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A serene lake with misty waters reflecting surrounding trees and mountains. A bright red torii gate stands near the water's edge, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is visible in the background, partially obscured by clouds.
A scenic view of a lake with a pirate ship-style boat, lush green hills, a red torii gate on the shore, and snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background under a clear blue sky.
A serene lake with misty waters reflecting surrounding trees and mountains. A bright red torii gate stands near the water's edge, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is visible in the background, partially obscured by clouds.
Aerial view of Lake Ashi with deep blue water, surrounded by green hills and mountains; Mount Fuji is visible in the background under a clear blue sky. A small town and boats line the shore.
A woman in a gray jacket holding a camera stands on snowy ground near a dock, with a large red and yellow ship in the background. Mountains and a blue sky are visible in the distance.
A large, yellow and black pirate-style ship sails on a lake surrounded by green trees, with Mount Fuji in the background and a red torii gate near the shoreline.
Hakone

Lake Ashinoko

4.4 (1506)LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment
Last updated Apr 28, 2026

Lake Ashinoko, created by a volcanic eruption millennia ago, stands as a gem in Hakone. This expansive body of water, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, offers one of Japan’s most captivating vistas, especially with the majestic Mount Fuji looming in the background.

A key historical and cultural hub, the lake was once a vital route in the Edo period, connecting travelers on the ancient Tokaido Road. Today, its waters are plied by unique pirate-themed ships, offering a whimsical touch to the scenic cruises. These vessels provide panoramic views of the region's natural splendor, from the verdant banks to the clear, reflective waters.

The shores of Lake Ashinoko are rich with attractions. The Hakone Shrine, with its vermilion torii gate seemingly floating on the lake, is a spiritual beacon and a striking visual landmark. Nearby, the Komagatake Ropeway offers a bird’s-eye view of the lake and the surrounding mountainous terrain, enhancing the area's allure.

Beyond its visual appeal, the lake is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers find the waters teeming with fish, while hikers and nature lovers explore the numerous trails that wind through the picturesque surroundings.



The area

Address
Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Top ways to experience Lake Ashinoko

Hakone Shrine
10 hours
Discover Hakone: An Exclusive Full-Day Private Tour with an English-Speaking Guide
Ashinoko Skyline
9 hours and 30 minutes
Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Onsen, Art & Nature Experience

What other travelers are saying about Lake Ashinoko

I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I wish we could stay longer. So serene and beautiful, in a cloudy and even a bit rainy day. The surroundings are surprisingly not clean but it doesn’t ruin the experience.

Nearby attractions to see

Lush, rounded green bushes and trees under a dramatic cloudy sky, with distant mountains and a hint of water visible in the background, creating a peaceful natural landscape.

Onshi Hakone Park

A brick pathway with a green archway leads through a garden filled with bushes and trees, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background. A tall tree stands prominently at the path's end.

Hakone Gora Park

Stone dragon statues with open mouths spout water in front of a mossy rock and a bright red torii gate, surrounded by lush green forest.

Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu

Daiyūzan Saijo-ji Temple

Daiyūzan Saijo-ji Temple

Nearby attractions to see

Lush, rounded green bushes and trees under a dramatic cloudy sky, with distant mountains and a hint of water visible in the background, creating a peaceful natural landscape.

Onshi Hakone Park

A brick pathway with a green archway leads through a garden filled with bushes and trees, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background. A tall tree stands prominently at the path's end.

Hakone Gora Park

Stone dragon statues with open mouths spout water in front of a mossy rock and a bright red torii gate, surrounded by lush green forest.

Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu

Daiyūzan Saijo-ji Temple

Daiyūzan Saijo-ji Temple


More about Lake Ashinoko from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach Lake Ashinoko by taking a train to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then transferring to a bus or the Hakone Tozan Railway. Another scenic option is the Hakone Ropeway, which provides aerial views of the area.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including sightseeing cruises, renting pedal boats, fishing, hiking trails around the lake, and visiting nearby attractions like the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Yes, on clear days, you can see stunning views of Mount Fuji from various points around Lake Ashinoko. Some of the best vantage points are from sightseeing boats on the lake and along the shores.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The Hakone Shrine, with its iconic red torii gate in the lake, and the Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint), a restored Edo-era post station, are notable sites near Lake Ashinoko.

Yes, Hakone is famous for its hot springs, or "onsen." There are several hot spring resorts and public baths near Lake Ashinoko where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural mineral waters.
  1. Home
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Lake Ashi
9 hours and 30 minutes
Private 1-Day JDM/Sports Car Tour: Mt. Fuji, Hakone & Onsen Experience
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Dana Bashi
Oct 7, 2025
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is a scenic crater lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the region's most iconic destinations, famous for its classic views of Mount Fuji, historical shrines, and unique sightseeing boats. Volcanic Origins: The lake was formed approximately 3,000 years ago following a major eruption of Mount Hakone. The eruption caused a landslide that dammed a local river, creating the caldera lake we see today. Historical Significance: During the Edo period, the lake was a critical point on the Old Tokaido Road, the main route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. Travelers had to pass through the nearby Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho), which has been reconstructed for visitors to tour today. Took a pirate ship tour ride and the views are spectacular.
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George Fine
Nov 24, 2025
The lake is known for its views of Mount Fuji, its numerous hot springs, historical sites,However, i might visit at the wrong timimg so there is nothing special. Surrounded by mountains and trees ,also a few buildings along the shore. If you visit Hakone, you can take a 30-minute boat cruise excursion from the port at Hakone Sekisho-ato Port or the Moto-hakone Port.
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Simon Wong
Sep 27, 2025
Breathtaking view with beautiful lake. If you are lucky, you can see mount Fuji so clearly..
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Yanto Ciu
Dec 29, 2025
Beautiful place sailed by pirate ships, which is weird, but whatever, making the connection from Moto-Hakone and the cable car to Owakudani.
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Marin “SayanMk” Kolev
Dec 22, 2025
A bustling crowd walking towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, Japan. The main torii gate and pavilion of the shrine are visible amidst lush greenery. Colorful banners and signs flank both sides of the pathway, under a clear sky.

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