What Is the Hakone Pirate Ship?
Want to see it for yourself?
The Hakone Pirate Ship — officially known as the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise — is one of the most iconic and photographed attractions in the Hakone region. Operated by the Odakyu Group on Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), these elaborately decorated vessels carry passengers across the caldera lake while offering sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Hakone mountains, and the lakeside torii gate of Hakone Shrine. For many visitors, the pirate ship is the defining image of a Hakone day trip.
The fleet currently consists of three ships: the Royal II, the Victory, and the Queen Ashinoko. Each vessel is modeled after 17th- and 18th-century European warships, complete with ornate figureheads, gilded detailing, and cannon-style decorations. Despite the swashbuckling exterior, the ships are modern, comfortable sightseeing vessels that can carry several hundred passengers each.
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Routes, Ports, and Schedules
The Hakone Pirate Ship operates between three ports along Lake Ashi:
- Togendai-ko (Togendai Port) — the northern port, connected to the Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone-machi-ko (Hakone Town Port) — on the southeastern shore, close to the Hakone Checkpoint Museum
- Moto-Hakone-ko (Moto-Hakone Port) — on the eastern shore, near Hakone Shrine and the famous lakeside torii
The most popular route runs the full length of the lake from Togendai to Hakone-machi, with a stop at Moto-Hakone in between. A one-way trip from Togendai to Hakone-machi takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Services typically run every 30 to 40 minutes from around 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, though the schedule varies by season. During peak periods such as Golden Week, summer holidays, and autumn foliage season, additional sailings may be added.
It is advisable to check the official Hakone Sightseeing Cruise timetable before your visit, as winter schedules are reduced and weather conditions — particularly strong winds — can cause cancellations.
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Ticket prices and Hakone Free Pass
In 2026, a standard one-way fare for the Hakone Pirate Ship between Togendai and Hakone-machi costs approximately ¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children (ages 6–11). A round trip is roughly ¥2,220. Children under 6 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Each ship offers a Special Cabin upgrade on the upper deck, which costs an additional ¥500 per person per segment. The special cabin provides premium seating, a private observation area at the bow, and a less crowded atmosphere — highly recommended on busy weekends and holidays.
Using the Hakone Free Pass
One of the best ways to ride the pirate ship without worrying about individual fares is the Hakone Free Pass. This all-inclusive transport pass covers the pirate ship (standard cabin), Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and more. The two-day pass from Shinjuku costs around ¥6,100 for adults. If you plan to complete the famous Hakone Loop — which integrates the pirate ship as a key segment — the Free Pass offers significant savings.
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What to See During the Cruise
The pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi is far more than a simple ferry transfer. The journey offers some of the finest scenery in the Kanto region, especially on clear days.
View of Mount Fuji
On days with good visibility, Mount Fuji rises majestically to the west, framed perfectly by the forested ridgeline of the Hakone caldera. Early morning cruises in autumn and winter tend to offer the clearest Fuji views, as haze and cloud cover are at their lowest. Positioning yourself on the port (left) side of the ship when heading from Togendai southward gives the best angle.
Hakone Shrine Torii Gate
As the ship approaches Moto-Hakone, you will pass the vermillion torii gate of Hakone Shrine, which appears to float on the surface of the lake. This is one of the most photographed scenes in all of Japan, and seeing it from the deck of a pirate ship is a uniquely memorable experience.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery line the shores of Lake Ashi.
- Summer (June–August): Lush, deep green mountains with occasional dramatic cloud formations.
- Autumn (October–November): The surrounding hills explode with red, orange, and gold foliage — arguably the most spectacular season for the cruise.
- Winter (December–February): Cold, crisp air provides the highest probability of a clear Mount Fuji sighting.
Standard Cabin vs. Special Cabin
Reading vs. riding
Understanding the difference between the two cabin classes will help you decide how to budget your trip.
The standard cabin occupies the main and lower decks. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and during peak periods, these areas can become very crowded. Standing room on the open-air sections of the standard deck is available, and this is where many passengers choose to stay for photography.
The special cabin is located on the uppermost deck and includes cushioned seating, large panoramic windows, and a dedicated bow observation area where you can stand at the very front of the ship with unobstructed views. On busy days, the ¥500 upgrade is well worth the cost for the improved experience and significantly fewer crowds.
