
The Hakone Pirate Pleasure Boat (箱根海賊船) is one of Japan’s most recognizable tourist experiences, featuring a fleet of three meticulously decorated vessels—the Queen Ashinoko, Victory, and Royal II. These ornate ships ferry passengers across the serene waters of Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), connecting the ports of Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone. As you cruise across the crater lake, you are treated to a live-action postcard: the scarlet “Peace Torii” of Hakone Shrine appearing to float on the water, framed by the lush rolling hills and, on clear days, the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji.
Each ship boasts a unique interior, from the Queen Ashinoko’s classic wooden craftsmanship to the Victory’s authentic 18th-century battleship aesthetic. For a more exclusive experience, passengers can upgrade to the “First Class” premium cabins, which offer plush seating, ornate décor, and access to private observation decks. The 25-to-40-minute journey is the scenic link in the famous “Hakone Round Course,” allowing travelers to transition seamlessly from the volcanic sulfur vents of Owakudani to the historic lakeside shrines. Whether you are a photography enthusiast catching the “Blue Hour” or a family looking for a whimsical voyage, the cruise remains the definitive way to see Hakone from its most beautiful angle.
| Visitor Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 161 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521 (Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Varies by season and weather conditions) |
| Price | Adult One-way: ¥1,700 / Round-trip: ¥3,000 Child One-way: ¥850 / Round-trip: ¥1,300 (First Class surcharge: Approx. ¥800) |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Access | ||
|---|---|---|
| Port | Transport | Access Details |
| Togendai-ko | Hakone Ropeway | The northern terminal, directly connected to the Ropeway from Owakudani. |
| Moto-Hakone-ko | Hakone Tozan Bus | A 35-40 minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station (Line H/R). |
| Hakone-machi-ko | Hakone Tozan Bus | Located near the Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint) and the Ancient Cedar Avenue. |