Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Motohakone-ko Pier — Local services in Hakone

Disapppointed. This lake trip is highly recommended by many guides and its advertisement is on point, the experience on the other hand is lackluster to say the least.

First of all: when Mount Fuji is not visible, don't even bother. Yes the lake view is beautiful, but let's be honest you want to board to have a chance of snapping a picture of you with mount fuji and the lake in background.

Pricing: for around 8€ you get the standard ticket, which grants you access to the back half of the ship (both downstairs and in open air). If you add 4 € more you can access the front half of the ship, but you hardly get any advantages, since many people will buy this ticket anyway and it will be crowded.

Biggest problem in my opinion: Rude and careless passengers. Yes, I might sound cruel and insensitive, but I was unlucky to have a big group of kids board the first class with me, and they spent 30 minutes running around and screaming, often bumping into other passengers (myself included) and making my "first class experience" miserable. Their parents couldn't care less, but I didn't expect much by the typical locust-like chinese tourists. I expected to cruise the lake in silence and finally relax, but I couldn't because of others.

TLDR: this is the most pleasant way to cross from the southern bank of Ashi lake up to the north. The trip is worth it if you can see Mount Fuji, otherwise it's just a normal ride to get from point A to B. Don't bother with first class tickets since it will be overcrowded anyway. If you have kids it might be worth it because they will like the ship design and its playground capabilities. Please educate them well...

I visited Owakudani with my fiancée and daughter, and it was an excellent family experience. The volcanic scenery was unforgettable—steam vents everywhere and, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. We loved trying the famous black eggs (sold in packs of five)—they were warm, tasty, and made for a fun memory together.

What really helped as a family with a stroller was that the facilities have an elevator, making it easy to move between levels without stress. The staff were kind and the shops had plenty of space, so we never felt rushed. It felt safe, organized, and surprisingly comfortable for visiting with a toddler.

Pro tips: • Weekdays are calmer → fewer crowds, easier for families. • Bring cash → some small vendors and snack stalls prefer it. • Black eggs → come in packs of 5, perfect for sharing. • Check weather + ropeway status → Mt. Fuji only shows on clear days, and the ropeway may close if gas levels are high. • Dress warm → it’s windier and cooler here than down in Hakone town. • Strollers → use the elevator inside the main building; outdoor paths are better with a compact stroller.

Truly a 10/10 family outing—memorable, unique, and surprisingly easy to do with...

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on the old pirate ship offers stunning scenery over Lake Ashi, making for a memorable experience. Although we were unlucky with the weather and couldn’t catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji due to the clouds, the lake and surrounding views were beautiful. However, our experience was marred slightly by getting stuck at the top of the cable car for over an hour due to the large crowds trying to descend. Additionally, the last boat back to our accommodation left at 4:25 PM, which felt a bit early—especially during peak periods when extending the schedule to 5 PM would be more convenient.

For those planning a trip, I’d recommend doing a one-way loop around Hakone instead of a return trip to avoid the crowds, particularly if you're staying in the area. Despite these minor issues, we really enjoyed the overall experience and would recommend it to others...