Early in the morning, as I walked along the shore of Lake Ashi, I felt as if I had stepped into a fairyland

Hakone's Spectacular Scenery! Lake Ashi Volcanic Lake Tour Guide 🗻

A must-visit in Hakone! Lake Ashi under the blue sky and white clouds is as beautiful as a painting 🌊
A stunning lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago, every snapshot looks like a masterpiece!

Lake Ashi is a volcanic lake located west of Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, at the southern foot of Mount Komagatake. It was formed 3,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption, with the valley shaped by lake water erosion. It is the main tourist spot in the Hakone area and is a caldera lake. The lake covers an area of 703 hectares, sits at an elevation of 723 meters, has a circumference of about 21.1 kilometers, an average depth of 15 meters, and a maximum depth of 43.5 meters. The water is clear and famous for the reflection of Mount Fuji, listed as one of Japan’s top 100 scenic spots.

📍Address: Moto-Hakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
🚌 Transportation Tip: Take the mountain bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station for about 30 minutes

Must-try routes:
1️⃣ Moto-Hakone Port
The red and white pirate ship dock is very eye-catching! It’s best to come before 9 AM when there are fewer people
📸 Tips: The railing by the port is the best spot for photos, with Mount Fuji in the background

2️⃣ Lake Ashi Cruise
Take the vintage pirate ship across the lake, the trip takes about 30 minutes
Choose a window seat for a dreamy view of Mount Komagatake reflected on the lake!

Special experiences:
🍱 Must-eat by the lake: Hakone’s famous black eggs (eggs boiled in hot spring water)
🚴 Lake cycling: Rent a bike and ride along the lakeshore for a super relaxing experience

Photo hotspots:
🏞️ Hakone Shrine Water Torii Gate
The red torii gate in the lake is a perfect photo spot! It’s recommended to come at dusk for backlit silhouette shots
🌉 Lakeside Trail
The wooden boardwalk along the lake is great for portrait photos with a backdrop of rolling green mountains

💡 Tips:
- It’s more cost-effective to use the Hakone Free Pass
- On clear days, you can see the amazing sight of Mount Fuji reflected on the lake surface
- In autumn and winter, the lake often gets foggy, adding a unique charm