How the Pirate Ship Fits Into the Hakone Loop
The Hakone Loop is a popular circular sightseeing route that allows visitors to experience multiple forms of transportation in a single day. The pirate ship serves as one of the most exciting segments of this loop. A typical itinerary proceeds as follows:
- Hakone-Yumoto → Hakone Tozan Railway → Gora
- Gora → Hakone Cable Car → Sounzan
- Sounzan → Hakone Ropeway → Owakudani → Togendai
- Togendai → Hakone Pirate Ship → Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone
- Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone → Bus → Hakone-Yumoto
The pirate ship links the ropeway network on the northern shore with the shrine, museum, and checkpoint areas on the southern shore. Without it, completing the loop would require a lengthy bus ride around the lake.
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Tips for Avoiding Crowds
The Hakone Pirate Ship is one of the region's most popular attractions, and queues can become extremely long during holidays and weekends. Here are practical strategies for a smoother experience:
- Go early: The first sailing of the day is typically the least crowded. Aim to be at Togendai port by 9:00 AM.
- Visit on weekdays: Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese national holidays see the heaviest traffic. Midweek visits are dramatically quieter.
- Reverse the loop: Most tourists follow the standard clockwise direction (Hakone-Yumoto → Gora → Owakudani → Togendai → Pirate Ship). Starting from Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone and sailing northward to Togendai can help you avoid the largest crowds.
- Book the special cabin: Even on the busiest days, the special cabin tends to have availability and offers a more comfortable ride.
Getting to the Pirate Ship Ports
Use public transportation
Togendai is directly connected to the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani and Sounzan. From Hakone-Yumoto, you can also reach Togendai by Hakone Tozan Bus (approximately 35 minutes). Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone are served by Hakone Tozan Bus routes from Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara Station.
by car
Each port has a parking area, though spaces are limited and fill quickly on weekends. Togendai has the largest parking facility. If you are driving from Tokyo, the journey to Togendai takes approximately 90 minutes via the Tomei Expressway and Hakone Shindo toll road. Driving to Lake Ashi gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and easily combine the cruise with other Hakone attractions like Owakudani, the Open Air Museum, or a post-cruise onsen soak.
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Nearby Attractions Worth Combining
After disembarking from the pirate ship, several major Hakone attractions are within easy reach of the southern ports:
- Hakone Shrine: A five-minute walk from Moto-Hakone port. The iconic lakeside torii gate and the cedar-lined stone staircase leading to the main hall are must-see sights.
- Hakone Checkpoint Museum (Sekisho): Adjacent to Hakone-machi port, this reconstructed Edo-period checkpoint offers a fascinating look at historical travel regulations along the Tokaido road.
- Onshi Hakone Park: Located on the peninsula between the two southern ports, this beautifully maintained park offers panoramic lake and mountain views.
- Narukawa Art Museum: A short walk uphill from Moto-Hakone, known for its collection of modern Japanese paintings and a spectacular observation lounge overlooking the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hakone Pirate Ship
Is the pirate ship the same as the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise?
Yes. "Hakone Pirate Ship" is the colloquial name for what is officially called the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (箱根海賊船). They are one and the same service.
Can I bring luggage on board?
Small bags and backpacks are allowed. There is no dedicated luggage storage, so oversized suitcases are not practical. If you are traveling with large bags, consider using a luggage forwarding service (takkyubin) to send them to your hotel.
Is the pirate ship wheelchair accessible?
The standard cabin areas of the newer ships are generally accessible, and staff will assist with boarding. However, the special cabin on the upper deck may not be accessible depending on the vessel. Contact the operator in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
What happens if the pirate ship is canceled due to weather?
Sailings are occasionally suspended due to high winds or storms. In such cases, alternative bus services usually operate between Togendai and the southern ports. The Hakone Free Pass covers these replacement buses at no additional charge.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Standard cabin tickets do not require advance reservations — they are purchased at the port on the day of travel. However, during extremely busy periods, you may face long waits. The special cabin can sometimes be reserved in advance through the operator's website.
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Important Information
- The tour begins and ends at the same location (Shibuya).
- If the Daikoku Parking Area is closed, we will instead guide you to another car meet further away.
- The consultant is a cultural expert and navigator, not a taxi service.
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