Explore Lake Ashinoko in Hakone: Your Guide to Scenic Cruises, Mount Fuji Views, and Historic Sites
Hakone, one of the Kanto region's premier hot spring destinations that I've visited countless times, is a top-tier tourist spot in Japan that's also popular as a vacation home area. Beyond the hot springs, it offers rich natural beauty, exquisite cuisine, and wonderful art facilities, making it possible to enjoy a wide variety of activities all within Hakone itself.
However, precisely because it's such a popular tourist destination, it's genuinely difficult to discover the spots that locals truly cherish. In fact, an Australian friend of mine once regretted that "it was so hard to find places not listed in guidebooks that I couldn't fully experience everything the area had to offer."
For tourists who want to avoid such regrets, I highly recommend the Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide. With a perfect itinerary crafted by local guides and transportation via private car to various attractions, you can efficiently and deeply experience everything Hakone has to offer.
For those staying in Tokyo, I encourage you to check out other tours offered by Magical Trip as well. We offer tours that let you experience each destination like a local, including the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, which won TripAdvisor's Best of the Best award for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
Make sure to fully enjoy each destination with local guidance so you won't have any regrets when you head home!
Introduction
Hakone is one of Japan's premier hot spring resort destinations located approximately 90km from Tokyo, renowned as a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Hakone offers a diverse array of tourist attractions, including hot springs where you can bathe while gazing at Mt. Fuji, historic shrines and temples, and museums where nature and art harmoniously blend together.
Hakone is also characterized by its unique topography situated at the foot of Mt. Hakone, where volcanic activity continues to this day. Hakone is famous for its distinctive beautiful natural landscapes, including Owakudani where visitors can observe stark volcanic scenery, and caldera lakes.
This time, we will provide a detailed introduction to "Lake Ashinoko," the main tourist attraction of Hakone, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations.
Lake Ashinoko: An Essential Spot That Could Be Called the Heart of Hakone Tourism
Hakone Ashinoko Lake is a beautiful caldera lake located at the foot of Mt. Hakone, serving as the central tourist spot of Hakone where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and seasonal natural landscapes throughout the four seasons.
This lake, formed by volcanic activity over 3,000 years ago, boasts impressive dimensions with a circumference of approximately 19km and a maximum depth of about 43.5m. Around Hakone Ashinoko Lake, historic landmarks such as Hakone Shrine and Hakone Sekisho, as well as popular spots where visitors can experience Hakone's nature like Onshi-Hakone Park, are scattered throughout the area.
Additionally, Hakone Ashinoko Lake, from which visitors can view spectacular scenery of Mt. Fuji—Japan's symbol—is famous for its "upside-down Mt. Fuji" where Mt. Fuji is reflected on the lake's surface. Hakone Ashinoko Lake is also a spot where visitors can enjoy beautiful Japanese scenery that changes with the seasons, such as fresh green leaves in spring and autumn foliage.
Multiple Must-Visit Tourist Destinations Around Lake Ashinoko
Around Hakone Ashinoko Lake, essential Hakone tourist attractions are concentrated, including Hakone Shrine marked by its red torii gate floating on the lake, and Hakone Sekisho, which was a crucial transportation hub about 400 years ago.
Popular tourist spots including Hakone Shrine, Hakone Sekisho, Onshi-Hakone Park, and Hakone-en (a complex theme park) are each located within about a 5-minute drive from one another. We also recommend enjoying a leisurely walking tour of the tourist sites along the lakefront while gazing at the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
Three Attractions of Lake Ashinoko Explained by an Author Who Has Visited Hakone Many Times
Here are three carefully selected attractions you should experience when visiting Hakone Ashinoko Lake, so please check them out.
Spectacular Scenery Through Collaboration with Mt. Fuji
The greatest attraction of Hakone Ashinoko Lake is the beauty of Mt. Fuji viewed across the lake's surface.
Among these, my particular recommendation is the "upside-down Mt. Fuji" where Mt. Fuji is reflected upside down on the surface of Hakone Ashinoko Lake. You can experience picture-perfect spectacular scenery where the perfectly shaped triangular Mt. Fuji and surrounding natural landscapes are reflected in Hakone Ashinoko Lake.
"Upside-down Mt. Fuji" is often visible in early morning on clear days with little wind. If you're blessed with good weather during your trip, please be sure to capture this spectacular view of Mt. Fuji that can only be seen here.
