Best things to do in Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi: The Absolute Essentials

Lake Ashi, a volcanic caldera formed 3,000 years ago, serves as the centerpiece for Hakone’s historical and natural landmarks. This selection includes the 8th-century Hakone Shrine with its iconic lakeside torii gate, the active sulfur vents of Owakudani, and the reconstructed Edo-period Hakone Checkpoint. The area is navigable via pirate-themed sightseeing cruises and the Komagatake Ropeway, which provides access to 1,356-meter summits overlooking Mount Fuji. Cultural sites such as the Yamanaka Fort ruins and the former Imperial summer residence at Onshi Hakone Park offer insight into the region's feudal and royal history.

Lake Ashi: The Absolute Essentials — Map

Koichi Oda / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Hakone Shrine

After being built at the summit of a nearby mountain in 757, the shrine was moved to its current location in 1667.

Ajay Suresh / CC BY 2.0

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Owakudani

An active volcanic valley created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone 3,000 years ago. It features sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and the famous black eggs hard-boiled in naturally heated volcanic water.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

If you fancy a cruise, try this one across Ashinoko, lake that was formed after the volcano's last eruption 3.000 years ago.

Aimaimyi / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Hakone Jinja shrine

The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi in the town of Hakone in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa…

PekePON / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, officially the Komagatake Ropeway Line, is Japanese aerial lift line in Hakone, Kanagawa, operated by Izu…

Mocchy / Public domain

F

Yamanaka Fort Ruins

The ruins of a 16th-century castle are now a scenic historical site with many walking paths.

Celuici / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Hakone Checkpoint

A meticulous reconstruction of the Edo-period border control station on the Tokaido road. The site features gates, a lookout tower, and a museum illustrating the historical inspection process for travelers entering Edo.

xezna / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Lakeside Observation Building

Also known as Detached Palace, this building once served as a summer residence of the Imperial Family.

xezna / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Onshi Hakone Park

Situated on a small peninsula, this park offers numerous walking paths as well as a viewing platform.

Ka23 13 / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Tougendai

Tōgendai Station is a terminal on the Hakone Ropeway in the town of Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan.

K

Komagatake

A 1,356-meter peak accessible by ropeway, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. The summit is home to Hakone Mototsumiya, the original mountain-top location of the Hakone Shrine.

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Overlook

A scenic viewpoint located within Onshi Hakone Park, providing an elevated perspective of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji visible in the background.

Other Lists

Viewpoints and Peaks Sacred Shinto Shrines Hakone Ropeways & Stations Hakone Museums & Galleries