Lake Ashinoko
Lake Ashinoko
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Created 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, this lake is cruised by boats year round and, from its southern edge, offers the view of Mt. Fuji often seen in tourist brochures.
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- Wood77Los Angeles, California3,505 contributionsCouldn’t See Mt FujiLake Ashi boat ride in Hakone-en was OK. Water was calm. Not much scenery to see. Could not see Mount Fuji. There are walking tours around the lake which goes by the Komagata Shrine that we didn’t do. You can rent leg driven paddle boats.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 February 2024
- ChrisSavageSan Giovanni Valdarno, Italy625 contributionsGoodBeautiful day, with residual snow. On the 6th trip Fuji-san teases me again and shows up halfway (the only time seen in its splendor was in 2010, on the train to Osaka). The lake is generous in size, attracts many tourists and many set sail One Piece style. An excellent stop if you want to relax for half a day after the Hakone park.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 May 2024
- Susan TMount Pleasant, Wisconsin597 contributionsBeautiful lakeEven though it was pouring rain, taking the pirate ship on this lake was a good option. Wished it had been a clear day so we could see Mt. Fuji. It was an interesting mode of transportation.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 May 2024
- Mellie2013Port Moody, Canada2,929 contributionsLovely lake with views of Mt FujiEnjoyed Lake Ashinoko from the Pirate ship cruise. Our day was calm, blue skied and perfect. Mt Fuji was in the stern, the sun dappled overhead, a light breeze caressed our skin. The cruise from the Pirate ship terminal to the last station is around 30 minutes. Unfortunately the cruise does not take passengers for the return trip. We had to board a bus to return to Gora 🙁 The hillside was full of cherry blossoms 🌸 and looked magical!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
- J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6,157 contributionspicturesque, tranquility..Our first stop for 8D trip was here, Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖). It was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption few hundred years back. We were here where some the best views of the lake (and Mount Fuji as background) can be enjoyed from Moto-Hakone (a few steps south from the sightseeing boat pier) . It was drizzling when we reached in the morning and the far side was shrouded in mist, took much joy away.. can’t see some of the iconic places such as the shrine, and there's hardly any water activity due to the adverse weather. The place is vast, beautiful and large enough with interesting exploration to occupy an entire day! With the rain we can only stay within sheltered area for some photography. Even the pier is closed. Perhaps we will try the pirate-ship cruise for next time, or view it from Hakone Detached Palace Garden . We just spent 20+ mins and went into the station to take the ropeway, our second itinerary of the Day.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 May 2024
- msa23_2000Chino Hills, California1,522 contributionsPart of the loop, but experience is weather dependentTook the pirate ship cruise as part of the Hakone loop. It was rainy and cloudy so couldn’t see much. But simple to figure out. Everybody stayed indoors because of the poor weather. It made for an interesting way to cross the lake and get to the gondola ride.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 19 May 2024
- TassieTravellers99Launceston, Australia3,401 contributionsBeautiful settingThis wonderful lake is a short drive from Hakone and you would drive straight past it if you were accessing Hakone from the direction of Shizuoka or Fuji. There is plenty of parking and lovely lakeside walks. In clear weather you can see Mt Fuji you can also access sightseeing cruises and the Hakone Shrine Torii gate which sits in the lake itself. There is some shopping nearby and a good range of places to eat.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2024
- bryan0511Taipei, Taiwan19,625 contributionsThe center of tourism in Hakone, you can go to the lake by boatThe lake is formed by the eruption of a volcano in the archipelago, almost like a long, north-south hill. Awaken Lake is a tourist hub in the area of the Hokkaido area, with a tourist boat connecting the air cable station on the northern shore of Taoyuan Tower to the area of Hokkaido on the southern shore, and the southern shore where you can view the Mount Fuji after the outer hills of the Hokkaido, as well as the red birdhouse in the lake, is a representative attraction of the Hokkaido. The sightseeing boats of the Japanese department are all shaped as European-American pirate ships, while exploring the lake, there is a more fun atmosphere in the playground.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 31 October 2024
