©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Lake Ashi

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Lake Ashi

A scenic caldera lake of the Hakone volcano, with a wide range of tourist facilities.

3.37 9

Last update :
Supervised by :  Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

This lake is believed to have formed about 3,100 years ago, when debris from a mountain collapse caused by a steam explosion during volcanic activity blocked a river. In fact, most of its water comes from rain rather than the springs that feed the river. It is essentially a giant pool of rainwater.

The lakeshore is lined with a wide variety of recreational facilities and souvenir shops, and sightseeing cruises around the lake are also popular. There are many historic sites as well, including the Hakone Checkpoint, the cedar-lined Old Tokaido Road, and Onshi-Hakone Park, which was created on the former site of an imperial villa. From the southern shore, visitors may also see the spectacular “Upside-Down Fuji,” with Mount Fuji reflected on the lake’s surface.

The lake is also famous as a fishing destination, with wakasagi smelt, rainbow trout, black bass, and wakasagi smelt among the fish that can be caught. Each year, wakasagi caught on October 1, the opening day of the fishing season, are presented to the Imperial Family.

The lake also has a mystical side. It was originally considered sacred territory belonging to Hakone Gongen, now Hakone Shrine, where mountain ascetics performed ritual purification. Legend also tells of a nine-headed dragon that once lived in the lake. After being subdued by the prayers of the monk Mangan, it was enshrined as the deity Kuzuryu Myojin.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the great outdoors at a variety of recreational facilities.
  • Take in the scenery from the lake aboard a sightseeing cruise.
  • Explore the history of the Old Tokaido Road, once known as the Hakone Hachiri.
  • Visit this spiritual site for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Hakone’s rich natural surroundings.

Photos

  • Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate standing in Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji in the backgroundPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

    Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate standing in Lake Ashi, with Mount Fuji in the backgroundPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

  • Moto-Hakone, one of the liveliest areas along the shores of Lake AshiPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

    Moto-Hakone, one of the liveliest areas along the shores of Lake AshiPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

  • The snow-covered winter scenery has a charm of its ownPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

    The snow-covered winter scenery has a charm of its ownPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

  • Two types of sightseeing boats cruise the lakePhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

    Two types of sightseeing boats cruise the lakePhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

  • Visitors can also take to the water in pedal boats, including swan-shaped boatsPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

    Visitors can also take to the water in pedal boats, including swan-shaped boatsPhoto courtesy of the Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town

Reviews

9

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • mia36
    See More

    Lake Ashinoko in Hakone is especially peaceful in winter. The lake does not freeze, and its clear surface reflects snowcapped Mount Fuji. The trees along the shore are covered with a light frost, and the air is crisp. On clear days, the reflection of the snowy mountain floats on the lake as sightseeing boats slowly glide across the water. The surroundings are quiet and beautiful, filled with a poetic atmosphere unique to winter.

  • BobbyJenny
    See More

    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!

  • wendy
    See More

    When you come to Hakone, Lake Ashinoko is a great final stop on your trip! Cruising slowly across the lake on a sightseeing boat, you’re surrounded by lush green mountains, and when the weather is clear, you may even get to see Mount Fuji. The whole scene is so soothing.

    After spending the whole day exploring Hakone, once I got to Lake Ashinoko, I suddenly didn’t feel like rushing anywhere. I just wanted to sit by the lake, enjoy the breeze, and take in the scenery. The water was very calm and the breeze was gentle. Even time seemed to slow down.

    If Hakone is a journey, then Lake Ashinoko is the most relaxing ending. You don’t need to plan much. Just sitting there and zoning out is already worth it.

  • Michelle Lee
    See More

    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.

  • mizuiro_lawson
    See More

    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!

See more reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
芦ノ湖
Postal Code
250-0522
Address
Moto-Hakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone
0460-85-5700 (Hakone Tourist Association)
Hours
Open for walks at any time
Access
1) Togen-dai area: Get off at Togen-dai Station on the Hakone Ropeway.
2) Moto-Hakone area: About 50 minutes by bus from Odawara Station, served by the Shinkansen, JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, Hakone Tozan Railway, and Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line.
Official website
Official Hakone Tourist Association Website
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa