Lake Ashinoko, which is surrounded by rich nature and the magnificent Mt. Fuji, is one of the most beautiful crater lakes in Japan. It is thought to have been formed by a volcanic eruption about 3100 years ago, now it's a great tourist attraction in Hakone. Therefore, there are many hotels, ryokans, and various tourist spots nearby. In this article, we would like to introduce the various views of Lake Ashinoko and its nearby attractions.
Highlights of Lake Ashinoko
View of Lake Ashinoko overlooking Mount Fuji
The charm of Lake Ashinoko lies in its beautiful scenery. The breathtaking nature landscape of blue clear lake and the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji have different looks in each season. From spring to summer, bright green trees create a refreshing atmosphere. Autumn is colored with yellow autumn leaves. In winter, the clean air on a sunny day makes everything appear vivid. These seasonal changes are also one of the reasons why Lake Ashinoko is attractive to people.
Cruise on Lake Ashinoko by a pleasure boat and a pirate boat
If you want to fully enjoy Lake Ashinoko, a cruise on a sightseeing boat is recommended. Above all, the tour boat with a pirate ship design is especially attractive. There are three types of "pirate boats" and each of them has a brilliant decoration. You can take photos with the staff dressed in pirate costumes. The ship also features 3D art, treasure chests and puppet figures like captains to make your trip more fun. The route is either from Hakonemachi-ko or Motohakone-ko heading to Togendai-ko. You may purchase a ticket for a one-way trip or a return trip.
On the other hand, there are 30-minute, 40-minute and 70-minute courses of sightseeing boats you can ride to go around the lake. The port where you board is decided by which course you choose. The boat of the 70-minute course will depart from Kojiri Port. On the deck, you can enjoy superb views of Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Fuji. It is recommended to go to the 2nd floor once you get on the ship.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Hakone Pirate Boat
- Street Address: 164 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Railway at Hakone-Yumoto Station. It takes 37 minutes to reach Gora Station and another 10 minutes to transfer trains at Gora Station to reach Sounzan Station. Take the ropeway for 30 minutes to reach Togendai Station. Then, walk for 1 minute; About 60 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Get off at Togendai Bus Stop and walk for 3 minutes.
- Language: not listed
- Ticket: Purchased at counter on site
- Credit cards: OK
Spot Information
- Name: Hakone Lake Ashinoko Boat Cruise (Koshiri Port)
- Street Address: 110 Koshiri, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0522
- Access: About 45 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Get off at Koshiri Bus Stop and walk for 1 minute
- Language: not listed
- Ticket: not listed
- Credit cards: not listed
Hakone Sekisho near Lake Ashinoko
During the Edo period, Sekisho was set up to keep the peace of Edo. This facility has been restored to Sekisho Ruins. A human scale puppet statue is placed at the nearby Gobansho, where you can feel the ambience of the Edo period.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Hakone Sekisho
- Street Address: 1 Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0521
- Access: 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Get off at Hakone-Sekishoseki Bus Station and walk for 2 minutes
- Language: not listed
- Credit cards: not listed
- Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00
- Entrance fee: 500 yen for adults; 250 yen for children
Kuzuryu Shrine in Lake Ashinoko
The red torii built on the lake of Lake Ashinoko belongs to Kuzuryu Shrine. A god of nine heads dragon is enshrined at Kuzuryu Shrine. It is derived from the legend that poison dragon with nine heads, who made villagers suffer long ago, was turned into a god of dragon after being defeated by a high priest. It is a shrine famous for marriage and matchmaking blessings.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Kuzuryu Shrine
- Street Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0522
- Access: Vessels for worship are available every month on the 13th: Motor boat from Hakone-en, Moto-Hakone, Hakone and Koujiri; About a 30-minute walk from the Prince Hakone, Hakone-en or Izu-Hakone-Kojiri Terminal to the entrance of Kuzuryu no Mori
- Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 16:00
- Entrance fee: 500 yen if you access by walking to Kuzuryu no Mori ; Free of charge by boat access
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
There are many hot spring hotels around Lake Ashinoko. If you stay at a hotel that has an open-air bath overlooking Lake Ashinoko, you can have a fantastic view of the morning or the evening while taking a bath. "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko" is located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko which has hot springs. If you stay at Lake Ashinoko, this hotel, which has open-air baths, is recommended to you.
Access to Lake Ashinoko
There are multiple routes to reach Lake Ashinoko. You can take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus at Hakone-Yumoto Station and the journey will take about 35 minutes. For Kojiri port, it will take about 45 minutes. For Togendai, it will take 60 minutes. You can also take the ropeway at Sounzan Station to reach Togendai.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Kojiri Port
- Street Address: 110 Kojiri, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522
- Access: About 45 minutes by taking Hakone Tozan Bus at Hakone-Yumoto Station
Spot Information
- Spot name: Togendai Port
- Street Address: 164 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0522
- Access: Take Hakone Tozan Railway at Hakone-Yumoto Station. It takes 37 minutes to reach Gora Station and another 10 minutes to transfer trains at Gora Station to reach Sounzan Station. Take the ropeway for 30 minutes to reach Togendai Station. Then, walk for 1 minute; About 60 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Get off at Togendai Bus Stop and walk for 3 minutes.
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