Lake Ashinoko
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About
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Why go
- Mount Fuji, seen across the water on a clear day and reflected in the lake
- Pirate-ship boat cruises, where a full loop of the lake takes about 90 minutes
- The red torii gate standing right on the lakeshore, in view from the boat tours
- Hakone Shrine on the shore, visited by shoguns and samurai for centuries
- Onshi Hakone Park on the former palace grounds, with walking trails and lake views
With kids
- Swan paddle boats can be hired for a slower trip on the lake.
- The sightseeing boats are themed to look like pirate ships.
Shorts
History
The lake fills a caldera formed when Mt. Hakone erupted about 3,000 years ago. It lies on the southwestern wall of that caldera. The lake lies along the historic Tōkaidō road, which linked Kyoto and Tokyo. Large sections of the old road survive in the area. Sightseeing cruises on the lake began in 1950.
- 3,000 years agoMt. Hakone erupts, and its caldera forms the basin the lake fills.
- 1170 CEThe volcano last erupts, at Ōwakudani.
- 1886Onshi Park begins as an imperial summer retreat.
- 1950The sightseeing cruise service on the lake begins.
How to get there
- 35 minBusTake a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Motohakone-ko.
- 25 minBoatTake a boat from Togendai to Hakone-machi or Moto-hakone.
Sources: Lake Ashinoko | Travel Japan - Japan National T… · Lake Ashi - Wikipedia · checked 26 Oct 2026
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
How long does a boat trip around Lake Ashinoko take?
A full loop of Lake Ashinoko by sightseeing boat takes about 90 minutes. A single crossing from Togendai to Hakone-machi or Moto-hakone takes 25 minutes.
How do I get to Lake Ashinoko from Hakone-Yumoto Station?
Take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Motohakone-ko. The ride takes about 35 minutes.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko?
Yes, Mount Fuji can be seen from the lake on a clear day. Its reflection shows on the water.
Which boats run the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashinoko?
Three boats run the route: Lake Ashi Queen, Royale II and Victory. The sightseeing boats are themed to look like pirate ships.
Is there a slower way to see Lake Ashinoko by boat?
Yes, swan paddle boats can be hired for a slower trip on the lake.
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