Lake Ashi

Nature, Parks, & Gardens • Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture

Lake Ashi, also known as Ashinoko Lake, is celebrated for its stunning vistas and tranquil waters that mirror the sky above. This crater lake was formed over 3,000 years ago in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption. Today, it serves as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and a popular destination for those seeking a picturesque escape.

Exploring Lake Ashi

The lake is renowned for its views of Mt. Fuji on clear days, providing a perfect backdrop for photographers and romantics alike. A variety of boat cruises offer leisurely rides across the serene water, allowing visitors to soak in the panoramic beauty from different perspectives. The sight of the iconic red torii gate of the Hakone Shrine, standing at the edge of the lake, adds a cultural touch to the scenic landscape.

Surrounding the lake, numerous trails wind through lush forests, inviting hikers to explore more of the area’s natural beauty. The region also boasts hot springs, another draw for tourists looking to relax after a day of sightseeing. With its rich history, including a role as a checkpoint on the Tokaido road during the Edo period, Lake Ashi is not just a natural wonder but also a site of cultural significance.

79°F

High: 79°F / Low: 79°F

Currency

Japanese yen

Related and Nearby Travel Experiences

Explore new destinations throughout with ease and expert guidance with tour packages and experiences from Viator. With knowledgeable guides to enrich your journey with local insights and cultural experiences, you can fully immerse yourself in the destination without the stress of planning logistics. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, a tour ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience.

$225

5.00 (52 reviews)

Hike Hakone Hachiri

Hike a section of the ancient forest-clad Tokaido Highway that links Tokyo with former capitals Kyoto and Osaka. Experience Amazake Chaya, one of the few remaining of hundreds of teahouses that lined the old Tokaido, Cedar Avenue with towering 400 year-old Japanese cedar patrolling both sides of the trail, and stunning views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) from Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and more. Hakone Hachiri has been declared a Japan Heritage Area. Allow our guide to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural heritage of this ancient route.

View on Viator

$165

5.00 (34 reviews)

Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour

This tour involves 4–5 hours of hiking in Hakone (about 8–9 km), so guests need good fitness. You will traverse part of the outer rim of the Hakone caldera, with possible views of Lake Ashi, the Pacific Ocean and Mt Fuji when the weather is clear. After descending toward Sengokuhara, the day finishes with lunch and an onsen. The ascent takes about 90 minutes and gains roughly 500 metres. The ridge walk continues for about 2.5 hours through bamboo grass and seasonal scenery before descending to Togendai. Travel from Hakone-Yumoto to the trailhead is by local bus. The bus fare, lunch and onsen admission are not included in the Viator tour price.

View on Viator

$143

5.00 (27 reviews)

Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri (Half Day)

You will hike 2-3 hours along the old Tokaido highway some on cobbled paths and some on forest trails between Hakone Yumoto and Lake Ashi. Some part of this path is off-the-beaten track and we normally have the forest for ourselves. This part of the Hachiri has the best preserved cobbled path and more primitive forests. You will hike past the wood crafting village of Hakone - Hatajuku and we skip the steepest part of the trail by bus and reach a teahouse that has a history of 400 years. After an energising amasake, we will continue our hike to Lake Ashi where if you are lucky, you can have a picture with Mt Fuji and the lake view. The Hakone checkpoint is our last stop where you will understand the significance of Hakone in the history of Japan. At the end of the tour, you can then catch a bus or a ferry (pirate ship) to your next destination at around 1pm.

View on Viator

$362

5.00

Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Hakone's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking guide! Join us to visit the beautiful mountain resort town of Hakone. Nestled in the mountains, Hakone is a place of natural and artistic wonders. Visit Owakudani to see the ever-rising sulfurous gasses from the active volcano that provides heat to the many hot springs nearby. Try the area’s famous black-boiled eggs; turned black and infused with the minerals from the spring. Ride the ropeway down the mountain to Lake Ashinoko for a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Sail across the lake to visit the Torii gate by the Kuzuryu shrine to the area’s 9-headed dragon deity. If you are an art fan, try visiting one of the many art museums in Hakone.

View on Viator

$129

5.00

Hakone Old Tokaido Road Hiking Tour to Hakone Shrine

This guided hiking tour explores the preserved sections of the Old Tokaido Road, once used by travelers, samurai, and feudal lords during the Edo period. The tour includes a stop at Hatajuku, a village famous for Yosegi Zaiku, Hakone's traditional marquetry craft. On the way, you'll enjoy a rest at the historic Amasake Chaya teahouse that has been in business for about 400 years. At Moto-Hakone, you see magnificent view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji if weather permits. The tour ends with a visit to the serene Hakone Shrine, surrounded by nature and featuring the iconic Torii gate in the lake. The hiking route is in the Japan Heritage site as various cultural assets remain along the Old Tokaido Road. As part of the hiking route involves uphill sections, hiking appropriate shoes and clothing are recommended. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to walk japan's ancient trails and feel history while walking.