- Tom87Leioa2,795 contributionsMountain lake with notable attractionsNice mountain lake, where many interesting activities stand out, as well as enjoying the lake itself, even by boat. On its shore is the famous Peace Torii, inside the religious complex of Hakone-Jinja. You can take the cable car to Owakudani, to the volcanic area. If you are lucky (unfortunately we did not) you can see Mount Fuji in the background.Visited October 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 November 2024
- tvvvv2016Los Angeles, California138 contributionsTourist Trap…Basically, a tourist trap. Pirate ship across the lake is nothing that special. Gondola ride was something we didn’t do so can’t report on that. Very few places to eat in sort of a remote location. Might be fun for families, but there’s no guarantee you’ll see Mt. Fuji as it’s often cloudy. Didn’t hate it, but I wouldn’t rush back.Visited December 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 December 2024
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bcheong
Shanghai, China51,351 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Wanted to see mt fuji and chose this lake (1 of 5 fuji lakes)
Took a 30 min shinkansen ride from Tokyo station and then a 1 hr taxi ride (USD75 one way) from Odawara station
Then took what looks like a pirate ship for a quick 25 min pitstop on the lake. A round trip is about 1.5 hrs which we didn’t choose. We took business class which has a sheltered cabin plus private deck area
Wasn’t breathtaking and maybe not worth the cab ride here
Took a 30 min shinkansen ride from Tokyo station and then a 1 hr taxi ride (USD75 one way) from Odawara station
Then took what looks like a pirate ship for a quick 25 min pitstop on the lake. A round trip is about 1.5 hrs which we didn’t choose. We took business class which has a sheltered cabin plus private deck area
Wasn’t breathtaking and maybe not worth the cab ride here
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francismlee
Singapore162 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
There are many ways to explore this lake either by trekking or cruising the pirate ship. It’s beautiful and large enough to occupy an entire day. Yes the pirate ship can be popular but standing for 40mins is doable with the wind and scenery all around (go to the decks and don’t just sit inside the ship)
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
k_matsu132
Kushiro, Japan23,593 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
On this trip, we saw Lake Ashi from various angles, starting from the lake's south shore and going counterclockwise to our lodging for the night on the north shore.
Of all the spots, our favorite was the view of Lake Ashi from Hakone Park. From the top of the mountain, we could see pirate ships passing by the lake, and enjoyed the magnificent view of the snow-capped Mount Fuji beyond that.
We also visited the Hakone Ekiden-related facilities on the lakeside, the Hakone Checkpoint, and Hakone Shrine. We visited on a weekday in May, but there were many tourists everywhere. It's no wonder it's a popular tourist destination.
Of all the spots, our favorite was the view of Lake Ashi from Hakone Park. From the top of the mountain, we could see pirate ships passing by the lake, and enjoyed the magnificent view of the snow-capped Mount Fuji beyond that.
We also visited the Hakone Ekiden-related facilities on the lakeside, the Hakone Checkpoint, and Hakone Shrine. We visited on a weekday in May, but there were many tourists everywhere. It's no wonder it's a popular tourist destination.

Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agata P
Italy67 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Of the 4 days in Tokyo we decided to dedicate one for this trip outside the city and, on balance, it is not worth it. An hour and a half by train to get there and back, a half hour by bus from the station to the lake (and back) for 70 minutes of lake cruise! All at the modest expense of about € 60 per person! Between train, bus and boat this is the total cost for transport. In addition to the fact that we took the train from Tokyo at 8.31am to return at 6.38pm with an effective stay on the lake of just 4 hours, so not even the time to take the cable car and get to Mount Fuji whose view you have to settle for a small portion between one mountain and another (provided the sky is clear). The landscape will also be beautiful but nothing that you can not see elsewhere, a beautiful lake but nothing to take your breath away. Finally, wake up at 6.00, return in the evening for a 70-minute mini cruise! In my humble opinion...... stay in Tokyo!
