Popular Tours & Experiences in Lake Ashi

The Lake Ashi and Hakone region offers a diverse range of sightseeing experiences. You can take a ride on the uniquely designed Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise to enjoy the scenic beauty and catch a distant view of Mount Fuji from the lake. Don't forget to visit the Hakone Shrine located by the lake to experience its solemn atmosphere and take photos with the iconic torii gate in the water. For art and culture enthusiasts, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is an excellent choice, featuring many modern artworks displayed outdoors, allowing you to stroll amidst nature. Riding the Hakone Ropeway provides a panoramic view of Owakudani's volcanic landscape and steaming vents from high above. These are classic ways to experience the natural and cultural charm of Hakone.

For a one-day trip to Lake Ashi, it's recommended to approach it with a 'public transport loop' concept. In the morning, you can take a bus or mountain train from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara to Togendai, then take the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise to Moto-Hakone Port or Hakone-machi Port. After disembarking at Moto-Hakone Port, you can walk to Hakone Shrine and the Peace Torii. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants around the port for lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit the Hakone Checkpoint or the Old Tokaido Road. If time permits, consider taking the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani to see the volcanic scenery. This sequence effectively utilizes transportation, avoids backtracking, and makes your journey smoother.

The 'pirate ships' on Lake Ashi are actually a series of themed vessels within the Hakone Sightseeing Boat fleet. These boats are designed based on European medieval sailing ships or warships, featuring unique designs and exquisite interiors, offering passengers a cruise service between Togendai, Hakone-machi Port, and Moto-Hakone Port on Lake Ashi, making the journey itself a distinctive experience. 'Moto-Hakone Port Sightseeing Boats' typically refers to all sightseeing boat services departing from Moto-Hakone Port, which includes these pirate ship-themed vessels. Therefore, the pirate ships are a special type of sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi. Their routes and functions are the same as other sightseeing boats; the primary difference lies in the thematic design of the vessels themselves.

The best season for autumn foliage viewing around Lake Ashi is typically from late October to mid-November each year. During this time, the leaves on the lakeside and surrounding mountains gradually turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, creating a stunning autumn panorama with the azure lake, distant Mount Fuji, and the vermilion torii gate of Hakone Shrine. Especially when cruising on Lake Ashi, you can admire the richly layered autumn colors along both shores from the water, experiencing the profound autumn atmosphere of Hakone, which is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

The most common and convenient way to get to Lake Ashi from Tokyo is by taking the Odakyu Romancecar or JR Shinkansen to Odawara Station, and then transferring to the Hakone Tozan Railway, bus, or Hakone Tozan Cable Car to reach the Lake Ashi area. The local transportation network is well-developed and can be navigated using various passes. As for accommodation, Lake Ashi offers diverse options. You can choose to stay in a traditional Japanese inn (Ryokan) to enjoy hot springs and Kaiseki cuisine; opt for a lake view hotel for breathtaking scenery; or select resorts offering family rooms or themed rooms to suit different traveler needs. It's advisable to choose based on your budget and preferences.

There are many must-visit attractions and unique activities at Lake Ashi. The top recommendation is 'Hakone Shrine,' whose water torii gate, the 'Peace Torii,' is a classic photo spot and a great place to feel a sacred atmosphere. You can take the uniquely designed Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise to enjoy the lakeside scenery and see Mount Fuji from the water. Stroll along the ancient cedar avenue of the Old Tokaido Road to experience the historical ambiance. Additionally, the nearby Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint) Museum recreates the Edo period checkpoint, offering a historical and cultural experience. If you want a panoramic view of Lake Ashi from above, riding the Hakone Ropeway is also an excellent choice.

The grounds of Hakone Shrine by Lake Ashi are open year-round, and you can visit freely at any time. However, the shrine office typically operates from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, offering services like amulets and 'goshuin' (red seals). The uniqueness of Hakone Shrine lies in its long history and prime location, facing the lake and backed by mountains. Its most famous feature is the 'Peace Torii' standing in Lake Ashi, a must-visit landmark for many tourists. Furthermore, the towering thousand-year-old cedar trees within the shrine grounds create a solemn and tranquil atmosphere, and the spring water from Kuzuryu Shrine Gongen is also considered spiritual, making it a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

The cuisine around Lake Ashi primarily features seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy fresh lake fish dishes, such as rainbow trout, at lakeside restaurants. Additionally, soba noodles, udon noodles, and 'yamaimo' (Japanese yam) rice from the Hakone area are quite popular. If you have ample time, don't miss the specialty food at nearby Owakudani, the 'black eggs' (kuro tamago), which are said to prolong life. For souvenirs, Hakone's 'Yosegi-zaiku' (marquetry woodwork) is highly distinctive, along with various locally limited onsen manju (hot spring buns), sweets, and crackers, all of which make great gifts or personal treats.

Lake Ashi is located in a mountainous area, so the weather can change more rapidly than in flat regions. Temperatures are typically about three to five degrees Celsius lower than in central Tokyo. In winter (December to February), temperatures are low, and there may be snowfall, requiring warm clothing such as heavy coats, scarves, and gloves. Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) offer pleasant weather, but there are significant temperature differences between morning and evening; layering clothing (like an onion) and bringing a light jacket is recommended. Summer (June to August) is cool and comfortable, but it's still advisable to carry a light jacket for cooler evenings or after rain. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are essential, and it's wise to bring rain gear to prepare for the unpredictable mountain weather.

When visiting Lake Ashi with children, there are many activities that families can enjoy together. Riding the eye-catching Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise (pirate ship) is sure to be a favorite for kids; the lake scenery and ship design provide plenty of fun. The Hakone Open-Air Museum offers ample outdoor space and numerous interactive art installations, allowing children to engage with art while playing. Taking the Hakone Ropeway not only provides magnificent views but also offers an exciting aerial journey for children, with a view overlooking Owakudani. Additionally, strolling along the lakeside, feeding the fish in the lake, or having a picnic in designated areas are also great options for family fun.