Hakone Pirate Ship Experience|Dreamy Cruise on Lake Ashi|Capture Mount Fuji and a Fairytale Pirate World.
📍 Location: Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
🕐 Recommended Duration: 40–60 minutes (depending on the route)
🚢 Three Routes: Togendai ⇄ Hakone Town / Moto-Hakone (You can purchase a pass to enjoy all routes)
🎟 Ticket Price: Around ¥1,200–¥2,200 (Highly recommend using the Hakone Free Pass for great value!)
⛵ Pirate Ship Cruise Experience
The moment I boarded, I felt like I had joined the crew of "One Piece" for an adventure 🤠! The pirate ships are stunning, each designed in the style of ancient European warships, complete with flags, masts, and telescopes. They are meticulously decorated, making them perfect for photos 📷✨.
I boarded the "Victory," a ship gleaming in gold, exuding the grandeur of a royal fleet 💛.
🌄 Scenic Views Along the Way
The cruise takes you across Lake Ashi, surrounded by lush greenery. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji ⛰️, reflected in the lake like a postcard!
Passing by torii gates, with the water's reflection and a gentle breeze, the atmosphere is so relaxing—it feels like a European vacation 🇫🇷.
📸 Recommended Photo Spots
• 🚢 Bow Deck: Stand at the very front for a "Queen of the Sea" perspective.
• ⛰ Stern View of Mount Fuji: Sit on the right side for the best shots of the mountain and the red torii gate.
• 🏰 Second-floor Deck: Features character decorations, adding a fairytale touch.
• ⛩ View of the Torii Gate in the Lake (especially near Moto-Hakone): A must-capture spot!
☕ Suggested Extended Itinerary
Cruise Combo: Start from Togendai → Disembark at Moto-Hakone for a stroll and snacks → Visit Hakone Shrine → Take a bus to Gora / ride the cable car for a perfect itinerary✨!
💡 Tips
• Board early (morning light is better!) for clearer views of Mount Fuji.
• Purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which includes the ship ticket and access to buses, cable cars, etc., for great savings 💴.
• Check the weather! Rain or heavy fog might obscure Mount Fuji 🥲.
• Avoid midday or holiday peak times for better photo opportunities at the bow and stern.
• In winter, wear a hat and scarf as it can get windy on the lake 🍃.
🎯 Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The Hakone Pirate Ship is not just a sightseeing experience—it’s a fairytale and adventure journey ⚓💖! With beautiful ships and stunning scenery, it offers great value, especially for couples looking for romantic photos or families seeking fun. It’s an unmissable highlight of any Hakone trip!