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Lake Ashi, Kanto, Japan

Also known as:  Ashi-no-ko, Hakone Lake

One of Japan’s most popular holiday destinations is Lake Ashi. Ashi-no-ko, as it is also called, is a crater lake nestled along the southwest wall of the Mount Hakone caldera in the Kanto Region of Honshu. The lake was created by the last volcanic eruption about 3000 years ago when lava flows dammed the valley’s drainage routes. Fed primarily by underground springs, Lake Ashi has only a…
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    • All About Lake Ashi, Japan

    Lake Locations: Japan - Kanto Region, Japan -

    One of Japan’s most popular holiday destinations is Lake Ashi. Ashi-no-ko, as it is also called, is a crater lake nestled along the southwest wall of the Mount Hakone caldera in the Kanto Region of Honshu. The lake was created by the last volcanic eruption about 3000 years ago when lava flows dammed the valley’s drainage routes. Fed primarily by underground springs, Lake Ashi has only a few short inflowing streams but forms the headwaters of the Hayakawa River. The depiction of Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji overlooking the background is a well-known symbol of the Hakone region and is often duplicated in Japanese art. For many years, Lake Ashi was a favored honeymoon destination and still welcomes 13 million visitors each year. Completely surrounded by Hakone National Park, a wide variety of scenic and experiential adventures awaits visitors to the Hakone region.

    Lake Ashi lies to the south of famous Mt. Fuji and is noted for the reflection of Fuji-san in the waters of the lake. This reflection is often difficult to see due to fog and low clouds. The lake welcomes tourists with a variety of boat cruises, ‘swan boat’ rentals, rentals of small fishing boats, and loosely organized fishing charters operated by local fishermen. Two competing tour operators maintain most of the cruise boats plying the lake; their competition has resulted in some interesting boat variations designed to encourage customers. The replica 17th century schooners, including a pirate ship, lend an amusement-park air to the cruise but are very popular for families with children. The cruises may stop at several of the small cities along the eastern lakeshore, where a number of tourism-geared attractions are located. Restaurants, hostels, spas and resorts all offer excellent views over the lake.

    Fishing is a popular activity among visitors. Because fish is such a vital part of the Japanese diet, many restaurants loan customers fishing poles and tackle for the day. Upon returning the equipment, the kitchen cleans and cooks the catch. The deep, cold lake supports a variety of trout with rainbow trout the most sought-after species. Black bass – an imported species known as largemouth bass in its natural environment – is also a favored catch. Most local fishermen seem to focus on a native species of small fish called the pond smelt which are featured in many local dishes.

    Lake Ashi offers a few public beaches, but small boats and canoes seem to be the favorite water sport. At least one resort offers year-round water slides with heated water from the thermal springs near the lake. The natural springs have been augmented with several drilled wells to access the heated water, and many hotels and resorts feature swimming pools utilizing the hot spring waters.

    Although heavily developed in some areas and often overcrowded during popular holiday weeks, a few inns and guest houses still offer traditional lodgings, with sleeping rooms furnished with tatami mats, indoor grilling facilities, and meals served at low tables in the rooms. Others are strictly Western in their approach. A few campsites are provided around the lake, usually connected with the hotels to handle overflow. Many small guest houses are located around the lake, and the national park rents self-catering cabins which are very popular.

    The western side of the lake can only be accessed on foot. This less-developed side offers great hiking trails under a canopy of leaves. Autumn is a favorite time to hike around the lake when shorter days turn the maples to brilliant reds. From nearly every point along the lakeshore, gondolas of the Hakone Ropeway can be seen gliding silently above. Nearly the entire shoreline can be reached by walking trail. The paths are also popular for mountain biking. The Skyline Trail is usually reserved for more athletically-inclined cyclists who thrill to the scenic views of Mt. Fuji and the lake far below.

    Lake Ashi isn’t reserved just for nature lovers. Several museums and historical points are located near the shore. Traditional Hakone Shrine is hidden among tall trees at the foot of Mount Hakone, but its distinctive red torii gate stands in the lake. A boat landing below leads visitors up a series of steps flanked by paper lanterns through an emerald-green forest to the shrine itself. A second Hakone Shrine, Mototsumiya (“original shrine”) stands at the summit of Komagatake, one of Mount Hakone’s multiple peaks. It is accessible from the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en or via hiking trails. The Narukawa Art Museum is located along the shoreline and offers continually-changing exhibits of paintings, sculpture and other works of art. Picturesque Fukara Watergate on the northwest shore controls water flow to a 4200-foot-long irrigation tunnel built in 1670 and still in use. The Japanese Gardens at Hakone-en are one of the loveliest places to view the lake and Mt. Fuji. The Hakone-en Resort also maintains a major aquarium featuring over 2000 freshwater species and 20,000 saltwater fish.

    Lake Ashi is ideally situated as a holiday destination. The eastern shoreline is the destination point for the bus lines and trains arriving from Tokyo and Yokohama and serves as the entry to the Hakone Ropeway system of gondolas, hiking trails and mountain biking pathways. Beautiful views of Lake Ashi’s blue waters can be seen from these high vantage points. The area is well-known for its sulfur springs and medicinal baths. One location along the Ropeway sells ‘longevity’ eggs boiled to a deep black shell in the hot sulfur waters. It is traditional to partake of a few of these edible eggs to gain the seven extra years of life they promise.

    Others come to enjoy some of the most spectacular resort spas along the Lake Ashi shoreline. Japan’s bullet trains can reach Lake Ashi in two hours from either Tokyo or Yokohama. Nature, luxury and tradition all complement each other at Lake Ashi and provide the ideal getaway to city dwellers looking for scenic vistas. Come and enjoy Lake Ashi’s many attractions. And, bring the salt shaker for that egg!

    Things to Do at Lake Ashi

    These are some activities in the Lake Ashi, Japan area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Swimming Pool
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • National Park
    • Museum
    • Amusement Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Ashi?

    Lake Ashi has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Smelt
    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Ashi

    If you’re considering a Lake Ashi lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Ashi Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Ashi lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Ashi Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Surface Area: 1,730 acres

    Shoreline Length: 11 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 2,372 feet

    Maximum Depth: 143 feet

    Lake Ashi Map

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