Rich Natural Environment Surrounding the Area
Around Hakone Ashinoko Lake, there is abundant nature uncommon in urban areas, including rare sandy beaches for a lake and untouched natural environments.
Particularly, the western shore of Hakone Ashinoko Lake has not been developed for tourism, so visitors can observe a wide variety of animals and plants, including insects and wild birds. Walking trails are maintained around Hakone Ashinoko Lake, allowing tourists to easily enjoy hiking.
Those exploring the area around Hakone Ashinoko Lake should obtain information about Hakone's nature—including wild birds, plants, and insects—from the "Hakone Visitor Center" before departure to more deeply enjoy the beautiful natural environment.
Seasonal Changes Showing Different Expressions
Hakone Ashinoko Lake is a tourist destination where you can experience completely different beauty for each season throughout the year. At Hakone Ashinoko Lake, you can mainly enjoy the following nature and scenery for each season:
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms reach their peak viewing period from mid to late April.
Summer (June-August): The area bustles with seasonal events unique to this time, such as traditional shrine ceremonies and fireworks festivals.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn foliage reaches its peak viewing period around early November.
Winter (December-February): This is the season when you can view the beautiful snow-capped Mt. Fuji.
Please take your time to savor the natural beauty of Hakone Ashinoko Lake that can only be experienced in each particular season.
If You Want to Enjoy Lake Ashinoko, a Pirate Ship Cruise is Essential
Source:PR TIMES
To fully enjoy Hakone Ashinoko Lake, a pirate ship cruise is the most attractive activity.
The pirate ship on Hakone Ashinoko Lake is a sightseeing boat modeled after medieval European warships. You can enjoy a cruise of about 30 minutes one way while viewing the beautiful nature of Hakone Ashinoko Lake.
What I particularly like about the pirate ship cruise is that there are excellent photo spots where you can simultaneously view Hakone Ashinoko Lake, Mt. Fuji, and the red torii gate. Mt. Fuji appears beautifully on the route from Moto-Hakone Port to Togendai Port, so please don't miss that moment and capture it in a photograph.
The pirate ship cruise not only allows you to view spectacular scenery but also provides enjoyment for both children and adults aboard the ship with its luxurious decorations and pirate objects displayed inside the ship.
If You Want to Enjoy Hakone Deeply and Efficiently, Let a Guide Who Knows Hakone Inside and Out Show You Around with a Private Car!
The Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide is a private tour that allows you to fully enjoy Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo.
This tour takes you to all of Hakone's major tourist attractions without missing any, including Hakone Shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko and Owakudani where you can view spectacular volcanic landscapes. The tour also includes boarding a pirate ship cruise, so if the weather is good, you can take photos at scenic spots with views of Mt. Fuji.
Hakone has many attractions including rich nature and historic landmarks, and it would be difficult to visit everything using only public transportation with waiting times. By participating in this tour, you can move at your own pace with a private car, allowing you to efficiently enjoy Hakone's popular tourist destinations.
Particularly in high-altitude areas like Owakudani, temperatures are about 5-10 degrees Celsius lower than Tokyo, so please dress appropriately for the climate.
Information:
Meeting point: Shinjuku or your hotel accommodation
Tour area: Tokyo ~ Hakone ~ Tokyo
Start time: From 8:00~
Click here for more details
5 Recommended Tourist Spots Around Hakone Ashinoko Lake
From here, we'll introduce 5 popular tourist spots around Lake Ashinoko. Please enjoy them together with the beautiful nature of Hakone Ashinoko Lake.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is a historic shrine founded in 757. Hakone Shrine is located on the shores of Hakone Ashinoko Lake, and the mystical sight of a giant red torii gate floating on the lake has gained popularity. This red torii is called the "Peace Torii" and is famous for its quintessentially Japanese spectacular view with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.
Hakone Shrine has long been known as a center of mountain worship. In particular, Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, the inner shrine of Hakone Shrine located at the summit of Mt. Komagatake, is a sacred place where you can worship Mt. Kamiyama, the highest peak of Mt. Hakone.
Also, my favorite point about Hakone Shrine is that you can purchase a wide variety of amulets. Amulets made using Hakone's traditional craft "Yosegi zaiku" and other items that can only be obtained here are perfect as souvenirs for your home country.
