On July 18 (Saturday), 2026, the special cabins of Hakone Pirate Ship "Royal II," operated by Odakyu Hakone, were renewed under the concept of "an elevated, special cruise capturing the glamour and joy of early modern France." In addition, on July 17 (Friday), "OWAKUDANI KITCHEN," operated by Hakone Pleasant Service of the Odakyu Hakone Group, opened on the second floor of Hakone Ropeway's Owakudani Station, offering "a dining experience where all five senses can savor the dynamism of Owakudani."
Hakone Pirate Ship "Royal II" was built in 2013, modeled after the French warship Royal Louis, which was active in the 18th century. For the renewal, the special cabins have been refreshed in a base of white and deep rouge red, with new Rococo-inspired furniture and paintings evoking 18th-century France, transforming the cabins into an elegant, refined space. The onboard cafe has also added a draft tower and now serves a new cocktail inspired by Royal II. In addition, the trick art in the first-floor standard cabin has been renewed with a bold new design that captures the world of a pirate ship sailing across Lake Ashinoko.
Renewal Highlights of Hakone Pirate Ship "Royal II"
Special Cabins
With an interior based on white and rouge red, Rococo-inspired furniture and seating have been arranged throughout, transforming the cabins into an elegant, refined space suited to any occasion. The onboard paintings have also been renewed as original hidden-picture designs, adding playful details to discover throughout the cabin. A new symbol has been added to the wall behind the throne at the center of the second floor, among other touches that evoke the traditional culture cherished in 18th-century France.
Onboard Cafe and Original Cocktail
With rouge red as the base color, the onboard cafe has been refreshed to match the elegant, refined look of the special cabins.
A new cocktail, "Royal II," inspired by the ship's hull color, is now available. Made with sparkling wine and cassis liqueur, it's a glamorous, slightly indulgent drink.
Trick Art
The trick art is placed at three locations at the rear and on both sides of the first floor. The new designs place greater emphasis on realism and visual impact, incorporating rainbow trout, a fish well known in Lake Ashinoko, and the underwater torii gate of Hakone Shrine, creating story-driven trick art that captures the world of a pirate ship sailing across the lake.
*The designs were supervised by 株式会社エス・デー, the company that opened the world's first trick art museum.
Hakone Pirate Ship "Royal II" Overview
- Passenger capacity: 565 (including 111 in the special cabins)
- Route: Togendai Port to Hakone-machi Port / Motohakone Port
- Sample one-way fares: Adults ¥1,700 / Children ¥850; one-way special cabin fee (additional): Adults ¥800 / Children ¥400
- Barrier-free access (1 elevator, 1 multipurpose restroom)
About OWAKUDANI KITCHEN
Interior
Themed around a "special space" for a relaxed meal while taking in the dramatic scenery of Owakudani, the restaurant's interior has been renewed with a comfortable, luxurious design. Warm, refined lighting fills the space, creating a luxurious atmosphere in harmony with the view outside. Counter seats have been added by the windows, offering an unobstructed view of Owakudani up close, while sofa seating and round tables arranged around larger tables make the space suitable for everyone from solo diners to groups.
Menu
Along with a renewed version of "Owakudani Curry," the restaurant's signature dish since it opened in 2013, three new sizzling iron-pot dishes have been added to express the dynamism of Owakudani. The iron-pot dishes can also be enjoyed risotto-style by adding the accompanying cheese and rice. Side menu items have also been expanded, including the original "Owakudani Mango Pudding" dessert and a lassi that pairs well with Owakudani Curry.
OWAKUDANI KITCHEN Overview
- Address: 2F Owakudani Station, 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Seats: 119
- Hours: 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM (L.O. 3:30 PM) *Irregular holidays
About Hakone Pirate Ship
Hakone Pirate Ship connects three ports — Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Motohakone — with one-way crossings of about 25 to 35 minutes. Three ships operate the route: Queen Ashinoko, Royal II, and Victory. The views from the lake, including Hakone Shrine's underwater torii gate, Mount Fuji, and the changing seasons on Lake Ashinoko, are especially beautiful, and the onboard cafe offers a relaxing break during the crossing.
For an additional ¥800, the capacity-limited special cabins feature decor reflecting the history and culture behind each ship's concept, with spacious seating and a dedicated forward deck offering great views for an elegant, out-of-the-ordinary experience.
About Hakone Ropeway
Hakone Ropeway connects Sounzan to Togendai via Owakudani, covering about 4 km in total. Between Sounzan and Owakudani, riders can look down on the valley floor of Owakudani from about 130 meters above, while the stretch toward Togendai offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko.
In April 2026, the world's first 3D-audio gondola, 音箱 (OTOBACO), began operating between Sounzan and Owakudani under the concept of "a box you experience through sound," offering original music suited to the view and weather in a private gondola.
About Chikyu no Tani (ちきゅうの谷)
In April 2025, a new observation area called Chikyu no Tani (ちきゅうの谷), themed around "black, geology, and wind," opened at Owakudani. It offers a scenic setting for encountering the depth of the earth's dynamic processes, from dramatic terrain to wind, and for taking in the grandeur of nature.
Along with Tani no Marche (谷のマルシェ), which offers light meals and goods for enjoying Owakudani, the opening of "OWAKUDANI KITCHEN," a restaurant with a full menu, has made it a spot with an even richer food scene.
Official Website: Hakone Tourist Information Site, Hakone Navi — https://www.hakonenavi.jp
For getting around Hakone, the "Hakone Free Pass" is a convenient and cost-effective option, combining a round-trip discount ticket on the Odakyu Line with unlimited rides on eight types of transportation in Hakone and discounted admission at around 70 facilities.
Sample Fares (valid for 2 days):
| Departure Station | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | ¥7,100 | ¥1,600 |
| Machida | ¥6,820 | ¥1,600 |
| Odawara / Hakone-Yumoto | ¥6,000 | ¥1,500 |
