Lake Ashi Cruise
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), located in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo. Formed by volcanic activity, this serene lake offers a stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, lush forests, and iconic torii gates that reflect beautifully on the water. Dubbed the "soul of Hakone," the lake is best explored aboard the famous pirate-themed sightseeing ships. This guide will help you plan your cruise with details on routes, ticket tips, itineraries, and nearby attractions.
Content Preview
Why Take a Lake Ashi Cruise
Cruise Routes on Lake Ashi
Ticket Purchase & Fare Details
Cruise Timetable & Key Ports
Nearby Attractions for a Deeper Experience
Suggested Itineraries
Get to Lake Ashi from Tokyo
Additional Tips and Cautions
Why Take a Lake Ashi Cruise?
Taking a cruise on Lake Ashi is a must-do activity when visiting Hakone. On a clear day, you can marvel at the breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji reflected on the lake’s surface, creating an unforgettable view. The cruise itself provides a tranquil and scenic journey through the serene waters, surrounded by lush mountains and forests, making it a truly relaxing experience.
Additionally, it serves as a convenient mode of transportation, connecting key attractions such as the historic Hakone Shrine, the Edo-period Hakone Sekisho checkpoint, and the volcanic valley of Owakudani. What makes the experience even more exciting is the availability of pirate-themed ships, which add an element of adventure and fun, particularly for families and children.
Cruise Routes on Lake Ashi
The Lake Ashi Pirate Sightseeing Ships are operated by Hakone Sightseeing Boats, featuring three themed vessels: the European-inspired "Victory," and two Sengoku-era-style ships, the "Hojo Maru" and "Nanju Maru."
Classic Route: Hakone-machi ⇄ Moto-Hakone ⇄ Togendai
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Highlights:
- From Hakone-machi Port, you can enjoy iconic views of Mount Fuji with its reflection on the lake on sunny days.
- Approach the Moto-Hakone Port for a close-up of the famous Hakone Shrine's lakeside torii gate, an ideal photo spot.
- Togendai Port connects seamlessly to the Hakone Ropeway for a visit to the volcanic hot springs of Owakudani.
Short Route: Togendai ⇄ Hakone-en
Duration: About 25 minutes
Highlights:
- Ideal for travelers heading to the western shore of Lake Ashi from Hakone-en Port, allowing for a seamless visit to Hakone-en Aquarium or a lakeside cycling experience.
- On the voyage, you can get a close-up view of the pristine lakeside forests, which are especially stunning during the autumn foliage season.
Tips for Choosing the Best Experience:
- Opt for the open-air seats on the second deck for a wider panoramic view (additional charges may apply on some ships).
- For the best chance to capture Mount Fuji alongside the pirate ship, take a morning cruise when the lighting is softer and the chances of backlighting are lower.
Ticket Purchase & Fare Details
1.Standard Cruise Fares
One-way fare: Adults ¥1,200; Children (6–11 years) ¥600.
Round-trip discount: Save ~10% (e.g., adults ¥2,160 for a round-trip).
Cabin Upgrades
- Economy Class (1st floor indoor seats): Included in standard fare. Ideal for rainy/cold weather.
- Premium Class (2nd floor priority seating): +¥500/person. Includes free drinks (tea/coffee).
- VIP Deck (private bow viewing area): ~¥2,000/person. Requires advance booking.
2. Hakone Free Pass: Cost & Benefits
Coverage: Unlimited rides on Hakone Pirate Ships, ropeways, trains, and buses. Discounts at select attractions.
►1. Prices
From Shinjuku (Tokyo):
- 2-day pass: Adults ¥6,100; Children ¥1,100.
- 3-day pass: Adults ¥6,500; Children ¥1,350.
From Odawara Station:
- 2-day pass: Adults ¥5,000; Children (75% of adult fare) ¥3,750.
- 3-day pass: Adults ¥5,500; Children ¥4,125.
