When the weather isn't great, Lake Ashinoko has a mysterious and tranquil beauty. It might not have the bright, clear views you get on sunny days, but there's a special calm charm to it.
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Lake Ashinoko
Beautiful scenic Hakone volcanic caldera lake with excellent tourist facilities.
4.18
6
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.
There are many leisure facilities and souvenir stores along the lakeside, and sightseeing boats that cruise around the lake are very popular. There are also many historical spots such as Hakone Sekisho (Hakone barrier), cedar trees along the old Tokai Kaido road, and Onshi Park, which was opened on the site of an imperial detached palace. Mt. Fuji can be seen reflected on the surface of the lake from the southern shore.
It is also a famous fishing spot, where you can catch wakasagi (smelt), rainbow trout, black bass. Wakasagi caught on the opening day of the season, October 1, are presented to the imperial family every year.
There is also a mystical aspect. The lake was originally the sacred area of Hakone Gongen (now Hakone Shrine), where mountain priests performed misogi. Legend has it that a dragon with nine heads once inhabited the lake, but was subdued by Manmaki Shonin's prayers and enshrined as the Nine-Headed Dragon Myojin.
Highlights
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Play in the great outdoors at various leisure facilities.
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Enjoy the view from the lake on a sightseeing boat.
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A historical walk along the old Tokaido Highway, which was called Hakone Hachi-Ri.
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Mt. Fuji and Hakone's abundant natural beauty, a power spot with spectacular views of nature.
Photos
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Red torii gate of Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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Moto-Hakone area is lively even by Lake Ashi Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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Winter scenery with snow is also charming. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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Two types of sightseeing boats cruise the lake. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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Enjoy boating, including foot paddle swan type. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
Reviews
6
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I stopped by while passing through. It was cloudy so I couldn't see Mt. Fuji, but the location was really pleasant! I was also happy to find free parking!
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On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji perfectly. There's mountains, a lake, and you can even take a boat ride—it's an awesome spot to visit.
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The lake is a beautiful blue and crystal clear, surrounded by lush greenery. It's a great spot for a relaxing summer getaway.
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You have to take a boat ride when you come here. It costs a bit, but it's a pretty nice experience.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 芦ノ湖
- Postal Code
- 250-0522
- Address
- Motohakone, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa
- Telephone
- 0460-85-5700 (Hakone-cho Tourist Association)
- Hours
- Free to walk around anytime
- Directions
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1) <Momogendai area> Get off at Momogendai Station on the Hakone Ropeway.
2) ＜Moto-Hakone area＞ Shinkansen, JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, Hakone Tozan Railway, Izu Hakone Railway Oyuzan Line, 50 minutes by bus from Odawara Station - Official Website
- Hakone-cho Tourist Association Official Website (English)