Hakone One Piece Cruise – Admire Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji on a “Pirate Ship”

▲ View of Lake Ashi in Hakone (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

If you ask Japanese people to recommend “day trip destinations near Tokyo,” most will surely suggest “Hakone Town,” known for its beautiful mountains, lakes, hot springs, and delicious food. Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone not only boasts “Owakudani,” similar to Taiwan’s Yangmingshan Xiaoyoukeng, but also “Lake Ashi,” a volcanic crater lake formed after an eruption. To fully enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Ashi and gaze at the majestic Mt. Fuji, hop aboard the “Hakone Pirate Ship” and set sail on a lake adventure as a One Piece pirate.

Lake Ashi is the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture and a famous spot for viewing mountain scenery. The “Hakone Pirate Ship,” which offers cruises on the lake and is designed to resemble a pirate ship, gets its name from this view. Currently, there are three pirate ships available for tours: the pirate-style “Royal II Southern European Royal Sun,” the replica of an 18th-century British warship “Victory,” and the “Nordic Lion Vasa King.” When purchasing tickets in advance, you won’t know which ship you’ll be on—it’s only when the pirate ship docks that you’ll find out.

▲ From left to right: the Hakone Pirate Ships “Royal II Southern European Royal Sun,” “Victory,” and “Nordic Lion Vasa King.” (Photo / fromthe official Hakone Pirate Ship website))

The pirate ships operate from “Hakone Port,” “Motomachi Port,” and “Togendai Port.” During the peak tourist season (March 20 to November 30), they run approximately every 40 minutes, while in winter (December 1 to March 19), the frequency is about every 50 minutes. The shortest route is from “Hakone Port” to “Motomachi Port,” taking just 10 minutes, while the longest route, stopping at all three ports, takes about 40 minutes.

A recommended itinerary is to start by purchasing tickets at Hakone Port, travel via Motomachi Port, and arrive at Togendai Port. From there, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani. The famous Hakone Shrine is located near Motomachi Port. Visitors who want to enjoy the full Lake Ashi cruise experience are advised to first visit Hakone Shrine for a prayer before heading to Hakone Port to board the ship.

Boarding the red pirate ship “Royal II Southern European Royal Sun” feels like transforming into a One Piece pirate ready for a new voyage. Inside the cabin, the wooden interior creates an atmosphere as if you’ve just embarked on a pirate journey. The ship is decorated with various pirate-themed ornaments, and three different 3D pirate art installations are sure to make you reach for your camera. You’ll also see staff dressed as pirate captains walking around the different decks and cabins.

Take the elevator up to the deck to enjoy the sea breeze. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji towering among the mountains. Along the way, besides the stunning lake and mountain views, you can also admire the “Hakone Shrine Peace Torii” standing out like a touch of red amidst the greenery, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.

% Photo of the wooden seating area inside the “Royal II Southern European Royal Sun.” (Photo / fromthe Hakone Pirate Ship Fan Page))

▲ 3D pirate art installations inside the ship. (Photo / fromthe Hakone Pirate Ship Fan Page))

% Photo of the premium cabin inside the “Royal II Southern European Royal Sun,” which is luxuriously decorated but costs 1,460 JPY per person. (Photo / fromthe Hakone Pirate Ship Fan Page))

% Photo of the elevator inside the ship (Photo / fromthe Hakone Pirate Ship Fan Page))

[Hakone Pirate Ship]
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Departure Frequency: Approximately every 40 minutes (subject to slight seasonal changes)
Ticket Prices:
Hakone Port to Togendai Port(Approx. 40 minutes): One-way Premium Cabin Adult 1,460 JPY / Child 970 JPY; Standard Cabin Adult 730 JPY / Child 490 JPY
Hakone Port to Togendai Port (Full Loop)(Round-trip approx. 70 minutes): One-way Premium Cabin Adult 2,530 JPY / Child 1,780 JPY; Standard Cabin Adult 1,270 JPY / Child 890 JPY

Hakone Pirate Ship Official Website