Hakone Sightseeing Cruise | The Complete Riding Guide
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is undeniably one of the top must-visit attractions when traveling in Hakone, and boarding the iconic "Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Hakone Pirate Ship)" is hands down the best way to explore this scenic crater lake. Not only does it offer breathtaking panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains, but it also doubles as an essential transportation link between eastern and western Hakone, making day trips and half-day itineraries effortlessly seamless.
In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, including route maps, timetables, fares, vessel features, and my firsthand boarding experience, helping you quickly get the most out of this fun pirate ship adventure!
1. Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Routes
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise currently serves 3 main ports: Togendai Port on the western shore, and Hakonemachi-ko (Hakone-machi Port) and Motohakone-ko (Moto-Hakone Port) on the eastern shore, forming a triangular loop across Lake Ashi.
An important detail to keep in mind is that the cruise operates strictly counter-clockwise: Togendai Port → Hakonemachi-ko → Motohakone-ko → Togendai Port. This means you cannot sail directly backwards from Motohakone-ko to Hakonemachi-ko, or from Hakonemachi-ko straight to Togendai Port without completing the rest of the loop.
Most travelers take the cruise as cross-lake transportation between the east and west shores, departing or arriving via Togendai or Motohakone. Taking a one-way trip is usually the most efficient route since it allows you to continue touring attractions on either side without backtracking (unless needed for hotel stays or rental car parking). The longest continuous stretch only takes about 35 minutes.
(Personally, I explored Hakone from east to west, boarding at Motohakone-ko and sailing to Togendai Port. The area around Motohakone-ko features Hakone Shrine, the famous floating Torii of Peace, and a bustling shopping street, offering much more to see and do before boarding compared to Togendai Port, with lovely lakeside views to enjoy while you wait.)
(You might wonder: Is Hakonemachi-ko worth a stop? In this triangular route, Hakonemachi-ko is often skipped by casual day-trippers. The primary sights nearby are the historical Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) and Onshi-Hakone Park, with fewer eateries and shops around. Therefore, it is best suited for travelers looking for an in-depth historical exploration. For general sightseeing, Motohakone-ko has much more energy. Furthermore, the two eastern ports are connected by local buses or a pleasant 20-minute lakeside walk, meaning you don't necessarily have to take the cruise between them.)
2. Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Fares
Fares for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise vary by segment. Below is the current price breakdown:
| Route | One-Way | Round-Trip |
| Togendai ↔ Hakonemachi or Motohakone | Adult: 1,200 JPY Child: 600 JPY |
Adult: 2,220 JPY Child: 1,110 JPY |
| Hakonemachi ↔ Motohakone | Adult: 420 JPY Child: 210 JPY |
N/A |
If you hold a Hakone Freepass, you can enjoy unlimited free rides on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, as well as the Hakone Ropeway, Tozan Cable Car, Tozan Railway, and local buses. It is strongly recommended for anyone touring Hakone using public transit. You can conveniently book your pass on platforms like KKday or Klook, which often offer special promotions.
(Each vessel features an upgraded "Special Cabin" area, similar to first class, which requires an additional fee. Upgrading for the longest one-way route costs 800 JPY, or 700 JPY if you hold a Hakone Freepass. However, because the total voyage is relatively short and most passengers spend their time roaming the outdoor decks or exploring the ship's pirate decor, I personally don't think the upgrade is necessary unless you specifically want a quieter, less crowded lounge area.)
3. Timetables & Operating Hours
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise operates year-round, though departure times can vary depending on seasonality, weather conditions, and periodic maintenance. Here is an example timetable during the peak season:
(Cruise boats generally run between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM, departing roughly every 35 to 40 minutes with little variation between low and high seasons. You can check the latest real-time schedule directly on their official website.)
(During the annual Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week, typically held from late July through early August, special evening fireworks viewing cruises are operated. Tickets cost around 3,500 JPY per person—note that the Hakone Freepass cannot be applied to these special night sailings—allowing passengers to enjoy fireworks bursting directly above the lake.)
