Lake Ashinoko 芦ノ湖

Tucked away in the heart of Hakone is Ashinoko, a lake that formed in the caldera created after Mt. Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago. Famous for its impressive view of Mt. Fuji, which you can see on a clear day, Ashinoko is a must-see when visiting Hakone.

You can get to Ashinoko by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Buses connect Hakone-Yumoto with Motohakone-ko on the southern shore of Ashinoko, and take approximately 35 minutes.

Completely surrounded by mountains, Ashinoko is the perfect spot to go on a boat tour.

Go for a ride on one of the pirate ships run by Hakone Sightseeing Boats, and you'll be treated to some amazing scenery. Stopping at the ports of Moto-Hakone, Togendai, and Hakone-machi, you can sightsee and visit attractions on the lakeshore.

If you would rather explore the lake at a more leisurely pace, there are also swan paddle boats available for hire.

One of the biggest destinations around Ashinoko is Hakone Shrine. The iconic red torii gate can be seen from boat tours, standing right on the lakeshore, but the rest of the shrine is hidden by forest. The main buildings of the shrine are painted a striking red.

Located between Motohakone and Hakonemachi on the southern shore of Ashinoko is the Hakone Detached Palace, which once served as the summer palace for the Japanese Imperial Family. The site is now a beautiful park known as Onshi Hakone Park with many walking trails and scenic views of the lake.