Kyoto, Odawara Station is a major Shinkansen stop. From Odawara, you can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone-Yumoto or other areas. The Hakone Free Pass can be activated at Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto.
Yes, if you plan to use multiple modes of transport like the cruise, ropeway, and buses, the Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended for cost savings and convenience.
Absolutely! The Hakone Free Pass includes unlimited rides on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, making it an integral part of the Hakone loop experience.
It typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Hakone from Tokyo by train, depending on your starting point and the specific route taken.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cruise is often included with the Hakone Free Pass. If purchased separately, a single ride is relatively inexpensive, but the pass offers better value for exploring the area.
Advance booking is generally not required for the standard cruise tickets, especially if you have the Hakone Free Pass. However, for specific events or peak seasons, it's advisable to check their official website.
Operating hours vary by season and the specific pirate ship. It's best to check the official Hakone Sightseeing Cruise website or your Hakone Free Pass guide for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, there are ordinary and first-class tickets. While first-class offers more space, ordinary decks provide excellent unobstructed views and shaded seating.
Yes, you can purchase the Hakone Free Pass at major Odakyu stations like Shinjuku, or at Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto stations. Some online platforms like Klook also offer pre-booking with station pickup.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The actual cruise across Lake Ashi is quite short, typically around 15-30 minutes, but it's a scenic and enjoyable part of the Hakone loop.
You can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, and on clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji.
Yes, the pirate ship theme is particularly appealing to children, making it a fun and engaging experience for families.
Yes, you can purchase simple meals, snacks, and drinks on board the cruise ships.
The main ports are Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, and Togendai-ko, allowing you to board or disembark at various points around Lake Ashi.
📸 📸 Photography
The open decks offer unobstructed views. Try to capture the torii gate and Mt. Fuji from the sides of the ship as you approach or leave the ports.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and potentially clearer views of Mt. Fuji. Weekdays can also mean fewer people in your shots.
Yes, on clear days, the cruise offers excellent vantage points for photographing Mount Fuji. Be patient and keep an eye on the weather.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash in enclosed areas.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're serious about landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will love the novelty of sailing on a 'pirate' vessel. The cruise is also a convenient way to travel between attractions, reducing the amount of walking for little ones. Consider packing some snacks, though food is available for purchase onboard.💰 Budget Travelers
While first-class tickets on the cruise cost more, the ordinary decks offer great views at a lower price.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The open decks of the cruise ship provide unobstructed views, perfect for landscape shots. The iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine is another must-capture subject. Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for beautiful lighting.🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hakone Loop: More Than Just a Cruise
Beyond the cruise, the loop allows you to experience diverse landscapes, from lush forests to volcanic valleys. The ropeway, in particular, provides dramatic views and a unique perspective on the active volcanic area of Owakudani, where you can even try the famous black eggs said to prolong life.
Many travelers find the Hakone Loop to be a full-day excursion, especially when starting from Tokyo. It's a fantastic way to see a lot in a single day without the stress of individual ticket purchases for each segment. The variety of transport methods keeps the journey engaging and offers different scenic perspectives throughout the day.
Navigating the Cruise Ports and Onboard Experience
Each port offers access to different attractions and onward transportation options. Motohakone-ko is often a popular stop due to its proximity to the Hakone Shrine and its iconic torii gate. Togendai-ko is typically where the Hakone Ropeway terminates, making it a convenient transfer point.Onboard, the ships are designed with a distinctive pirate theme, which can be a fun novelty, especially for younger travelers.
While the cruise itself is relatively short, you can purchase snacks, drinks, and even simple meals to enjoy during the journey.When it comes to seating, there's a choice between ordinary and first-class tickets. While first-class might offer more personal space, some reviewers note that the ordinary decks provide excellent, unobstructed views from outdoor tiers, some of which are covered, offering shade without glass interference.
The Allure of Ryokans and Onsens in Hakone
The onsen experience is a significant draw, with many ryokans boasting private or communal hot spring baths. These mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties and offer a deeply relaxing experience, often enjoyed amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
While the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise can be enjoyed as part of a day trip from Tokyo, spending a night or two in a ryokan allows for a more immersive and leisurely exploration of Hakone's cultural and natural attractions. It's a chance to truly unwind and experience the serene side of Japan.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit