The Victory is one of the pirate ship-themed vessels used for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, and is a beloved symbol of Lake Ashi. Its black and orange hull is reminiscent of a proud British sailing ship from the days of yore. It’s exciting to look at and really sets the mood before the start of the cruise.

The ship’s deluxe cabin is separate from the regular rooms, and is available for use by passengers for an additional 800 yen* (tax incl.) on top of the regular fare. One of the great things about the deluxe cabin is that it is less crowded than the regular cabin, making it easier to take great-looking photos from a variety of angles.
* For one-way trip from Togendai Port to Hakonemachi Port or Moto-Hakone Port. In addition, Hakone Freepass users can get a 100 yen discount for adults and a 50 yen discount for children.

The theme of the deluxe cabin’s renovations was “a luxury cruise that exudes British tradition and culture.” The space has been updated to resemble a classically elegant British lounge, with black-and-white checkerboard floor tiles, stately gold trim, and botanical-patterned fabrics.

Previously, the cabin’s seating primarily consisted of sofas, and another major change is the addition of new window-facing counter seats and booth seats for groups.

Two things from the deluxe cabin that were particularly striking were the black-and-white checkerboard floor, evoking British tradition, and the deep buttoned Chesterfield-style sofas. Surrounded by the stately atmosphere of the kind of lounge you might find in a luxury hotel, the soft light coming in through the windows adds warmth to the space.

The updates include the addition of new types of seating to the deluxe cabin, which previously consisted primarily of sofa seating, greatly expanding the range of ways you can enjoy your time onboard. The deluxe cabin now has three main types of seating. We recommend the sofa seats for those who want to enjoy relaxing conversation, the counter seats facing the windows for solo travelers and couples, and the booth seats for families and groups.

The counter seating in particular allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Ashi and the outer rim of the Hakone Caldera. Here you can indulge in the feeling that you have the lake all to yourself.

With a pleasant breeze blowing across the lake and lush green trees adorning the sides of the mountains, it makes you feel like you are sailing through a painting. Eventually, Kuzuryu Shrine and the torii gate of peace of Hakone Shrine appear on the left. You can also see people quietly paddling canoes across the water, and fishermen gazing motionlessly at their bobbers in the lake. Time seems to move by more slowly on Lake Ashi, and every time you come across scenery like this, it makes you want to snap a picture.

One of the things that makes the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise so appealing is that the views you see and even the atmosphere you experience are completely different depending on where you sit. First try sitting at the counter seating by the windows and enjoy an unobstructed, panoramic view of Lake Ashi. After a while, move to a booth seat and find even more ways to enjoy your trip—taking in the scenery side by side and showing each other the photos you have taken. The best part of this cruise is moving from place to place on the ship to enjoy the different scenery on offer—it makes you want to try all the different seats.

The onboard cafe, located right at the entrance to the ship, has also been redesigned to resemble a bar counter. The counter is decorated in deep blue and gold, creating a mature space that combines luxury and tranquility. During our visit, Ishii and Okada ordered a draft beer (770 yen, tax incl.) and an Odawara Craft Cola (Japanese Plum) (550 yen, tax incl.).

The draft beer, carefully poured from a dedicated server, has a fine, creamy head, and its velvety smoothness makes you want to let out a sigh of satisfaction with each sip. Odawara Craft Cola (Japanese Plum) is made with Soga ume plums, a specialty product from Odawara, and perfectly blends the subtle sweet and sour taste of plum with the spicy flavor of cola.

On chilly days, we recommend taking a break with a cup of the pirate ship’s exclusive coffee (540 yen, tax incl.), available only onboard. Just holding the cup in your hand starts warming you up.

In addition to alcoholic beverages and coffee, the cafe offers a wide selection of soft drinks such as juice, water, and tea, as well as snacks. This means there are plenty of choices for families with children and those visiting Hakone by car as well. (Product lineup is subject to change depending on the season.)

If you have a ticket for the deluxe cabin, you can also use its dedicated outdoor deck. This deck is actually a well-kept secret. Fewer people come here compared to the regular deck, and the space is quieter and more relaxed. Here you can indulge yourself in views of the rippling waves of Lake Ashi and the ridges of the surrounding mountains unobstructed by other passengers.

Also, because it is less crowded, it makes it easy to take pictures from any angle you like. Want to get a good picture with Mt. Fuji in the background? How about one with a friend in front of the lake with the wind blowing in your hair? Here you can get these shots with ease.

On the day of their visit, Ishii and Okada went out on the deck with a cold drink in hand. Gazing at the lake while bathing in a pleasant breeze is truly extraordinary. They found themselves losing track of time and just gazing at the scenery without a care in the world.

Because there are no tall buildings or mountains close by, the view is wide open, and the sky feels closer than usual. The blue sky above, the shimmering surface of the lake, and the layered silhouettes of the mountains—Everything looked as if it was made just for this cruise.

The world feels bigger out on the lake, and it makes you want to take a big, deep breath of the clean air. With the deluxe cabin, it doesn’t just feel like you’re on a boat ride; it feels more like nature is your travel companion.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise’s timetable and information on how to purchase tickets can be found on its official website, along with information on its operation status. It is a good idea to check this website in advance when planning your trip.

