Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship)
箱根海賊船
A sightseeing cruise ship on Lake Ashi, its ornate and elaborate appearance catching the eye. Connecting the three ports of Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone, it's one of Hakone's signature scenic cruises, offering views from the deck of Mount Fuji, the Hakone mountains, and Hakone Shrine's vermilion torii on the lakeshore. Three ships modeled on 18th-century sailing vessels — the Queen Ashinoko, Royal II, and Victory — are in service, and the roughly 25- to 40-minute one-way routes also serve as a convenient way to travel between the Owakudani/Togendai area and the Moto-Hakone/Hakone-machi area. Combined with the Hakone Ropeway, visitors can complete a full loop from Owakudani to the shores of Lake Ashi using only vehicles.
Three pirate ships and their routes
Currently in service are three ships modeled on 18th-century European ships of the line: the Queen Ashinoko, Royal II, and Victory. Each features elaborate carvings and decoration on its exterior, along with a shop and observation deck on board. The routes connect Hakone-machi Port and Moto-Hakone Port from Togendai Port, crossing Lake Ashi in roughly 25-40 minutes one way.
Mount Fuji and the torii viewed from the deck
On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen rising beyond Lake Ashi from the deck, and as the ship approaches the Moto-Hakone area, Hakone Shrine's great torii, floating on the lake, comes into view. Visibility is especially good from autumn into winter, when the air is crisp, making it a popular photo spot.
A starting point for a loop tour
Combined with the Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Tozan Cable Car, visitors can enjoy Hakone's classic loop route, traveling by vehicle alone from Gora through Owakudani and Togendai to Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
A season when the contrast between the lakeshore's fresh greenery and Mount Fuji's remaining snow is beautiful.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The air turns crisp, making this an ideal season for viewing Mount Fuji clearly.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The air is crisp and Mount Fuji is easy to see, but the lake can be windy and cold, so dress warmly.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- 25-40 minutes one way (boarding only)
- Crowd levels
- Lines can form to board during the autumn-leaf season and on weekend and holiday afternoons
- Best time to visit
- Morning in autumn or winter, when the air is crisp and Mount Fuji is easy to see
| Address | 6-40 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (Moto-Hakone Port) |
|---|---|
| Hours | About 9:00-17:00 (varies by season and sailing; suspended in bad weather) |
| Admission | One way: adults about ¥3,000, children about ¥1,300 (varies by route and cabin class; revised October 2025) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 40 min walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus bound for "Moto-Hakone Port" or "Hakone-machi Port," get off right there)