Exploring Lake Ashi: The Four Cruise Ports

A Guide to Navigating the Beautiful Lake Ashi by Boat

Cruise ships depart from four ports around Lake Ashi, providing easy access to Hakone’s scenic views, historic spots, and nature. These key ports are Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Hakone Sekisho-ato, and Togendai.

Hakone-machi-ko Port 

It is the main boarding point for the iconic pirate-style sightseeing cruises on Lake Ashi.

Location: 161 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
At the southern end of Lake Ashi.
A short walk from the "Hakone-machi" bus stop (served by buses from Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara)

Hakone Sekisho-ato Port

Located on Lake Ashi’s western shore, Hakone Sekisho-ato Port is close to the historic Hakone Checkpoint, an important Edo-period customs site. It’s a convenient stop for sightseeing cruises and a great starting point to explore the checkpoint museum and nearby nature trails.

The port’s ships are modern and comfortable, offering spacious interiors and large windows for relaxing lake views—different from the popular pirate-style boats on the lake.

Location:  1 Hakone,  Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
On the western shore of Lake Ashi, near the historic Hakone Checkpoint

Hakone-en Port 

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ashi, Hakone-en Port serves as a docking point for both modern sightseeing ships and the iconic pirate ships that traverse the lake. This port is situated near the Hakone-en leisure complex, which includes attractions such as the Hakone-en Aquarium and the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

Whether you prefer the serene ambiance of the modern sightseeing ships or the playful charm of the pirate ships, Hakone-en Port offers a unique starting point for exploring the scenic beauty of Lake Ashi.
 

Location: 138 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hakone-en Port is accessible via the Hakone Tozan Bus from Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey offers scenic views and takes approximately 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and specific departure points.
 

Togendai Port

Togendai Port is located on the northern shore of Lake Ashi. It’s a major gateway for visitors to enjoy sightseeing cruises on Lake Ashi and easy access to the Hakone Ropeway.

The Hakone Ropeway connects Togendai Station to Sounzan Station, passing through scenic spots like Owakudani. The ropeway offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular attraction year-round.
Togendai Port is a convenient hub for exploring Hakone’s natural beauty by both land and water.

Location:
164 Motohakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0522, Japan

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (T Route) to Togendai Port (about 46 minutes).

Togendai Port is a convenient hub for exploring Hakone’s natural beauty by both land and water.

Reservation & Ticket Buying

No advance reservation needed — just arrive at the port and purchase tickets.

• During peak times, there may be a short queue (~15 min wait)
• Occasional special cruises (e.g., pirate-themed or fireworks) may require reservation—check local schedules
   

Boarding & Duration

Cruises run roughly every 30–40 minutes along a circuit between ports
One-way trip (e.g., Motohakone to Tōgendai): ~25 minutes
Full round-trip: ~70 minutes, depending on stops .

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