*Note: While individual cruise tickets can be pre-purchased, you cannot reserve a specific departure time online; boarding is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of travel (unless you are part of a reserved group of 15+ passengers). If you prefer to skip the hassle of purchasing tickets, coordinating transit schedules, or figuring out the Tokyo-to-Hakone route on your own, booking a guided Fuji & Hakone Day Tour or Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip is a stress-free alternative that includes the pirate ship cruise!
4. Riding Experience & Vessel Overview
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise fleet currently consists of 3 distinct pirate-themed ships: Victory, Royal II, and Queen Ashinoko. While all three embody the playful spirit of vintage pirate vessels, each features unique exterior styling and interior aesthetics:
- Victory: The classic flagship, modeled after the British battleship HMS Victory from the 18th century. Its bold and imposing dark-wood design is ideal for capturing authentic pirate ship photos.
- Royal II: Inspired by 17th-century French warships from the reign of Louis XIV, featuring lavish French royal decor and gilded interior touches for an elegant, regal atmosphere.
- Queen Ashinoko: The newest addition to the fleet, designed by renowned industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. It showcases a refined blend of modern Japanese-Western wooden craftsmanship with oversized glass windows offering expansive views.
These three ships rotate in service throughout the day rather than running simultaneously. Passengers cannot choose or reserve a specific vessel in advance; you will simply board whichever ship is scheduled at your departure time. If you have your heart set on boarding a specific ship, you can inquire about that day's ship roster with terminal staff upon arriving at the port (though a bit of luck is involved!).
If you want striking photos with a classic seafaring vibe, look out for the "Victory"; for an opulent vintage ambiance, hop on the "Royal II"; and for maximum panoramic comfort and designer interiors, "Queen Ashinoko" is an absolute treat.
(During my trip, I sailed on the iconic "Victory". Honestly, regardless of which vessel you happen to board, passenger satisfaction is very high across all three, as the operator continually maintains and refreshes their cabin interiors.)
(As the ship approaches the dock, staff members will guide waiting passengers into boarding queues. Crowds can get quite large, and since you cannot reserve specific boarding slots online, seating and deck spots are first-come, first-served. If you want prime window seats or early access to the top deck railing, arriving 15 to 20 minutes before departure is recommended.)
(Along the cruise route, you will pass incredible sights including the shimmering waters of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine's floating Torii gate, Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu, and on crisp clear days, Mt. Fuji framed by the rolling mountain ridgelines. Hakone's natural scenery is truly spectacular!)
(Inside the ship, you'll find plenty of fun pirate installations, figurines, and themed decor creating an adventurous seafaring ambiance. It appeals to travelers of all ages, and kids in particular were having a wonderful time exploring every corner, making it an excellent family-friendly attraction.)
(The indoor cabins are outfitted with a small souvenir kiosk, snack & coffee bar, and comfortable padded seating. If you happen to encounter rain or chilly weather, you can comfortably sit back and take in the panoramic lakeside views through large windows.)
(The upper observation deck offers sweeping 360-degree unobstructed vistas over Lake Ashi. Do keep in mind that lake breezes can be quite gusty—keep a firm grip on hats and small personal belongings, and be sure to bundle up warmly during cooler months!)
(After a scenic 25-minute journey, we arrived at Togendai Port—time truly flew by! Unlike Motohakone, the area around Togendai is quieter, composed mostly of lakeside resort hotels. From here, travelers typically transfer straight to the Hakone Ropeway heading toward Owakudani and Gora (or vice versa if traveling from west to east). I will cover the volcanic valley and ropeway experience in detail in upcoming posts!)
That concludes my guide and boarding experience on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. If you want to experience the true beauty of Lake Ashi, boarding this pirate ship is an absolute must-do in Hakone. I'm confident you'll enjoy this delightful nautical adventure across Lake Ashi just as much as I did!