Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakone Sightseeing Cruise?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Pirate statues, open decks, and hop-off ports engage school-age children, preschoolers ride free, and barrier-free decks aid safety; lack of play zones may bore some, but overall it suits kids well.
Positives:
- Pirate theme engages kids: The ship’s decor and trick art keep children entertained between views.
- Hop-on hop-off flexibility: Free reboarding lets restless kids stretch their legs ashore.
- Barrier-free access: Strollers and small wheelchairs move easily via elevators on board.
Challenges:
- Open deck exposed to weather: Bring raincoats or warm layers—no shelter on upper decks.
- Limited seating on busy sailings: Arrive 10–15 minutes early to secure seats together.
- Restrooms onboard lack baby chairs: Plan diaper changes at Togendai Port where facilities are better equipped.
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 with kids?
- Board a pirate-style ship with kid-friendly sculptures and trick art
- Hop on/off at three ports to explore shops and cafes
- Enjoy clear Mount Fuji and red torii gate views from deck
- Preschoolers ride free and strollers are allowed
- Barrier-free ship with elevators between decks
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Covers the full 70-minute cruise plus time to explore one port and let kids enjoy pirate ship features.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Explore the pirate deck:
Let kids find treasure chests, walk among life-size pirate sculptures and pose at 3D trick-art spots.
Tip: Head to the upper deck early to secure space and clear lake views.
Hop on and off at Moto-Hakone Port:
Stretch legs ashore, browse small cafes and souvenir shops between sailings.
Tip: Use your round-trip ticket to reboard the next ship at no extra cost.
Spot Mount Fuji and the red torii gate:
From the starboard side on deck, view Mount Fuji and Hakone Shrine’s floating torii.
Tip: Sit on the right side in the morning for best light on Fuji.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- Use a Hakone Freepass Plus: Enjoy unlimited cruise rides for 2–3 days at no extra cost.
- Book morning sailings: Fewer crowds and softer light for photos of Mount Fuji.
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)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms along the shore. Summer days get sunny—pack hats and sunscreen. Autumn’s red and gold leaves reflect on the lake. Winter mornings can offer crisp, clear views of Mt Fuji.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult round-trip ticket (x2) | JPY 6,000 |
| Child round-trip ticket (6–12 yrs) | JPY 1,300 |
| Snacks and souvenirs | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 8,300 |
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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