Taking the Hakone Pirate Ship is an essential experience when visiting Lake Ashi in Hakone. Boarding at Togendai Port, you can see from afar that the ship is modeled after a 17th- to 19th-century European warship. As you cruise across the lake, you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and water, and on a clear day, you may even see Mount Fuji in the distance!
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
-
Lake Ashinoko
The lake is said to have been created about 3100 years ago when a phreatic explosion caused by volcanic activity caused the sediment from a large collapsed mountain to dam the river. In fact, most of the water is rainwater rather than spring water, which is the source of the river. It is a huge puddle of water.
By Lake Ashinoko, you can see Mount Fuji reflected in the clear blue water in the distance. It's so beautiful, like stepping straight into an anime scene! The most exciting part is riding the extravagantly designed “Hakone Pirate Ship.” As the huge sailing ship glides across the water with the wind, standing on deck in the breeze instantly gives you the thrilling feeling of setting off on an adventure!
Hakone Shrine by the lake has another big surprise: the striking vermilion “Torii Gate of Peace” standing in the water. So beautiful!
-
-
Sengokuhara Susuki (Pampas) Fields
Sengokuhara is known as a resort on a plateau with rich nature. Many wetland plants and other species in season adorn the scenic area. Trails are available and it is a popular location for light hiking.
Visiting the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields in summer was completely different from the golden pampas grass I had imagined in fall! In summer, the grass is still bright green, and seeing the vast field swaying in the wind makes it feel especially full of life.
This time, I actually walked along the trail, with tall pampas grass on both sides. When the wind blew, the entire field swayed together, and it was truly beautiful. Although it was a little hot walking in summer, the mountain views and natural scenery along the way were very pleasant! So great!
-
-
Hakone Gora Park
This first French-style formal garden in Japan was opened in 1914. The French garden is typically laid out on a vast flat land in symmetry with ponds and plants in geometric shapes. This park is unique because it is on a slope. Between the front gate and west gate, there is about 40m-drop as if the park was imposed in the middle of a slope.
I originally thought it would just be an ordinary park, but I was pleasantly surprised when I actually went inside! There are flowers and plants everywhere, and together with Hakone's mountain scenery, the whole setting feels very relaxing. Every photo looks great! It's definitely a place worth visiting!
-
