Overview
Lake Ashi, also known as Ashi-no-ko, is a scenic crater lake in Hakone, Japan. It is a popular tourist destination known for its views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains. The lake is also famous for its pirate ships that offer scenic cruises.
Lake Ashi is part of the Hakone volcanoes and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. It is also a culturally significant area with many historical sites nearby.
Location
Address
Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa
Neighborhood: Hakone
Coordinates
35.201600, 138.883600
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, October-November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, better views
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • cherry blossoms
- • spring greenery
summer
hot and humid
- • extended daylight
- • fireworks displays
autumn
cool to mild
- • fall colors
- • cooler weather
winter
cold, possibly snowy
- • snowy landscapes
- • hot springs
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Check weather conditions
- Bring cash for small vendors
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate for hiking
- • uneven paths
- • boat safety
Medical facilities: available in nearby towns
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, credit cards
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, inappropriate or revealing clothing for temples
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 weeks for peak season
- • official tourism website or local vendors
- • varies by vendor
- • available for cruises and major attractions
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Hakone Navigator
Size: 30 MB
Features: Map, Cruise Schedule, Tickets, Audio Guide
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor centers, Cafes
Charging Stations: Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Tokyo International Airport (HND)
Distance: 100 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
From City Center
Distance: 90 km from Tokyo
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Beautiful nature, rich history, and cultural significance
Historical Significance: Part of the ancient Tokaido route, important for trade and travel
Insider Tips
- Visit early for fewer crowds on cruises
- Best views of Mount Fuji from the west side of the lake
- Try local sake at a nearby brewery
Local Recommendations
- • Try local Hakone soba noodles
- • Visit nearby Hakone Shrine
- • Relax at an onsen
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Lake Ashi Cruise
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Capture the lake and Mount Fuji
Result: Stunning sunset or sunrise shots
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Distance: 2km
Walking: 25 min
Type: Museum
Hakone Shrine
Distance: 3km
Walking: 40 min
Type: Temple/Shrine
Owakudani Valley
Distance: 5km
Walking: 60 min
Type: Volcanic Valley
Reviews
Based on 1,200 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book cruise tickets online"
- "Visit early for the best views"
- "Try local food at nearby restaurants"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Tokyo: Mount Fuji, Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise and Owakudani Day Tour
Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mount Fuji, Hakone and Owakudani One Day Bus Tour from Tokyo
Tokyo: Hakone Fuji Day Tour w/ Cruise, Cable Car, Volcano
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour with Bullet Train Return
Hakone Private Custom Tour: Mt. Fuji View, Nature & Shrine
Mt. Fuji Hakone and Kamakura Day Tour: Cruise/Ropeway/island
Tokyo 10-Hour Mt. Fuji & Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise & Ropeway Tour
Hakone Private One Day Tour From Tokyo: Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi, Hakone National Park
Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Shinkansen
Mt Fuji & Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo: Return by Bullet Train
Mt. Fuji Hakone Ropeway and Oshino Hakkai Day Tour
Hakone Private Two Day Tour from Tokyo with Overnight Stay in Ryokan
Hakone Adventure: Explore Nature’s Beauty and Tranquility
3 Days Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo
Group Day Tour to Fuji/Hakone - Onsen and Nature - From Tokyo
Mount Fuji and Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo (Customizable)
Hakone & Mount Fuji Day Trip:Lake Ashi Torii Gate & Oshino Hakkai
Mount fuji and Hakone Full day private sightseeing tour
Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo with Ropeway Experience
Private Hakone Tour - View of Mt. Fuji, Nature and Culture
Mt Fuji and Hakone 1 Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train
Hakone Full-Day Private Tour from Tokyo (Customizable)
1 Day Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone from Tokyo
Quick Info
Available Tours
132
Rating
4.6 / 5.0
Reviews
1,200
Adult Entry
JPY 1,500 for cruise