Automatically translated
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliana
Groningen, The Netherlands130 contributions
May 2023
A beautiful place to go and marvel at Mount Fuji from a distance. We had a very wet and rainy week in Tokyo and were able to find one day which would have been sunny and clear. Instead of going to Mount Fuji, we decided to go to Hakone as there were still a lot of things to do if we were not able to see Mount Fuji
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iexpect
englishmanfrom london128 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We did the lake twice as mount Fuji clouded over the first time. The pirate ship is a novelty and option to do first class which offers forward views of mount Fuji. The ship is very crowded but people are generally polite to let you take pictures. On the map of hakone the first view of mount Fuji is taken with the red shrine in foreground and the second as it navigates around the bend toward the destination where cable car etc start. The best view of mount Fuji (if visible) is on the rope cable car.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarianJ007
Japan10,484 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
After visiting Hakone Shrine, we walked along the promenade along the lake from the "torii gate along the lake" that is often seen on TV.
It was warmer than you'd expect for December, and the weather was fine, so we enjoyed a lake walk.
There were also many visitors from overseas.
It was warmer than you'd expect for December, and the weather was fine, so we enjoyed a lake walk.
There were also many visitors from overseas.

Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neco D
58 contributions
May 2022 • Family
On oir trip to Japan this was one of the places we visited after our tour in Mt. Fuji and Hakone. We took a boat trip along the lake and the view was spectacular even if it was raining that time.
Written 19 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connector54632826337
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
その日は桃源台から、始発の海賊船で箱根町港へ向かいました。
湖の真ん中から見る山々の景色も、箱根町港の方面から見る
芦ノ湖の景色は感動しました!
フリーパス使うと追加料金700円で優先席乗れるんですが、買って正解でした!
海賊船の先頭部分から芦ノ湖の景色を楽しめます!
I got board on the first ship from Togendai Sation. The ship left for Hakonemach Station.
It was a clear day, not only the mountain view but also the Lake of Ashi view was great!
If you are going to use HAKONE FREE PASS and use there, I recommend you pay an additional 700 yen to get board on the First class, which is a leading part of the ship.
湖の真ん中から見る山々の景色も、箱根町港の方面から見る
芦ノ湖の景色は感動しました!
フリーパス使うと追加料金700円で優先席乗れるんですが、買って正解でした!
海賊船の先頭部分から芦ノ湖の景色を楽しめます!
I got board on the first ship from Togendai Sation. The ship left for Hakonemach Station.
It was a clear day, not only the mountain view but also the Lake of Ashi view was great!
If you are going to use HAKONE FREE PASS and use there, I recommend you pay an additional 700 yen to get board on the First class, which is a leading part of the ship.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy F
Devizes, UK1,391 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We took the pirate ship ride across this lovely lake from the bottom of the cable car ride at Tou Gen Dai to the nearby township. It's about a 20-25 minute journey with regular two-way sailings. The boat has plenty of room inside & out, despite the crowds. Plenty of places to get some great photos of the lake surroundings.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you bring a personal Kayak on Lake Ashi in Hakone?
Written 17 January 2022
Ciao! volevo sapere, il giro in barca da dove parte? ti ricordi bene o male i costi?
Ho visto che fanno anche tour organizzati, ma sono sempre restia perché si basano su orari prefissati, mentre vorrei invece avere tutto sotto mano e soprattutto poter scegliere cosa fare in base a quando arrivo lì e vedo che tempo c'è :)
Grazie mille!
Francesca
Written 11 July 2018
japan-guide hakonemachi
verifica sul cercando come sopra indicato
noi non abbiamo fatto la navigazione in quanto arrivati con auto in rent nel tardo pomeriggio dopo un bellissimo viaggio intorno al fuji-san . Sono molto precisi e le indicazioni che trovi sui siti sono sicuramente corrette.
Written 11 July 2018
vivianeaguilar2018
Sao Paulo, SP
boa tarde, se chegarmos de trem bala, é possível embarcar em algum dos barcos que fazem o passeio no lago Ashi? Sabe onde é possível comprar os ingressos e quanto custa?
