Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Lake Ashi is a caldera lake located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was formed by the activity of the Hakone volcano. Hakone has long been a key location on the Tokaido road, serving as a base for transportation, military affairs, and religious activities, and the area around Lake Ashi is home to many historical and cultural assets, including the remains of the Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Shrine. One of the lake's greatest attractions is the close-up view of Mount Fuji on clear days, and visitors can enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons (fresh greenery in spring, escaping the heat in summer, autumn leaves, and snow-covered scenery in winter).
In terms of tourism, a variety of transportation and tourist facilities are connected, such as pleasure boats (pirate ships), Hakone Shrine, Hakone Checkpoint Museum, ropeways and cable cars, and a wide range of plans can be put together, from day trips to overnight stays.It is also famous as a hot spring resort, and it is popular to enjoy the scenery while soaking in a hot spring at a lakeside inn.
Highlights
- Lake Ashi Pleasure Boat (Pirate Ship): A large tourist boat with a pirate ship-like exterior that connects Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Motohakone. You can enjoy views of the Hakone mountain range and Mount Fuji from the lake.
- Hakone Shrine (Motohakone): The torii gate on the lakeside is symbolic. It has been a power spot that has attracted worshippers since ancient times, and strolling around the approach and grounds is popular.
- Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Checkpoint Museum): A reconstruction of an Edo period checkpoint and an exhibition of historical documents. A must-see for history buffs.
- Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani: You can take the ropeway to get a close-up look at the volcanic landscape (Owakudani is famous for its black eggs). *Some sections may be closed due to volcanic activity.
- Lakeside walks and observation spots: Motohakone to Lake Ashi Promenade, Hakone-machi Port area, Hakone-en Observatory, etc.
- Four Seasons Landscape: In autumn, the leaves change color, and on clear winter days, Mount Fuji is often clearly visible.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest major station: Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway), Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Line, local train), Gora Station (terminus of Hakone Tozan Railway, transfer to ropeway)
- Main routes from the city center
- Odakyu Romancecar (Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto): Approximately 85-100 minutes (reservations required). From Hakone-Yumoto, take a bus or mountain railway towards Hakone Checkpoint and Motohakone.
- JR Tokaido Main Line (Tokyo → Odawara) + Bus: Approximately 35-50 minutes from Tokyo to Odawara. From Odawara, take the Hakone Tozan Bus towards Hakone in approximately 30-60 minutes.
- Lakeside Access: Hakone Ropeway to Togendai, Moto-Hakone, and Hakone-machi Port. Togendai is a transfer point for the ropeway and bus, and from Togendai you can take a sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi.
- Access by car: Head towards Hakone via the Tomei Expressway Atsugi IC or the Odawara Atsugi Road. We recommend leaving early on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, as traffic jams and parking lots can be expected.
- Use of the free pass: Odakyu's "Hakone Free Pass" and "Hakone-Yumoto - Round-Trip Free Pass" are convenient and offer great deals on train, bus, ropeway, and sightseeing boat trips.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short trip (2-3 hours): Visit Hakone Shrine in Motohakone + stroll along the lakeside + short section of the sightseeing boat
- Half-day (4-6 hours): Take the ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani → Take a sightseeing boat to Motohakone and Hakone-machi → Explore Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Shrine
- One Day (1 day or more): A plan that adds to the above by visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum, bathing in hot springs, and visiting nearby museums and tourist spots.
- Stay overnight (one night or more): Enjoy the different views at different times of the day, such as the evening view, night view, and morning lake surface, and fully enjoy your stay in the hot springs.
Nearby spots
- Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine (Lakeside Shrines)
- Hakone Checkpoint Museum (Historical Exhibition)
- Owakudani (volcanic area, black egg)
- Various museums such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, and the Hakone Glass Forest Museum
- Gora Onsen and Hakone Yumoto Onsen (accommodation and day trips)
- Odawara Castle (Odawara City, about 30 minutes by car)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and the New Year's holiday period are extremely busy. There may be long lines for the sightseeing boat, ropeway, and parking lot, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
- Volcanic activity at Owakudani: Due to the effects of volcanic gases, Owakudani and some ropeway sections may be temporarily closed or blocked off. Please check the latest information from the Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Town Tourist Association in advance.
- Weather and visibility: Mount Fuji is easy to see on sunny, clear days (especially winter mornings). It is often obscured by cloudy or foggy skies, so don't get your hopes up.
- Clothes/cold protection：Depending on the season, the altitude is high and it can be colder than the lakeside. It is especially cold in the mornings and evenings, so please bring something to wear over your clothes.
- Nature Conservation and Manners: Please be sure to take your trash with you or dispose of it in designated areas. Please pray and take photos quietly at lakesides and shrines, and be considerate of other tourists and the environment.
- Transportation times: There are times when the number of sightseeing boats, ropeways, and buses operating is limited. The number of services decreases especially after the evening, so be sure to check the return trip timetable.
- Precautions when using a car: Traffic congestion occurs on surrounding roads during the autumn foliage season and on weekends. Please consider using public transportation or a free pass.
Lake Ashi is a tourist destination that offers a good balance of natural scenery, history, hot springs, and activities. Checking weather, transportation, and facility operation information before your visit will help you enjoy your visit more comfortably.
