If you are visiting the natural splendor of Hakone, located less than two hours from Tokyo, I recommend hopping on one of the extravagant pirate ships cruising along the stunning Lake Ashi. Of course, Hakone has much to offer in addition to buccaneering.
Why pirates?
You might be wondering…why pirate ships?
Well, I’m sure you didn’t doubt it, but let me confirm that they aren’t real pirate ships but rather replicas of historic ones. For instance, the red Royal II is inspired by an 18th-century French sailing warship. The story goes that the president of the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise at the time wanted to create a fantastical attraction in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics held in 1964. After gaining inspiration from a Disneyland ride in the United States, he came up with the idea for pirate ships!
Hakone history
The town has a long history. Hakone Shrine was visited by the first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, in 1180. Hakone also served as a major post station and checkpoint on the Tokaido highway connecting Edo (now Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period (1603 – 1868).
During the Meiji period (1868 – 1912), the town developed into a resort area for wealthy residents of Tokyo and Yokohama, complete with an imperial villa.
Popular spots
Today, Hakone continues to be a popular tourist destination for those looking to escape the big city for a day or two. It is known for its hot springs, art museums, the annual Hakone Ekiden relay race…and, of course, the pirate ship cruises!
But why limit yourself to the water when you can also take to the air? Hakone offers not one but two ropeways, the Komagatake Ropeway and the Hakone Ropeway. The latter leads to the sulfur craters of Owakudani, another iconic Hakone site.
History lovers can also visit the reconstructed Tokaido road Hakone checkpoint and the former imperial villa (now open to the public), in addition to various temples and shrines.
Freepass and access from Tokyo
One handy item for a trip to Hakone is the Hakone Freepass, which will cover unlimited rides on eight modes of transportation — yes, including the pirate ship — as well as discounts on various facilities in Hakone and round-trip travel from Shinjuku Station. You can purchase a digital pass online or a paper pass at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers or designated ticket machines.
An easy way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is to take the Odakyu Line’s “Romancecar” limited express train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. All seats are reserved, so you can travel comfortably. Although not included in the Freepass, you can also take the Hikari shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations to Odawara Station, and from there transfer to a local train or bus.
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, you still need to take a bus to Lake Ashi and many of the sightseeing spots…all the more reason to grab that Hakone Freepass before starting your trip!
FAQ
- How do I get to Hakone from Tokyo?
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The easiest way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is on the Odakyu Line’s “Romancecar” limited express train, which takes roughly 80 minutes from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- Is Hakone worth visiting as a day trip from Tokyo?
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Generations of Tokyoites certainly think so! The Romancecar limited express and the Hakone Freepass (see FAQ 3) make Hakone a convenient day trip, although you may want to consider spending a night there to make the most of it.
- What is the Hakone Freepass?
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The Hakone Freepass is a comprehensive pass that gives you unlimited access to various modes of transportation in Hakone, as well as discounts at various facilities.
- How long is the Hakone pirate ship ride?
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A round trip on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (pirate ship) is roughly 70–90 minutes. There are actually three stations that the ship stops at — Togendai-ko, Motohakone-ko, and Hakonemachi-ko — so you can make it part of a wider sightseeing loop.
- How long should I spend in Hakone?
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It depends on your schedule, how much you want to see, and how packed you like your days. The Hakone Freepass website introduces one-day and two-day sample itineraries, but the pass even has a three-day option. If you are visiting from overseas, perhaps a day trip is sufficient, but if you live and work in the Tokyo area, perhaps a leisurely long weekend exploring Hakone and relaxing in its hot springs is just what the doctor ordered!
