Hakone Ashinoko Lake Pleasure Boat: Scenic Cruises and Pirate Ship Adventures
Hakone, located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular destination that attracts domestic and international tourists year-round as one of Japan's premier hot spring regions. Easily accessible from central Tokyo, Hakone offers iconic Japanese landscapes including spectacular views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Hakone Ashinoko Lake, a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, is a popular tourist spot offering magnificent views of Hakone's natural beauty and Mt. Fuji. The pleasure boats, designed to look like pirate ships, are particularly popular among tourists, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful scenery from the lake.
This article introduces the popular cruise services on Lake Ashinoko, including the iconic Hakone pirate ships that have become a favorite among tourists.
Cruise Services on Lake Ashinoko: Enjoying Nature with Mt. Fuji Views
Source:Hakone Navi
At Lake Ashinoko, known as Hakone's scenic landmark, pleasure boat services themed as pirate ships offer visitors the chance to enjoy Hakone's nature and Mt. Fuji views from the water. The cruise service has a long history, with sightseeing boats first operating in 1911.
The signature pirate ship cruises began in 1950, and as of 2025, vessels modeled after European battleships continue to entertain tourists. From February 2024, a new regular service boat "SORAKAZE" began operating, connecting four ports around Lake Ashinoko.
The sightseeing boats operate year-round and are enjoyable for both adults and children.
Why is Lake Ashinoko Pleasure Boat Cruise Recommended? Explaining the Appeal of the Cruise Loved by Locals
Magnificent Natural Scenery of Hakone from the Ship's Deck
Source:PR TIMES
When boarding the pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashinoko, you can view Hakone's magnificent nature from the deck. The "Queen Ashinoko," which debuted in 2019, features an observation deck positioned higher than other pirate ships, offering clearer views of distant scenery.
Not only can you enjoy 360-degree views of Lake Ashinoko's magnificent landscape, but you can also experience different scenery across seasons. Autumn brings brilliant fall colors, while winter offers views of snow-capped Mt. Fuji and snow-covered wilderness.
Time flies while leisurely enjoying the majestic nature from inside the ship. It's an absolute must-visit to enhance your Hakone tourism experience.
Different Views from Various Vantage Points
The Lake Ashinoko pleasure boat cruise offers varying views depending on your location, whether from the deck or indoor seating. Besides the outdoor deck views, the indoor seating also provides spectacular vistas.
The pirate ships cruising Lake Ashinoko feature special cabins that make you feel as if you're in Europe. These special cabins have luxurious sofa seating where you can relax while elegantly viewing the lake.
While special cabins require additional fees, they're worth experiencing for memorable Hakone moments.
Brilliantly Decorated Ship Interior
The Hakone pirate ships feature gorgeous decorations with European-style designs using wood from floor to ceiling. Besides the open deck, comfortable sofas allow you to relax while enjoying Hakone's scenery.
While regular cabins are quite luxurious, special private rooms are even more elaborate. Located at the ship's front, they offer more magnificent views than regular cabins and feature softer sofas for enhanced comfort.
Special seating requires an additional fee of 1,480 yen for adults and 740 yen for children on top of regular admission.
Queen Ashinoko Features Hakone's Traditional Yosegi-zaiku Craft
Source:Hakone Navi
The Queen Ashinoko's interior showcases Hakone's traditional Yosegi-zaiku woodcraft. This craft utilizes wood from Hakone's mountains, which are known for Japan's finest trees. The assembled wooden pieces create striking patterns.
There are 60 different Yosegi-zaiku patterns embedded in the ship's floors and walls, creating an impressive atmosphere. Experience the modern ambiance where Japanese tradition perfectly blends with Western aesthetics.