Information:
- Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business hours: [Purchasing amulets and charms] 8:15 ~ 17:00 [Treasure hall] 9:00~16:30 (last admission 16:00)
- Closed: [Purchasing amulets and charms] Open daily [Treasure hall] Open daily
- Phone number: 0460-83-7123
- Official website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Sengokuhara
Sengokuhara is a highland area located on the north side of Lake Ashinoko. Sengokuhara is known as a highland resort area, with resort hotels, hot springs, and art museums scattered throughout. Sengokuhara is also an area where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, including wetland plants.
Among the areas in Sengokuhara where you can experience Hakone's nature, the "Sengokuhara silver grass grassland" is particularly famous. The best viewing time for this grassland is from September to November when golden-colored silver grass spreads across the entire area. Every time the wind blows, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the golden silver grass swaying like waves.
Also, controlled burning of the mountain is carried out every March in this grassland to prevent the invasion of trees other than silver grass. Since you can observe the controlled burning of the mountain, if you visit Sengokuhara in March, please check the schedule in advance and definitely try to experience it.
Information:
- Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business hours: [Sengokuhara silver grass grassland] Always open
- Closed: [Sengokuhara silver grass grassland] None
- Phone number: 0460-84-3500
- Official website: https://www.sengokuhara.net/
Hakone-en
Source:Kanagawa Travel Info
Hakone-en is a complex leisure facility located on the east shore of Lake Ashinoko. Hakone-en houses an aquarium, ropeway, restaurants, and more, making it a popular tourist spot that both children and adults can enjoy.
Among these, my recommendation is the ropeway that offers about 7 minutes of aerial strolling to the summit of Mt. Komagatake. From the ropeway, you can enjoy spectacular views of Hakone's majestic mountains and Lake Ashinoko. At the summit, you can also enjoy visiting Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine and taking commemorative photos with Mt. Fuji.
Furthermore, at Hakone-en, the unique aquarium located at the highest altitude in Japan is also a highlight. Two types of seals live in the facility, and you'll definitely be healed by their adorable appearance as they play around leisurely.
Hakone-en also has restaurants where you can taste Japanese food such as pork cutlet and ramen, making it perfect for a break during your Lake Ashinoko sightseeing.
Information:
- Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business hours: Varies by facility ※Main facility hours are as follows:
[Aquarium] 9:00~16:30 (may vary by season)
[Ropeway] 9:00~16:50
- Closed: Varies by facility ※Main facility closures are as follows:
[Aquarium] None
[Ropeway] Basically none (may be suspended during bad weather)
- Phone number: 0460-83-1151
- Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/
Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint)
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Hakone Sekisho is an important checkpoint that was established approximately 400 years ago during the Edo period. At that time, Hakone Sekisho functioned as a crucial transportation hub on the main road "Tokaido" that connected Tokyo and Kyoto. Today, it has gained popularity as a historical museum that recreates the buildings and atmosphere of that era.
At Hakone Sekisho, the highlight is the traditional buildings that have been faithfully recreated based on Edo period materials, reproducing not only the appearance but also the architectural techniques and tools. The sight of buildings painted with black paint made from soot creates a solemn atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo period.
Hakone Sekisho also features a museum where you can learn about history and a shop where you can purchase limited souvenirs available only here. Why not experience the historical atmosphere unique to Japan from the Edo period when samurai were active while touring the facilities?
Information:
- Address: 1 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Until 16:30 from December to February) Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0460-83-6635
- Official Website: https://www.hakonesekisyo.jp/
Onshi-Hakone Park
Source:Kanagawa Now
Onshi-Hakone Park is a prefectural park that spreads along the shore of Hakone Ashinoko Lake and is known as the ultimate viewpoint for enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Hakone Ashinoko Lake. This park was originally the site of the Hakone Imperial Villa, which was developed and opened to the public in 1946.
In the center of the park stands the Lakeside Observation Building, modeled after the Hakone Imperial Villa building. From the second-floor balcony, spectacular views of Hakone Ashinoko Lake and Mount Fuji unfold before you. Inside this building, there's also an exhibition room where you can learn about the history of the Hakone Imperial Villa and a café corner where you can rest while enjoying the magnificent views.
My recommended way to spend time at Onshi-Hakone Park is to stroll along the garden paths while enjoying the beautiful nature of each season. Why not experience Japan's four seasons while enjoying the changing landscapes of each season - cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowy scenery in winter?
