Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) Hiking Tour in Hakone

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Facts & Figures

Lake Ashi or Ashinoko is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ashinoko is the largest lake within the Kanagawa prefecture. The lake is situated 720m above sea level and has a circumference of 21km. It is a very popular tourist destination and known for beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, pirate ships, great hiking trails along the shoreline and the floating torii of the Hakone Shrine. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Hakone Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > Lake Ashi is called a crater lake, which is located along the southwest wall of the Mount Hakone caldera, a complex volcano. We followed for our hiking tour the Lake Ashinoko West Bank Course. The length of the trail was 12km and it took us 4hrs till the end. The starting point was at the Hakone Visitor Center and the end point at the Hakone-machi bus stop. I really liked the beautiful nature, dense forest, sandy beaches, great views of Mt. Komagatake (2956m), Hakone-jinja Shrine and Mt. Fuji. Along the way there was no distraction of roads, cars, shops or any kind of civilisation. We made a longer break for a picnic at the Sanadahama Beach and 1hr later at the Shirahama Beach.

My tips for local activities

With the Hakone Freepass from our partner klook you get access to over 70 attractions in the Hakone area and you can use it for unlimited rides with ropeways, shipes, Hakone Tozan Line and much more. For more details check out this page >

History

After a huge volcano erruption approx. 3000 years ago Lake Ashi was created in the caldera of Mt. Hakone. The lake is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The park was founded in 1936 as one of the first in Japan. In the year 1950 Izu Islands were included too.

Sightseeing spots within the Hakone area

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Hakone Togendai-Gora Ropeway - The ropeway offers spectacular views on its way from Togendai Station on Lake Ashi up to Sounzan Station.

Scenic boat tour - Enjoy a tour on a replica of a pirate ship from Togendai to Hakonemachi or Moto-Hakone.

Owakudani - It is a crater area of an active volcanic zone dating back almost 3000 years. Owakudani is one of the biggest highlights within the Hakone area and my must-see recommendation for you. Do not miss your chance to eat one of the black eggs there. The shell turns black due to a chemical reaction with volcanic gas.

Hot springs - Hakone is a very popular hot spring resort area in Japan. Tourists and locals can choose between ryokans and public bath houses. The place is very close to Tokyo and easy accessible.

Hakone Shrine - The Hakone Shrine is dating back to 757, when the priest Mangan founded this holy place. The famous red gate (Heiwa no torii) is standing tall in Lake Ashi and is visible from far away. Read more >
Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522, Japan

Hakone Detached Palace - The former summer residence of the Imperial family is located on a peninsula within a beautiful public park called Onshi Hakone Park. The palace was built in 1886 and also used to welcome dignitary foreign guests.
Address: Onshihakone Park, 171 Motohakone, Hakone-machi Ashigarashimo-gun Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Cedar Avenue - A 500m long avenue features 400 cedar trees, which were planted during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) in 1618. The trees with a height of up to 30 meters are really an impressive sight between Onshi Hakone Park and Motohakone.

Hakone Museum of Art - The museum was opened for the public in 1952 in Gora. The main exhibition displays Japanese ceramics from the BC period to the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The property includes a beautiful Japanese moss garden, a Japanese landscape garden (Sekirakuen Garden) and 200 maple trees. This place is especially beautiful during the autumn season, when all the leaves of the trees turn red.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

Juli

Ashinoko Kosui Matsuri in Hakone (31st)
Enjoy the Firework Festival and Floating Lanterns at this beautiful place. Unbelievable 18500 fireworks brightens up the night sky above Lake Ashinoko. This festival is the starting point of the Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week which runs till 6th of August.

August

Hakone Shrine Reidai Festival (1st)
The Hakone Shrine holds this festival once a year to pray for the long life and health of the shrine and visitors. It is the main festival of the shrine.

Kojiri Ryujin (Dragon) God Festival in Hakone (4th)
An event dedicated to the enshrined Dragon of Lake Ashi. Enjoy the huge fireworks at the evening.

Susuki Matsuri in Hakone (25th)
Grand Singing Show