Hakone Sightseeing Cruise — Attraction in Hakone

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 drinks. Unfortunately, most shops had already closed by the time I finished checking in. I managed to grab a cookie and a coffee drink from a small café nearby. The weather was less than ideal: cold, cloudy, and foggy, which meant we wouldn’t be able to see Mount Fuji from the lake.

When our ship finally arrived, it looked even more colorful and festive than it had from afar or in photos. People boarded and disembarked in an instant; I followed suit.

Passengers who had purchased first-class seating were led to a separate hall. I was in the standard class, but chose to sit outside near the flagpole to enjoy the lake view. Many others joined me later, while some retreated indoors to escape the chilly wind.

I spotted several local attractions peeking through the thick treeline—some I had already visited. The most recognizable were, of course, the Peace Torii and a luxury hotel, just to name a few.

Since the ship was actually a ferry and didn’t sway much, I didn’t feel as seasick as I usually do on regular ships or airplanes. The whole trip went smoothly and without incident. We reached the port on the opposite side of the lake in under an hour.

All in all, this is a must-do in Hakone—especially if you’ve purchased a pass. Just be mindful of the schedule; I nearly missed the cable car...

Title: Serene Beauty on the Waters of Hakone

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Hakone sightseeing cruise during my trip to Japan, and it was truly a delightful and serene journey. Nestled amidst the captivating landscape of Hakone, this cruise offers a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty.

The cruise ship itself is well-maintained, providing comfortable seating and ample space for passengers to move around and capture stunning photographs. The open-air decks allow for unobstructed views of the iconic Mount Fuji, which stood majestically against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. As we glided across Lake Ashi's calm waters, the cool breeze and tranquil atmosphere created a sense of relaxation and awe.

The cruise route takes you past picturesque shores lined with lush greenery, charming villages, and the famous red "torii" gate of Hakone Shrine. The recorded commentary in multiple languages provided insightful information about the landmarks, enriching the experience.

However, I deducted a star due to the relatively short duration of the cruise. While the 30-minute journey offered a taste of Hakone's beauty, I wished for a longer excursion to fully immerse myself in the surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, the Hakone sightseeing cruise is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the region. It's a perfect way to appreciate the serene beauty of Hakone, especially for those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. Just be prepared for a relatively brief but memorable voyage that captures the essence of this enchanting...

If you’re thinking about taking a sightseeing tour to see Mount Fuji, do yourself a favor and avoid this one at all costs. It was one of the most frustrating and disappointing experiences I’ve ever had.

The lack of organization was shocking. None of the staff spoke proper English, and instead of giving clear instructions about the route or stops, they handed us a map with a random “X” marked on it, leaving us completely confused. There was no effort to guide us or explain anything properly.

The chaos hit its peak when we were supposed to change boats, something no one had explained clearly. We had no idea where to go, and once we reached the other side of the lake, it was no surprise that we got lost. There were no clear signs or instructions on how to get back, so we missed the planned return and had to take another boat to a different station, paying extra in the process.

And Mount Fuji? We saw it for a total of three minutes, barely visible through the clouds, and the whole trip was so disorganized that it wasn’t worth the time or money.

To make matters worse, the staff were shockingly rude and unhelpful, almost as if they were annoyed by our questions. While I wasn’t expecting luxury service, a basic level of professionalism and politeness would have been appreciated.

In summary, this was a complete waste of time and money. If you want to see Mount Fuji,...