Information:
- Address: 171 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 7:00-21:00 (Entry until 19:00)
- Closed: None Lakeside Observation Building is closed only during New Year holidays
- Phone: 0460-83-7484
- Official Website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/onsisite/
Cycling is Recommended for Efficiently Exploring Around Hakone Ashinoko Lake!
Source:Hakone Navi
For those who want to efficiently enjoy exploring Hakone Ashinoko Lake, cycling is recommended. Unlike traveling by train or bus with waiting times, cycling allows you to casually stop at spots that catch your interest and tour tourist destinations at your own pace.
Cycling is also attractive because you can move while enjoying the breeze from Hakone Ashinoko Lake and forest bathing. When cycling around Hakone Ashinoko Lake, there are plenty of photo spots where you can view spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Since the promenade on the west shore of Hakone Ashinoko Lake is pedestrian-only and bicycles are not allowed, cycling is recommended on the east shore. There are rental bicycle shops in the area where you can rent electric-assist bicycles, so be sure to check them out when visiting Hakone Ashinoko Lake.
Main Rental Bicycle Shops
FIVE DOOR'S
You can rent electric-assist bicycles, allowing you to enjoy comfortable cycling even on slopes.
Information:
- Address: 118-1 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-18:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 0460-85-3371
- Official Website: https://fivedoors1.ran-maru.net/
Hakone-en Rental Bicycle
You can affordably rent electric-assist bicycles within Hakone-en, so this is recommended for those planning to visit Hakone-en.
Information:
- Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last reception at 16:00)
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0460-83-1151
- Official Website: https://www.japan47go.travel/ja/detail/104268c0-62be-42ce-a2a4-1aa4deaf0549
Ashinoko Camping Village
The only campground on the shores of Hakone Ashinoko Lake where you can rent electric-assist bicycles.
Information:
- Address: 164 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed from December to mid-March)
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0460-84-8279
- Official Website: https://campmura.com/
Check the Schedule in Advance! Fireworks are Held at Hakone Ashinoko Lake in Summer and Winter
At Hakone Ashinoko Lake, fireworks events are held every year in summer and winter.
During fireworks festival seasons, you can enjoy a different nightscape and festival atmosphere than usual - in winter, you can feel the vivid light of fireworks in the clear air, and in summer, you can enjoy the fusion of traditional ceremonies at Hakone Shrine and fireworks festivals.
The fireworks festivals at Hakone Ashinoko Lake may change dates from year to year, so be sure to check before your trip.
Winter Fireworks
The winter fireworks events at Hakone Ashinoko Lake are attractive because the air is clear, making the colors of the fireworks appear more vivid. Also, since most Japanese fireworks festivals are held in summer, this is recommended for those who want to enjoy the rare experience of enjoying fireworks in winter.
Hakone Shrine New Year Celebration Fireworks
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Hakone Shrine New Year Celebration Fireworks is a New Year celebration event at Hakone Shrine held every year on January 1st at 0:00. These fireworks launched at the moment of the New Year are special fireworks with the meaning of celebrating the beginning of the year.
At this fireworks festival, approximately 1,000 fireworks are launched into the sky above Hakone Ashinoko Lake over about 15 minutes. The vivid fireworks spreading across the clear winter sky are also reflected on the lake surface, creating a mystical atmosphere where the pitch-dark midnight is suddenly enveloped in bright ambiance.
Also, Hakone Shrine during the New Year is bustling with "Hatsumode" (a traditional Japanese New Year event where people visit shrines to express gratitude for the previous year and pray for good health and safety in the coming year), a traditional Japanese New Year event. After enjoying the Hakone Shrine New Year Celebration Fireworks, be sure to experience these traditional shrine ceremonies unique to the New Year.
Information:
- Date: January 1st every year (from 0:00)
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu-Hakone Bus route bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Setsubun Festival Celebration Fireworks Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The Setsubun Festival Celebration Fireworks Festival is an event held on the eve of the Setsubun Festival held at Hakone Shrine every February.
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event where beans are scattered to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune, and various events are held at shrines and temples nationwide. This fireworks festival is a special event to liven up the Setsubun Festival, which is an annual event at Hakone Shrine. Approximately 2,000 fireworks are launched into the sky above Hakone Ashinoko Lake, coloring the clear winter night sky.
Also, my favorite point about the Setsubun Festival Celebration Fireworks Festival is that you can enjoy the fireworks while riding a pleasure boat. You can enjoy the unique spectacular view of this event, with beautiful fireworks spreading overhead while being rocked by the waves of Hakone Ashinoko Lake on the boat.
