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Lake Ashi in Hakone is a must-see for families and travelers alike, with boat cruises, lakeside shrines, museums, and beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.

Colorful swan-shaped pedal boats sit on the shore of Lake Ashi, with several small boats floating nearby. A dock extends into the clear blue water, and green mountains rise in the background under a sunny sky.

Exploring Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is one of Hakone’s most famous attractions. Surrounded by mountains and filled with activities, it’s a place we’ve returned to many times with our kids. Each visit brings a new experience, whether we’re boarding a pirate ship, walking to a lakeside shrine, or taking a ropeway for mountain views.

Highlights Around Lake Ashi

A traditional Japanese wooden gate and surrounding black wooden fences lead to an Edo-period samurai town recreation, inspired by the historic Hakone Checkpoint Museum, with mountains and trees in the background under a bright sky.
  • Hakone Pirate Ship: A themed sightseeing cruise from Togendai to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone. Kids love the ship’s design, and on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji.
  • Hakone-en Aquarium: Suitable for little kids, known for both freshwater and saltwater exhibits.
  • Komagatake Ropeway: A short but scenic ride with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Hakone Shrine (箱根神社): Famous for its lakeside torii gate and forest path lined with lanterns.
  • Hakone Checkpoint (箱根関所): A restored Edo-period security post with an interactive museum.

Starting Point: Togendai Station

Many visitors begin at Togendai Station, the northern terminal of the Hakone Ropeway. From here, you can choose how to travel down the lake.

  • Ride the Pirate Ship: The most popular option, connecting north and south shores.
  • Take the Bus: The Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus runs along the eastern shore, stopping at Hakone-en.
  • Local Boat Tours: Smaller sightseeing boats are available for shorter cruises, though they are not covered by the Hakone Freepass.

Where to Eat: Kotei (湖亭) Restaurant

A plate of Japanese curry rice topped with a seasoned chicken leg, served with a mound of white rice and herbs, evokes flavors as comforting as a meal enjoyed by scenic Lake Ashi, accompanied by pickled vegetables on the side.

Near the rental boat area, we like stopping at Kotei, a cozy spot that serves beef stew and Japanese curry. After a morning of sightseeing, it’s one of our favorite places for a hearty meal.

Southern Shore Attractions

Tourists walk through a forested path toward the large red torii gate of Hakone Shrine by a lake, surrounded by tall trees and stone lanterns, with lush greenery in the background.
  • Hakone Shrine: The forested approach and torii gate on the lake make this one of Hakone’s most photogenic spots.
  • Hakone Checkpoint Museum: Learn how travelers were monitored during the Edo period. The exhibits are designed in a way that kids find easy to follow.

How to Get to Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is part of the Hakone Loop and easy to reach from Tokyo.

By Train

From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto. Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway for Gora, then the cable car to Sounzan. Continue on the Hakone Ropeway to Togendai on the north shore.

By Bus

Hakone Tozan Buses connect Hakone-Yumoto with Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi. The Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus serves Togendai and Hakone-en.

By Car

Driving offers flexibility, but parking near major sights can be limited on busy days.

Hakone Freepass

The Freepass covers the train, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and many buses. It is a good value if you will visit multiple stops.

Pro Tip: Ride the pirate ship in the morning for the best chance of Mt. Fuji views.

Is Lake Ashi Worth Visiting?

A clear Lake Ashi with wooden docks, surrounded by green hills. A large, colorful ship resembling a pirate ship is docked near buildings in the background under a bright blue sky.

Lake Ashi combines natural beauty with family-friendly attractions, history, and unique transportation options. From the pirate ships and ropeway to lakeside shrines and museums, it’s one of Hakone’s must-see destinations. We’ve enjoyed every visit, and it always feels fresh no matter how many times we return.

More to Explore Nearby

The majestic caldera Lake Ashi, famous for its scenery and views of Mt. Fuji, is the natural heart of Hakone, placing you close to spiritual sites, historical reconstructions, and major transport links.

  • Hakone Shrine – Visit the spiritual heart of the area, located on the shores of Lake Ashi, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and iconic red torii gate standing in the water.
  • Hakone Checkpoint Museum – Discover the faithfully reconstructed historical checkpoint where travelers on the Old Tokaido highway were once inspected.
  • Hakone-en – Explore this large leisure resort complex on the eastern shore of the lake, featuring a ropeway, aquarium, and various family-friendly attractions.
  • Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani – Take the gondola up the mountain for a spectacular ride over the volcanic activity of Owakudani Valley and enjoy dramatic, sulfuric views.

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