Lake Ashi

Friday, December 27, 2019 Updated

Duo Views of Mt. Fuji | Hakone

Available on select Highlights of Japan Tours vacation series.

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko in Japanese) was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the image of the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is known as the symbol of Hakone. The best views of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from either Moto-Hakone (Ancient Highway), from the Hakone Detached Palace Garden, and from the sightseeing boats cruising the lake. It is important to note the clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji for travelers. Therefore, you should consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the iconic mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours.

Scenic Cruise Rides | Lake Ashi

Two companies, Hakone Sightseeing Boats (image to the left) and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats, operate sightseeing cruises between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi at the lake's southern shores and Togendai and Kojiri at the lake's northern end. A boat cruise from one end of the lake to the other takes roughly 30 minutes and is considered an excellent way to enjoy the nature of Hakone. When the day is clear, travelers can get a great view of Mt. Fuji and see the floating torii gates of Hakone Shrine. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on the pirate ship shaped Hakone Sightseeing Boats, but not on boats operated by Izuhakone.

Enjoy the sights of Hakone with our affordable pre or post stay tour options. Add a day to unwind in the hot-springs town of Hakone, complete with a scenic cruise on Lake Ashii, after a private Tokyo tour with Japan Deluxe Tours.