The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, commonly referred to as the Hakone Pirate Ship, is a must-see attraction in Hakone. Departing from three docks around the lake, this sightseeing cruise is a perfect way to see the stunning scenery Hakone has to offer.

On clear days, views of Mt.Fuji can be enjoyed from the Hakone Scenic cruise, providing a stunning backdrop to your relaxing journey, attracting both international and domestic tourists. Also on the cruise, you can see Hikone Shrine – the oldest and most significant shrine in the area. Mt. Hakone, and the crater of Owakudani can also be seen when the weather is clear.

The cruise is a year-round attraction, and the surrounding landscape changes with the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter all provide different and captivating perspectives of the area.

Many visitors combine the cruise with other attractions in the Hakone area, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, and Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Sightseeing cruise is definitely one of the top things to do in Hakone, and should be on your itinerary if you are in the area.

For those with the Hakone Free Pass, you can use this pass on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, taking as many trips as you want during the validity period.

Explore Hakone

Top Attractions

Hakone Ropeway

Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights

Owakudani

Geothermal attraction with Mt. Fuji Views

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.

Hakone Shrine

Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.

Lake Ashinoko

Scenic lake in Hakone

Hours and Admission

Hakone Free Pass

The Hakone Free Pass is a tourist pass that allows you to explore in and around Hakone. With the Hakone Free Pass, you get access to unlimited rides on 8 of the local transport lines in the Hakone area, as well as discounts to over 70 different attractions, sites, and businesses in the area.

More Information

Accessing the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Terminal

There are 3 departure points for the Sightseeing Cruise, but most people primarily use the Hakonemachi Port, on the south side of the lake, and the Togendai Port on the north side of the lake. Togendai Port is directly outside of the Hakone Ropeway. Hakonemachi Port is where most of the hotels and accommodation is, and is the town centre.

Both of these ports can easily be accessed from both the Hakone town, and the Hakone Ropeway.

You can access the town of Hakone from Odawara Station, taking the Hakone Tozai Line, which is a snaking train system which scales part way up Mt.Hakone, to Gora Station, then you can use the Hakone Ropeway to access Togendai Port.

Unlock Japan

Get your JR Pass

Discover Japan like never before with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), your ticket to seamless travel across the Japan. Unlock the full potential of Japan’s extensive rail network, renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and convenience.

Forget the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for every journey. The JR Pass offers exceptional value for money, available in flexible durations ranging from 7 to 21 days, allowing you to tailor your travel experience to suit your itinerary. Read More…