Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi in Hakone is a scenic crater lake surrounded by mountains, often seen with Mount Fuji in the background. The area offers boat cruises, lakeside trails, and hot springs. A peaceful destination ideal for day trips or weekend escapes from Tokyo.

The boat ride was over all too quick. It's clear and calm waters make the boats motor totally out of place. I'd gladly hoist up a pirate sail...

We came to Lake Ashi and took the cruise on what looked like a pirate ship. This ship has a lift that made it easy to reach the open deck. It was spring and the wind made it feel very cold on the ship. The lake is pleasant and we could see the Tori of Peace from the deck.

Lake Ashi was a highlight of our Hakone trip – absolutely stunning with panoramic views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Getting there was surprisingly smooth: we boarded the Hakone Ropeway from Sōunzan, transferred at Ōwakudani, and then continued down to Tōgendai, right on the lake’s edge. Just note: the cable car section officially starts at Gōra, so plan your route accordingly. We opted for the first-class cabin on the Hakone Pirate Ship, which was well worth it – more space, better views, and you can enjoy the lake without the crowd. A great tip for those wanting a photo at the famous Heiwa no Torii gate (which often has long queues): hire a paddle boat instead! You’ll get beautiful, uninterrupted shots from the water, and it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the lake without the hustle. Highly recommend spending a half day here – bring snacks, a camera, and soak in the natural beauty!

Lovely experience. Weather was great and sunny. Managed to do the Lake Ashi pirate shop tpu, paddling in a swan boat and paddled past the famous toji gate

Great place took the ride on the pirate ship on the lake was nice

Near enough to have a good view of Mount Fuji. But the Lake Ashinoko itself is a nice serene place. Motohakone port is a nice little lakeside village where you can stay the night and wake up early for a walk along the lake and to savour the cool clean morning air. The iconic Heiwa No Torii gate that sits on the lake waters commands its presence and gets a line of people wanting to take photos there.

Stunning lake. We drove from Mt Fuji and parked up. There are multiple places to rent paddle swans (1500 yen) to explore the lake or a boat. The lake is stunning. We then drove a further 10 minutes and waited in line for thirty minutes to see the shrine.

Lake Ashi is a crater lake in Hakone. When I was on vacation here, I took a boat ride across Lake Ashi in the hopes of seeing Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, the skies were not clear, so I did not get to see Mount Fuji. Nonetheless, the lake water and the surrounding hills and trees looked beautiful. My husband and I felt very impressed by the fancy appearance of our boat and another one that passed us. We did not have the opportunity to purchase upgraded tickets, but they do have limited availability if you can purchase them early enough.

This was a great scenic ride on Lake Ashi. The staff were very pleasant and the views were lovely.

Ashinoko / Hakone -- As the centerpiece of Hakone, Lake Ashi fulfilled its role as the postcard-pretty setting for the hot springs onsens and related resort businesses that surround it. Walking to Hakone Shrine on the cobblestone lakeside trail provided a worthwhile reason to explore the lake from the woodsy shore (review: https://yelp.to/1D14aZEBn5). It's one of those caldera lakes formed by a volcano like so many lakes in Japan. If you ask me - and I think you just did - it's not nearly as pretty as Tazawako in Akita Prefecture (review: https://yelp.to/lysnNy9jaE), but if the sight of pirate ships and duck paddleboats excites you, then you'll have a good time here (review: https://yelp.to/c4mzb42gez). RELATED - Exploring Japan? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2qrUBZo

Took a boat tour here to get to Hakone Ropeway. The lake and surrounding scenery are beautiful.