Written 25 May 2018
Olá
Não há uma estação de trem próxima
O lago fica no alto! Nas montanhas!
Você descerá na estação de Hakone, pegará um ônibus ou um trem Municipal e subirá mais 40 a 60 minutos.
Lá em cima existe dois Pontos para embarcar. Bem no ponto final do Ônibus é o Porto principal.
Fui em fevereiro e extra bem tranquilo comprar na hora.
Written 26 May 2018
Hello guys, I will travel from Tokyo to Hakone (Hakone yumoto) in early morning and spend a half day around Hakone (for Osen, Boat ride, cable car ride, volcanic view, hakone checkpoint) then leaving for Kawaguchiko Lake. I plan to be there in late of April.
With half day spending and all these activities above, is it worth to buy Hakone Free Pass? How much it cost for a Pass?
Where I can put my luggage while visiting around? Is there any luggage storage in Hakone? I will have lugguages with me all the time in Hakone which is not convenient.
What is the time for high tight of Lake Ashikono in Hakone? Where I can check it?
What time I should leave Hakone to go to Kawaguchiko? Because I will check in and sleep in Kawaguchiko. What is the easiest and fastest route to go?
Written 12 April 2018
Hi,
In addition, the Hakone Free Pass is around 4,000 JPY, that includes an unlimited pass to tozan train, hakone ropeway, hakone cable car, lake ashi cruise, odakyu buses, etc. If you are planning to do only 3 activities half day is enough and i don’t think purchasing Hakone Free pass would be practical. Just bear in mind too that the first train from Shinjuku Tokyo to Hakone departs around 7 am and reach at around 9 am. I am not sure though the schedule of Romance Car, you can inquire about all these in advance at Odakyu Customer Service Center in Shinjuku Station. They have a number but I no longer have it.
Please note as well that each areas are quite far from each other, it’s a bit exhausting to do all for a half day based on my experience. Check too if there is a direct bus to Kawaguchiko as I believe you will have to take a bus to Gotemba and from there, there should be a bus to Kawaguchiko.
What we did a few months ago is the other way around, we’ve started from Mount Fuji area first as there is an early bus from Shinjuku that departs at 6 am (prior booking is required) — it is advisable to check where the bus station is prior to avoid missing it.
We’ve allocated 2 days for this trip as the travel time is really long and there were lots of places worth seeing. Recommended number of days for Hakone and Fuji is 3 days and buying yhe Fuji Hakone Pass would be practical. Please do let me know if you have any other questions. I hope this help.
Written 16 April 2018
In february....
How is the Weather?
Written 25 December 2017
Hello Roberto. It depends on the time of the year you go. And even the wether on that day. I suggest you check the best time of the year to visit. We went on May, and the wether was pretty good.
Written 26 December 2017
I will Be in a Ryokan in Hakone
Can I buy a simple tour to Mount Fuji & Lake ?
Written 25 December 2017
We were travelling with a Tour as well, and we did not buy the tickets at that stage as they were aldeady bought. But I belive, yes you can.
Written 26 December 2017
Hi all, would like to check can we go on the cruise by taking the just the 10mins cruise route from Port Hakonemachi to Port Motohakone and back? Is there a different rate? we have a toddler with us so we are unable to commit a more than a 30mins trip on the ship.
Written 17 October 2017
Hello Nat. This I have no idea, as we did all the trip. So Sorry
Written 26 December 2017

A Tripadvisor member
Hong Kong, China
請問有沒有人知道12月初蘆之湖紅葉掉光後的景色怎樣?還值得一看嗎?
Written 15 September 2017
芦ノ湖だと11月上旬くらいが見頃ですかね。12月だと晴れていれば富士山がキレイに見えますよ。
12月だと、箱根湯本あたりか、横浜の三渓園、東京の神宮外苑のイチョウ並木あたりが見頃かも。
Written 18 September 2017
Bonjour, avez-vous des informations sur la possibilité de faire du kayak sur le lac ashi a Hakone?
Je ne vois que des pédalos assez kitchs.... merci d'avance
Written 2 September 2017
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