Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko)

The Basics

Lake Ashi sits in the volcanic crater of Mount Hakone’s volcanic crater. Aside from the natural beauty and holy Hakone shrine, the lake and surrounding area are known for its many hot springs (onsen). Japanese inns with spa bathhouses (ryokan) can be found in the area surrounding the lake, and many visitors take the opportunity to try traditional Japanese spa rituals here.

A popular tourist destination that's often part of day trips from Tokyo, Lake Ashi is also home to the Narukawa Museum of Art, plus restaurants and historic sites, such as the 400-year-young Old Tokaido Road lined with Japanese cedars, and the well-preserved Hakone Shrine. Traveling to Mount Fuji 5th Station on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway cable car is one of the top activities to try in the area.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Receive discounted access to multiple attractions and regional transport, including buses, trains, cable cars, and boat trips, with a combined pass.

• Some areas of the lake are wheelchair accessible.

• For the best photo ops of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background, head to Moto-Hakone, south of the sightseeing boat pier, or hop on a sightseeing cruise.

• Views of Mount Fuji tend to be clearer in the mornings and late afternoons.

• Families enjoy a lake cruise on the Hakone pirate ship replica.

How to Get There

Many opt to visit Lake Ashi, in the Hakone area in Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshu, via bullet train from Tokyo, which stops at Odawara Station (followed by bus transfer), or as part of a guided tour with round-trip transport provided, usually by car, or a combination of coach and bullet train.

When to Get There

Warm and often-sunny spring (March–May) is the most popular time to visit Lake Ashi. Summer is quite hot and humid, fall can be very pleasant with unpredictable weather, and winter often sees snowfall around the lake and its surroundings.

Hakone Shrine

Many Japanese consider Hakone Shrine a holy place. They’ve worshiped the hills around it for thousands of years as a place where souls of the dead travel onward to the next world. The shrine’s current incarnation is more than a hundred years old, and visitors can tour the buildings and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Ways to explore

Aside from its natural beauty and the Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi and the surrounding area are home to many hot springs (onsen). Japanese inns with spa bathhouses (ryokan) stud the shores of the lake, so many visitors take the opportunity to try traditional Japanese spa rituals here. Lake Ashi and Hakone are staples of day trips from Tokyo, which typically transport you by bullet train to save time in transit. These excursions often include a cruise on the lake and a ride on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway cable car, which offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji from one of Hakone’s highest points.

Accessibility

Many attractions on Lake Ashi, including the Hakone Ropeway, have step-free access and can accommodate wheelchairs. It’s best to check ahead if there’s a venue you’d like to visit for specific accessibility accommodations.

Age limits

None

What to pack

If you plan to use an onsen, be aware that many state that attendees enter the bathing space nude. Pack towels (small towels are typically permitted inside the bathing area) and coins, as there are often coin-operated lockers for your belongings. Hair must be kept out of the onsen water, so bring a tie if you have long hair.

What to wear

Hakone is typically a few degrees colder than Tokyo, so wrap up slightly warmer to account for the lakeside breeze.

Not allowed

Swimming in the lake, swimwear in most onsens

Amenities

Art gallery, boat docks, restaurants, hotels, onsen

Address

Many visitors travel to Lake Ashi via the bullet train from Tokyo, which stops at Odawara Station, followed by a bus transfer. Alternatively, book a tour from the city that includes round-trip transportation.

Driving

Depart from central Tokyo via the Tōmei Expressway, and exit at Atsugi, then transition to Odawara–Atsugi Road toward Hakone. Continue along the Hakoneguchi Interchange into Hakone.

Public transportation

A direct bus for Hakone departs from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. From Tamachi station, take the JR East train to Shinagawa and change to the Shinkansen (bullet train) for Odawara.

Best times to visit

For the highest chance of spotting Mt. Fuji through the mist, visit Lake Ashi in the early morning or afternoon.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to see larger numbers of boats on the lake, so plan a midweek trip for a more peaceful experience.

Best months to visit

While you might not be able to climb Mt. Fuji during winter, the colder months from October through March typically have better visibility.

Special events

In August, Daimonji Yaki celebrate the ancestors of Hakone residents with fireworks and light shows