View on Viator

$174

5.00

Hakone for Children to Enjoy! Japanese Crafts Experience

You can enjoy a national Qualification guided private tour only with your family and friends.You will enjoy your day at your own pace. This is a tour of Hakone using public transportation. It is a perfect itinerary not only for adults but also for children. Tours include Japan's traditional parquet craft experience, the aquarium at Hakone-en, Hakone Shrine, and Lake Ashi with a cruise on the Hakone pirate ship replica. On sunny days, you can see Mt. Fuji from Lake ashi. You can choose the Odakyu Line Hakone-Yumoto Station Meeting or hotel pick-up in Hakone area, either tour start location. Please select on the reservation screen. For more tour details, please check the inclusions and what to expect section of this web page. For sightseeing in Hakone area, it is convenient and advantageous to use Hakone Free Pass. You can purchase it on the day of the tour.

View on Viator

$643

5.00

Only 1 Group per Day – Hakone Luxury Private Experience with Car

Hakone Premium Exclusive Full-Day Tour with Private Chauffeured Car Experience Hakone in the most comfortable and exclusive way possible. With your private car and chauffeur, enjoy a seamless, stress-free journey from start to finish. Forget crowded trains and buses — this VIP service provides smooth, door-to-door transport so you can relax and focus on Hakone’s beauty. This premium tour is fully flexible. Choose your highlights, and your guide will create a personalized itinerary to match your interests. Whether you prefer art, nature, or culture, everything will be arranged with elegance and ease. Designed for discerning travelers, this executive plan combines luxury, comfort, and efficiency. Spacious seating, flexible timing, and attentive service ensure your time in Hakone is both enriching and unforgettable. Let us handle the details while you enjoy a flawless day in one of Japan’s most iconic destinations.

View on Viator

$206

5.00

Only 1 Group per Day – Hakone Private Tour with Hotel Pickup

On this flexible 8-hour private tour, you can enjoy Hakone at your own pace. You can choose 3 to 4 highlights from famous spots such as Owakudani volcanic valley, the Hakone Ropeway, the pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, beautiful gardens, world-class museums, or historic shrines. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, your guide will suggest the best places to visit. From outdoor scenic views to indoor attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum or craft workshops, there are many options to choose from. An English-speaking private guide will be with you, sharing local stories, helping with photos, and ensuring smooth, stress-free communication. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby for the tour. You’ll travel by public transport (trains, buses, shuttle buses, or on foot), so please note that transportation fees are not included in the tour price. Let us create a smooth and unforgettable Hakone experience just for you.

View on Viator

$132

5.00

Shinrin Yoku / Forest Bathing at Hakone Lakeshore (Lake Ashi)

While many visitors race across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship or rush between ropeway stations, our shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) session invites you to do something radically different: STOP. We don't just walk through the forest; we immerse in it. Our sessions are held in secluded pockets of the lakeshore that most tourists don't see. Here, the only sounds are the gentle lapping of the water and the rustle of the trees. This isn't a hike; it's a chance to finally hear the silence that Hakone is famous for. What sets our tour apart is the intention behind every step. This isn't a guided nature walk where you're learning names of trees. It is a sensory re-calibration. I will guide you through a series of gentle, open-ended invitations that help you connect with the forest on a deeper level—feeling the texture of moss softened by the lake’s mist and noticing the patterns of light on the path. You leave not with facts and figures, but with a feeling of profound peace and clarity.

View on Viator

$170

4.90 (69 reviews)

Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Join us to visit the beautiful mountain resort town of Hakone. Nestled in the mountains, Hakone is a place of natural and artistic wonders. Visit Owakudani to see the ever-rising sulfurous gasses from the active volcano that provides heat to the many hot springs nearby. Try the area’s famous black boiled eggs; turned black and infused with the minerals from the spring. Ride the rope way down the mountain to Lake Ashinoko for a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Sail across the lake to visit the Torii gate by Kuzuryu shrine to the area’s 9 headed dragon deity. If you are an art fan, try visiting one of the many art museums in Hakone. Once you have made your reservation, your tour guide will be in touch with you to plan your personalized tour. Please pick between 4 to 5 place to visit. Please be aware that Hakone is a mountainous region. If you find walking difficult, please see ‘pick up details’ for private vehicle information.

View on Viator

Interesting Places Nearby

Planning the perfect vacation? There are a ton of great places to explore. Checkout out these exciting locations and places near Lake Ashi.

Little Prince Museum in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture

 Museum
Little Prince Museum

		Hakone, 

	Kanagawa Prefecture

Owakudani Information Center in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture

 
Owakudani Information Center

		Hakone, 

	Kanagawa Prefecture

The Hakone Open-Air Museum in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture

 Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum

		Hakone, 

	Kanagawa Prefecture

Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture

 Art
Pola Museum of Art

		Hakone, 

	Kanagawa Prefecture

Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture

 Museum
Narukawa Art Museum

		Hakone, 

	Kanagawa Prefecture