Hakone Sightseeing Boats: Cruising Spectacular Lake Ashi in Style

The Queen Ashinoko, the latest addition to the pirate ship fleet, with Mount Fuji in the background. (Photo courtesy of Odakyū Agency)

Tourists board the “pirate ships” Royal II (left) and Queen Ashinoko docked at Hakone-machi.

The partially submerged Gate of Peace at Hakone Shrine is a popular photo spot.

The Hakone Ropeway traverses the smoking Ōwakudani valley.

The Tōgendai dock and the Royal II seen from the deck of the Victory.

The Hakone Ekiden Museum.

The Victory is recognizable by its predominately black color scheme.

Statues of a helmsmen and guard add to the décor on the deck of the Royal II.

An optical illusion corner on the Royal II makes it appear as if pirates are on the attack.

Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, adorns the bow of the Queen Ashinoko.

Mitooka Eiji’s design style is evident on the observation deck.

Luxury and comfort awaits passengers even in economy class.

Latticework and other decorative elements adorns the walls and ceilings.

The Queen Ashinoko’s first-class cabin.

The view of the goddess Nike juxtaposed with the shrine gate can only be had from the first-class deck.

The Royal II cruises gracefully across Lake Ashi.