The following day's Setsubun Festival features traditional ceremonies at Hakone Shrine and Hakone Ashinoko Lake, so experiencing traditional Hakone events for two consecutive days is also recommended.
Information:
- Date: Eve of Setsubun Festival every year (early February)
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu-Hakone Bus route bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/hakone/setsubun.html
Summer Fireworks
During summer at Hakone Ashinoko Lake, the "Ashinoko Summer Festival Week" is held as a 6-day consecutive fireworks festival. During this period, Hakone Shrine holds its most magnificent traditional events, where you can enjoy a sacred and fantastical atmosphere that combines the shrine's religious ceremonies with fireworks displays over Hakone Ashinoko Lake.
1268 Ashinoko Summer Festival Week
Source: Hakone Zenzan
The "1268 Ashinoko Summer Festival Week" is a summer festival held to commemorate the 1268th anniversary of Hakone Shrine's founding in 2025. During the festival period, dynamic fireworks displays are held in various bays of Hakone Ashinoko Lake, alongside traditional events at Hakone Shrine.
The fireworks displays held during this period are as follows:
July 31: Kosui Festival Fireworks Display (Motohakone Bay - approximately 5,000 fireworks)
August 1: 1268 Reitaisai (Annual Festival) Celebratory Fireworks Display (Motohakone Bay - approximately 2,300 fireworks)
August 2-3: Hakone-en Summer Night Festa (Hakone-en Bay - approximately 2,500 fireworks each day)
August 4: Kojiri Ryujin Festival Fireworks Display (Kojiri Bay - approximately 2,200 fireworks)
August 5: Torii-Yaki Festival Fireworks Display (Hakone Bay - approximately 3,500 fireworks)
During the 6 consecutive days of fireworks displays at Hakone Ashinoko Lake, fireworks are launched from various areas of the lake including Motohakone Bay, Hakone-en Bay, and Kojiri Bay. Please experience the fantastical atmosphere where fireworks launched over the lake are reflected on the water surface, along with the shrine's traditional events.
Information
- Dates: July 31 August 5, 2025
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/8834
1268 Reitaisai Celebratory Fireworks Display
Source: Hakone Garasunomori
The "1268 Reitaisai Celebratory Fireworks Display" is a special fireworks display celebrating the 1268th anniversary of Hakone Shrine's founding, part of the previously mentioned "1268 Ashinoko Summer Festival Week." The Reitaisai is Hakone Shrine's largest annual event held every August 1st, featuring solemn ceremonies where the chief priest offers prayers to the deities.
During the "1268 Reitaisai Celebratory Fireworks Display" held on the night of Reitaisai, approximately 2,300 fireworks are launched over the Motohakone Bay side of Hakone Ashinoko Lake. What I particularly love is how the fireworks are launched over the lake with Hakone Shrine's symbol, the "Peace Torii," as a backdrop.
Why not experience this special fireworks display unique to Hakone Ashinoko Lake, where you can simultaneously feel Hakone's nature and history?
Information
- Date: August 1, 2025
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/8834
Access to Ashinoko
Information
- Address: Motohakone Ashinoko, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
- Official Website: https://www.hakone-ashinoko.net/
Try Tours that Visit Must-See Tourist Destinations Around Mt. Fuji Along with Hakone!
The "Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide" is a private tour departing from Tokyo that visits popular tourist destinations around Mt. Fuji.
This tour allows you to fully enjoy famous spots around Mt. Fuji, including the beautiful spring water site "Oshino Hakkai," which sources from Mt. Fuji's underground water, and "Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine," where you can view Mt. Fuji and a five-story pagoda simultaneously. You can also enjoy exquisite local cuisine, including Japanese dishes made with local ingredients and Japanese sake.
By participating in this tour with a prepared private car, you can concentrate on sightseeing around Mt. Fuji without the hassle of transferring between trains and buses or other public transportation. Additionally, since the guide will suggest optimal routes, you can enjoy sightseeing around Mt. Fuji with peace of mind even on days with bad weather.
The meals included in this tour can accommodate vegans and vegetarians. Please let us know in advance if you have such requirements.
Information
- Meeting point: Shinjuku or your hotel accommodation
- Tour area: Tokyo Mt. Fuji area Tokyo
- Start time: 8:00~