The new Pirate’s Galley cafe stand has been opened in Moto-Hakone Port, a departure and arrival port for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, and is sure to help set the mood for your voyage. The concept behind the cafe is a galley onboard a pirate ship. As its name suggests, it is a fun space that is sure to put you in the pirate mood the moment you get to the port.

Lit by warm filament lamps, the cafe is filled with touches that evoke tales of pirates, including brick-patterned walls, antique-style flooring, and tables with ropes wrapped around their legs resembling the mooring of a ship at anchor. It feels more like you’ve wandered onto the set of a movie instead of a cafe. It is also a great place to spend some time before or after a cruise.

This time, Ishii and Okada ordered the Jewel Jelly Soda (700 yen, tax incl.), which looks and tastes delightful, and the Square Treasure Puff (treasure chest-themed cream puff pastry) (480 yen, tax incl.).

The Jewel Jelly Soda comes in two varieties: the strawberry-flavored Ruby (shown in the photo on the left) and the apple-flavored Sapphire (on the right in the photo). Made with orange sauce with pulp topped with a layer of jelly in one of the two available flavors, mixing the drink creates vivid gradations that look great in photos. The carbonation was refreshing and the fruity flavor was not too sweet, making it perfect for a hot day.

The Square Treasure Puff pastries are available in three varieties: custard, strawberry, and green tea. Their square, treasure chest-like shape, topped with a little crown-shaped chocolate, is so cute that you can’t help but take a picture. When you open the box, the aroma of sweet cream and freshly baked pastry fills the air, and one bite of the crispy crust and generous amount of cream will bring a smile to your face.

Also recommended is the Pirate’s Hot Dog (950 yen+, tax incl.), which is made with a bone-in frank to deliver maximum visual impact. Hearty and filling, it makes a great snack to enjoy before or after your voyage. In addition, there is a wide variety of other easy-to-enjoy menu items on offer, such as hot and iced coffee (450 yen each, tax incl.) and soft-serve ice cream (600 yen, tax incl.).

Happily, all the food and drinks purchased here can be brought aboard the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. Relaxing on a sofa in the deluxe cabin with a delightful drink or sweet in hand is sure to make your voyage feel even more special and luxurious.

With the recent remodeling, the ticket office and waiting area at Moto-Hakone Port also have a new look, and have been transformed to deliver an even more realistic pirate feel. Pirate-themed items have been placed around the area, and the walls have been decorated with a map of Lake Ashi drawn like a treasure map as well as depictions of the pirate ship-inspired vessels of the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, all of which make for excellent photographs. It feels like you’ve wandered into a port town from a pirate story.

In addition, a baby lounge and barrier-free restrooms are available for families with small children and the elderly. You can tell that care has been taken to ensure everyone’s comfort.

Since Moto-Hakone Port is located near the first torii gate and approach to Hakone Shrine, we also recommend combining a cruise on Lake Ashi with a visit to Hakone Shrine. It makes for a fun-filled day incorporating nature, history, and the essence of adventure.

The remodeled and updated Hakone Sightseeing Cruise ship Victory and Moto-Hakone Port combine British luxury and pirate adventure. The deluxe cabin’s classic and extravagant interior, the Victory’s bar counter-style onboard cafe offering draft beer, and the Pirate’s Galley filled with a lineup of photo-worthy sweets—No matter where you look, you’ll find an abundance of exciting experiences great for a fun-filled girls’ trip, couple’s getaway, or family vacation!

In fact, a number of hot new spots are now emerging in Hakone, and areas offering new ways to experience Hakone are popping up one after another. In addition to the special cabin on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise ship Victory we introduced in this issue, examples include the new Ropester gondola on the Hakone Ropeway, and the Earth Valley observation area at Owakudani Station.

When exploring Hakone, the Hakone Freepass is by far the best way to get around. In addition to unlimited rides on eligible modes of transportation, it is a great way to get around smoothly because it eliminates the hassle of purchasing a ticket every ride.

The Hakone Freepass gives you unlimited rides on a total of eight transportation systems, including the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and Hakone Ropeway, as well as the Hakone Tozan Train; Hakone Tozan Cable Car; and the Hakone Tozan Bus, which stops at a variety of sightseeing facilities. You can also add round-trip travel on the Odakyu Line from the departure station of your choice to Odawara, enabling access to Hakone including from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

For example, you could take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Odawara, then take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Togendai Port. From there, you could take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and disembark at Moto-Hakone Port, then take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Hakone Tozan Cable Car to various other spots in Hakone. Travel on routes like this is easy and smooth with the Hakone Freepass. Since you don’t have to buy a ticket or worry about the balance on your IC card each time you ride, it eliminates a source of stress, allowing you to concentrate on your trip.

The Hakone Freepass also provides additional discounts. In addition to a 100 yen discount for adults and 50 yen discount for children for one-way deluxe cabin use on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, you can get various discounts at approximately 70 facilities, including museums, hot springs, and cafes. Saving a little money at every place you visit makes traveling even more fun!

Take a voyage on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, feel the breeze of Lake Ashi, relax, and enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary experience. It’s perfect for those who want to take a break from everyday life and unwind. For your next vacation, why not go on a luxurious cruise and enjoy the “British + Pirate” atmosphere of the Victory’s deluxe cabin?

Note: Information is correct as of June 25, 2025, except for ticket prices, which are correct as of October 1, 2025.