Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Hakone Sightseeing Cruise?
What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: Couples can book a premium cabin for privacy and share romantic lake views, yet the one-hour loop and many family tourists limit seclusion, making the cruise very good but not ideal.
Positives:
- Flexible hop-on hop-off: Use your round-trip ticket to explore ports and reboard the next ship at no extra cost.
- Private cabin option: Upgrade to a premium cabin for a more intimate experience with exclusive deck access.
Challenges:
- Wind and chill on deck: The upper deck can be cold and windy, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
- Peak season crowds: Ships fill quickly during holiday periods; tickets may sell out in advance.
What is Hakone Sightseeing Cruise?
- A sightseeing cruise service on Lake Ashi in Hakone aboard pirate-style vessels
- A vessel network connecting Hakone-machi, Moto-Hakone, and Togendai ports via a 70-minute round-trip route
- A water transport traversing Lake Ashi beneath Mount Fuji and the surrounding volcanic peaks
What is so special about Hakone Sightseeing Cruise for couple trip?
- Pirate-ship cruise with Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji vistas
- Premium cabins offer private deck access
- Hop-on hop-off at three scenic ports
- Morning sails provide best light and fewer crowds
- Seasonal colors enhance the lake panorama
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This allows time for the 70-minute cruise and short port walks without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sit on the open upper deck:
Climb to the top deck together for unobstructed views of Mount Fuji and the red torii gate.
Tip: Book a morning or late-afternoon sailing for the best light and smaller crowds.
Upgrade to Premium Cabin:
Reserve a private cabin with sea-facing seats and a small deck area for two.
Tip: Pay a 1,480 JPY round-trip surcharge per adult when buying tickets online or at the port.
Hop off at Moto-Hakone Port:
Disembark to walk the lakeside path to Hakone Shrine and its floating torii gate.
Tip: Use your round-trip ticket to reboard the next ship at no extra cost.
Browse Hakone-machi Shops:
Explore local craft stores and cafés at the first port stop.
Tip: Try the sweet red-bean buns at the waterfront café for a quick snack.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- Book morning sailings: Early departures offer softer light for photos and fewer passengers.
- Use Hakone Freepass: Show your pass to ride the cruise at no extra charge during its validity period.
- Check schedule online: Review departure times on the official site before you arrive to plan port visits.
Reviews of Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Bryan Salcedo
Easily a must-do in Hakone. It's included with the Hakone Free Pass, and you can upgrade to first class for just 700 yen — which I highly recommend. You’ll enjoy beautiful views and a very fun ride.
Serena Maaskant
Nice cruise! Would recommend doing this. We did it at 5pm, so it was already dark. Still cool to see. It takes about 20 minutes to go to the opposite side
Thang
PROS ➕ Pirate ship ➕ Free with Hakone Pass ➕ Great view of Lake Ashi CONS ➖ None Date visited: 05/06/2024 Since this cruise was included with the pass I bought upon arriving in Hakone, I took the opportunity to ride it. The check-in process was quick and easy, though the wait was long due to the ship’s schedule. There were seats and shops around the port—perfect for stocking up on snacks and d...
Haydn Collins
It's a pretty quick cruise not that expensive. Very nice scenery. Boats are very nice and well maintained. It's a big day from Tokyo on trains, cable car, ropeway, boat, bus and train again. A good day out in the country hills.
Gabriel
The boats are simple yet, very well designed. If you want to grab a simple meal or a beer, you can do so on-board. The crossing ride is only 15 minutes but it's well worth the travel. Very quiet.
When is the best time to visit Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Hakone, Japan)?
In spring, watch cherry blossoms reflect on the lake. In autumn, catch fiery foliage framing Mount Fuji. Winter sails offer crisp skies but bring warm layers.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard round-trip tickets (2 adults) | JPY 6,000 |
| Premium cabin upgrade (2 adults, optional) | JPY 2,960 |
| Snacks and souvenirs | JPY 2,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 10,960 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Address: 161 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan
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