Is Hakone pirate ship worth it?

If you are visiting Hakone and want to see Lake Ashi, this is probably the most efficient way to do it, you have three stops and if you purchase the round trip you can get off in each stop and ride the next boat. We really enjoyed the views from the boat and it saved us a lot of walking time. Definitely worth it.



Yes, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship) is widely considered "worth it" as it is one of the most iconic experiences in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The ships, which are whimsically modeled after 18th-century European warships, offer a 30-minute journey across Lake Ashi with stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Beyond the novelty of the pirate theme, the cruise provides a practical and scenic connection between the Hakone Ropeway (Togendai) and the historic Hakone Shrine and Checkpoint. It is included in the Hakone Free Pass, making it a cost-effective highlight for most travelers. For an extra ¥740, you can upgrade to the "First Class" cabin, which offers plusher seating and a less crowded deck for photography, though the standard deck is perfectly adequate for enjoying the fresh alpine air and the view of the floating torii gate.

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Many splendid views of Mt. Fuji can be found around the Hakone area. Each viewpoint shows a different profile of the famous mountain and the surrounding areas are also worth exploring for the diverse historical and natural sites.

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It connects Sounzan Station (at the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar) with Togendai Station (at the shore of Lake Ashinoko) and stops at Owakudani and Ubako stations on the way. The ropeway is fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass. The ropeway's gondolas depart every minute and fit around ten people each.

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Traveling the full length of the ropeway takes around 30 minutes. Along the journey, passengers can enjoy views of the active, sulfuric hot spring sources of the Owakudani Valley between Sounzan and Owakudani and of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji between Owakudani and Togendai if visibility allows.

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The one-way fare starts from ¥3600 for unreserved seating, but with a Japan Rail Pass you need only to pay ¥320 for the Hakone-Tozan line - easily done with a Suica or PASMO card (Limited Express trains require an extra ¥200 surcharge). With a good connection, the trip takes one hour.

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I highly recommend the Hakone Ashiko cruise, a wonderful experience that allows you to enjoy the water. On board the cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hakone Ashiko, including Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains, canyons and forests.

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Museum Hours 9:00 – 17:00, 365 days/year * Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

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Hakone is a short train ride from Tokyo, but feels like a world away. The fastest way to reach Hakone is to take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station and then the short 15 minutes train ride to Hakone Yumoto at the base of the Hakone mountains.

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If you don't have a pass, then you can take a regular train to the Hakone-Yumoto station, the main station in Hakone. Though many people visit Japan to experience the bustling streets of Tokyo, many other popular destinations come at a slower pace.

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Check out this 12.5-mile loop trail near Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 57 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

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