Cruise Ships on Lake Ashinoko: A Guide to Distinctive Vessels
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Hakone Pleasure Boat)
The Hakone pleasure boat operates on Lake Ashinoko, featuring designs inspired by medieval European battleships. Passengers can enjoy scenic views from both the deck and seating areas. The interior showcases treasure chests, 3D art, and pirate decorations, creating an adventurous atmosphere. The boat connects three ports - Togendai, Motohakone, and Hakonemachi, completing a circuit of Lake Ashinoko in approximately one hour.
Queen Ashinoko
Source:PR TIMES
Queen Ashinoko is the newest addition to the Hakone pleasure boat fleet. Designed to provide an enchanting cruise experience, it features a gold exterior that complements Lake Ashinoko's natural surroundings. The ship's bow has been updated from a cannon to a goddess statue inspired by the Nike of Samothrace, enhancing its elegance. The interior offers five distinct chair designs and incorporates traditional Hakone craftwork, including Yosegizaiku (wooden mosaic) and Kumikozaiku (wooden lattice work) in its lighting, flooring, and walls.
Victory
Source:Official X
The Victory, another Hakone pleasure boat, is modeled after the 18th-century British battleship HMS Victory, a symbol of the United Kingdom. The interior faithfully reproduces the original Victory's colors and designs. The second floor features a special cabin with comfortable sofas for leisurely viewing of Lake Ashinoko's scenery. The ship maintains pirate-themed elements like treasure chest decorations. The special cabin will undergo renovation from January to April 2025, incorporating traditional British furniture to further emphasize British heritage and culture.
Royale II
Source:Hakone Navi
Royal II is a pirate ship modeled after the Royal Louis, which served in the French fleet in the 18th century. Both the exterior and interior faithfully recreate the atmosphere of the original Royal Louis from that era.
Inside, you can enjoy French-inspired decorations, sailor mannequins, and a steering wheel, making you feel like a crew member. The ship also features 3D art exhibitions to keep passengers entertained.
The special cabin features luxurious sofas, offering a blissful experience like being on a luxury cruise ship.
Hakone Pleasure Boat SORAKAZE
Source:Official website
SORAKAZE, which began operating in February 2024, is a new pleasure boat on Lake Ashinoko. Designed as a "floating green park," it offers scenic views and various attractions.
The boat features areas covered with natural grass, swings, and Mt. Fuji-themed benches, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery as if in a park.
Various seating options include tatami areas, hanging chairs, and red Mt. Fuji-themed sofas. It's perfect for families with small children.
Kojiri Boat Association Rentals
The Kojiri Boat Association operates boat rentals along Lake Ashinoko. Their largest dock is at Togendai, offering various vessels from swan boats to rowing boats.
All boats have uniform pricing. Rowing boats are available for 30-minute rentals: ¥700 for two people and ¥900 for three people. Swan boats accommodate three people and cost ¥1,500.
They also rent fishing equipment and motorboats. Please note that service may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.
Lake Ashinoko Summer Festival Week Features Fireworks Cruise for Spectacular Views from the Pleasure Boat
Every year from late July to early August, Lake Ashinoko hosts various events during Summer Festival Week. A highlight is the fireworks display, viewable from the popular "Fireworks Cruise" aboard the Hakone pleasure boat.
Guests can enjoy approximately 5,000 fireworks from the deck or cabin of the ship, with signature semicircular water fireworks reflecting on the lake's surface. The event offers half-price tickets for children, making it ideal for families. While tickets are available on the day, advance booking is recommended for priority boarding.
Lakeside Dining with Views of Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Fuji
Several restaurants around Lake Ashinoko offer scenic dining experiences:
Togendai View Restaurant (at Togendai Station):
- Features grilled specialties and Kanagawa Prefecture local ingredients
- Location: Hakone Ropeway Togendai Station
La Terrazza (at Motohakone Port):
- Italian restaurant with terrace seating
- Offers 30 different pizza varieties
Tsutsuji-no-Chaya (inside The Hotel Mt. Fuji):
- Traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine
- Lakefront dining with seasonal ingredients
All restaurants provide stunning views of Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Fuji while dining, combining scenic beauty with culinary excellence.