- Value: Saves 30%+ for multi-day itineraries. A 3-day pass is highly recommended for flexibility.
►2. Booking Tips
- Online Reservations: Use the official Hakone Pirate Ship website for VIP seats or group tickets.
- Peak Seasons: Book 1–2 days early during红叶 (autumn foliage, November) or Golden Week (late April–May).
- Winter Schedules: Reduced frequency; check the website for updates.
►3. How to Book
- Hakone Free Pass: Purchase online via Odakyu Railways or at Shinjuku Station.
- Cruise Tickets: Buy at port kiosks (same-day) or reserve VIP seats online.
- Refunds: Partial refunds may apply for cancellations (check terms when booking).
Note: The above prices are updated as of March 2025. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.
Cruise Timetable & Key Ports
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with 1-2 departures per hour (fewer in winter; check online schedules).
Recommended Departure Times:
- Morning (9:00-10:00 AM): Misty lake views with Mount Fuji partially visible in the serene atmosphere.
- Afternoon (1:00-3:00 PM): Crisp lighting ideal for capturing the shrine gate’s reflection in the water.
Port Highlights and Accessibility
- Hakone-machi Port: Close to Hakone Checkpoint; convenient for visitors arriving from Gora via bus.
- Moto-Hakone Port: A short 10-minute walk to Hakone Shrine, making it perfect for combining a shrine visit with a cruise.
- Togendai Port: Connects to the Hakone Ropeway, allowing easy access to Owakudani’s volcanic hot springs or the western lakeside.
Nearby Attractions for a Deeper Experience
Hakone Shrine & Lakeside Torii Gate: Walk to the famous red torii gate by the water after disembarking. Visit in the early morning or at dusk for magical photos and a peaceful atmosphere. Don't miss the Path of Cedar Trees and Peace Bell within the shrine grounds.
Art Galleries by the Lake
Narukawa Art Museum: Near Moto-Hakone, featuring a large collection of Japanese paintings and offering spectacular views of the lake and pirate ships from its rooftop observatory.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: A short bus ride from Hakone-machi, showcasing remarkable outdoor sculptures and a Picasso collection.
Culinary Experiences
- Taste Hakone’s specialty yuba (tofu skin) dishes near Moto-Hakone, such as the famous yuba hot pot at "Yubazumi."
- Enjoy coffee with a lakeside view at cafés like "Lake House," which offers terrace seating for Mount Fuji vistas.
Suggested Itineraries
Day Trip from Tokyo:
- Morning: Take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto, then transfer to the mountain railway to Gora and a bus to Moto-Hakone Port.
- Midday: Board the pirate ship to Togendai, ride the Ropeway to Owakudani for black eggs, and return to Togendai by cable car.
- Afternoon: Cruise back to Hakone-machi, visit Hakone Checkpoint, and return to Tokyo by evening.
Overnight Stay:
- Day 1: Explore Hakone Shrine, cruise Lake Ashi, and enjoy a stay at a lakeside hot spring ryokan (like "Hatsuhana" with private baths).
- Day 2: Visit Owakudani, the Open-Air Museum, and cycle along the western shore. Rentals at Hakone-en cost around 1,500 yen/day.
How to Get to Lake Ashi from Tokyo
Lake Ashi is located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, and can be reached easily from Tokyo by various transportation options:
By Train: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara Station (about 35 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, take a bus to Lake Ashi.
By Bus: Direct highway buses run from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone, taking about 2 hours.
Additional Tips and Cautions
- Weather Considerations: Visibility of Mount Fuji varies; check forecasts via websites like "Fuji Visibility Prediction" before visiting.
- Peak Seasons: Avoid crowds during Golden Week (late April to early May) and autumn foliage (November) by arriving before 8:30 AM.
- Winter Precautions: Dress warmly for chilly winds on deck; blankets are available on board but limited in number.
- Public Transport: Hakone buses run infrequently—use Google Maps for real-time schedule planning.
