Cruising Lake Ashi on the Queen Ashinoko: Our Hakone Sightseeing Adventure
Getting There: Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto
We kicked off our Hakone day trip by boarding the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station straight to Hakone-Yumoto. It’s about a 1.5-hour scenic ride through the countryside—and if you want to make it extra special, try to reserve seats in the front or rear observation cars for panoramic views (they book up quickly, so plan ahead!).
Once at Hakone-Yumoto, we used our Hakone Free Pass to connect to other transport lines, making our way toward Lake Ashi.
Pro Tip: Book the Hakone Free Pass on Klook ahead of time—it’s a great deal, even for just a one-day trip. It covers trains, buses, the sightseeing cruise, and the ropeway (and more). Plus, no need to worry about juggling individual tickets throughout the day.
Grab your Hakone Free Pass here on Klook
Boarding the Queen Ashinoko
The cruise begins from Motohakone-ko, a peaceful little dock area lined with lakeside cafés and souvenir shops. We boarded the Queen Ashinoko—a majestic, pirate-ship-inspired vessel that looks like something out of a Studio Ghibli film. You can buy light snacks and beverages on board.
First Class Upgrade? Worth It.
We opted for the First Class upgrade, and we’re so glad we did. Here’s why it’s worth the extra yen:
- Priority boarding: No need to stand in line—first class passengers board first.
- Exclusive seating: The upper deck and lounge areas have plush seating, panoramic windows, and fewer crowds.
- Top deck access: Hello, unobstructed views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji (if the skies are kind!).
Whether you’re snapping photos, sipping a coffee, or just soaking in the tranquility of the lake, the first-class section makes the experience feel luxe without breaking the bank.
The Views: Hakone-jinja & Mt. Fuji Moments
As we sailed across Lake Ashi from Motohakone to Togendai, we passed the iconic Hakone-jinja Shrine Torii Gate—standing elegantly in the water. It’s one of those “I can’t believe this is real” moments. The cruise lasts about 20-40min one way depending on the weather.
And though Fuji-san can be a bit shy, the skies opened up just long enough for us to see the majestic silhouette of Mt. Fuji in the distance. It felt like a little reward from the weather gods.
Arriving at Togendai: Onto the Ropeway
After docking at Togendai, we seamlessly transitioned (again, thanks to our Hakone Free Pass) to the Hakone Ropeway. This gondola ride whisks you up into the volcanic valley of Owakudani, known for its steamy sulfur vents and famous black eggs.
Legend has it: Eating one of the Owakudani black eggs adds seven years to your life. We’ll take two, please.
The ropeway views are unreal—think volcanic landscapes, valleys dusted in mist, and another chance to glimpse Mt. Fuji if the skies are clear.
Final Thoughts: Is the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you’re doing a one-day Hakone trip or staying overnight in a ryokan, the cruise adds a magical, peaceful moment to your itinerary. We loved every minute aboard the Queen Ashinoko, and the first-class upgrade made it all the more special.
Combined with the ropeway to Owakudani and the ease of using the Hakone Free Pass, this was one of the smoothest, most scenic travel days we’ve ever had.
Planning a full day in Hakone? Be sure to check out our Hakone in 1 Day Itinerary—it includes this cruise, plus our favorite cafés, hot spring stops, and transportation tips to make the most of your visit.
