Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a volcanic freshwater lake located in Hakone, about 27km (16.8 miles) southeast to the Mt. Fuji. It was formed around 3,000 years ago for a volcanic eruption, while it has been the vastest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture. Lake Ashi is a very famous place for sightseeing of Mount Fuji, which becomes a must-see there as the snow-capped Mt. Fuji can be seen on sunny days.

Highlights of Lake Ashi:

Enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Fuji & its refection

Hakone-Jinja Shrine with the red torii gate by water

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway to see Mt. Fuji on high

Cruise on the sightseeing boat like a pirate ship

When to Visit Lake Ashi

As in the central region of Japan, the best time to visit Lake Ashi is definitely spring and autumn months. April with cherry blossoms and November with autumn leaves allow you to see the most beautiful sceneries there. If you want to see the Mt. Fuji at Lake Ashi, you may have to go there on a sunny day, especially the early morning time. However, the cold season offers the best visibility to see the mountain.

“Pirate Ship” Cruise on Lake Ashi

"Pirate Ship" on Lake Ashi

The cruise has been a symbol at Lake Ashi, in the retro design looking like historic pirate ships. You could enjoy cruising on the lake, while admiring the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. In particular, when the cruise sails along the northeast shore, you can see the refection of Mt. Fuji on the lake water as long as it’s clear.

There are 3 piers around the southeast-northwest Lake Ashi: Togendai pier in the northern end of the lake, Hakonemachi pier in the south by west, and Motohakone pier in the south by east. The cruises shuttle among the piers, taking 25-40 minutes, also the luxury first-class cabins are more expensive with wider space.

Operating Hours	09:30 (departs at Hakonemachi) – 16:20 (leaves at Togendai)
Time Consumed	Motohakone to Togendai: 25 minutes Togendai to Hakonemachi: 25 minutes Hakonemachi to Motohakone: 10 minutes
Fare	JPY 1,200 for an one-way trip to Togendai, JPY 2,220 for a round trip; A surcharge of JPY 400-500 is added for the first-class cabins.

The information might be subject to change, especially the timetable is different in winter from other seasons.

The cruise may be closed on a day in bad weather.

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is a 7-minute caber car up to Mt. Komagatake on the eastern shore of Lake Ashi, from Motohakone station. It’s a visit-worthy trip on high to enjoy the sceneries of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi apart from the mountain landscapes of Mt. Komagatake, particularly the highland flora. Reaching the summit, you could also visit the Hakone-Mototsumiya Shrine. The Ropeway operates from 9:00 to 16:30 (ascent) / 16:50 (descent) and departs every 20 minutes. The fare is JPY 1,800 for a round trip.

It should be noted that, don’t confuse it with Hakone Ropeway departing at Togendai in the north of Lake Ashi. Hakone Ropeway runs to Sounzan, Owakudani and Ubako stations.

Heiwa-no Torii of Hakone-Jinja Shrine

As you get to Lake Ashi, you would not miss the red torii gate of Hakone-Jinja Shrine by the shore, which has been recognized as a landmark in Hakone. Called as Heiwa-no Torii, it’s so eye-catching between the lake water and verdant hill, seems to be floating on the water. Meanwhile, it becomes a prefect photo spot for shutterbugs, especially at dusk.

Heiwa-no Torii

Hakone Jinja Shrine

Around Lake Ashi

Owakudani is a sulphur spring valley near Lake Ashi, you may see it on Hakone Komagatake Ropeway or the summit of Mt. Komagatake. It is a crater site left by a big eruption thousands of years ago, where the sulphur steam rise. You can’t have an onsen bath in Owakudani, but, as in Hakone, there are many onsen spots in the surroundings of Lake Ashi. A ryokan would be nice overnight as well as for a private onsen bathing.

How to Get to Lake Ashi

Trains to Yumoto Station in Hakone are accessible, such as the limited express train from Tokyo Station. On arrival at Yumoto, transfer to Odawara bus to Motohakone and Hakonemachi by Lake Ashi. Via Yumoto, Hakone Tozan bus is also available to reach Sounzan and transfer to downward Hakone Ropeway to Togendai of Lake Ashi.

From Gotemba, direct bus to Togendai can be caught. From Atami, buses to Hakonemachi run frequently.