Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is in the Hakone area of Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture. It is about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. This makes it a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. To get to Lake Ashi, take a train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Electric Railway. From Hakone-Yumoto, you can take a bus or the Hakone Tozan Line to Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi, which are both close to the lake. It's a good idea to get the Hakone Freepass, which covers your round-trip transportation and lets you travel as much as you want within the Hakone area.

Lake Ashi is famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and the beautiful nature around it. The lake is also known for the Torii gate from Hakone Shrine, standing right at the water's edge. You can often see this breathtaking scene in Japanese travel guides and postcards. So, it's a perfect spot to enjoy Japan's beautiful landscapes and explore its rich history.

You can see Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi, especially when the weather is clear. The best places to see it are from the Lake Ashi cruises and the shores near the Hakone Shrine. The view of Mount Fuji with the lake and green trees is very famous and often photographed. Early mornings usually offer the best chance for a clear view because there are fewer clouds.

Around Lake Ashi, there are lots of places to eat with different kinds of food from local to international dishes. Near Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, you can find several restaurants that use fresh, seasonal ingredients like local fish and vegetables. Many people love eating in traditional ryokans or cozy cafes around the lake. Some favorite spots include Bakery and Table Hakone and Amazake Chaya, a charming old tea house.

There are many places to stay near Lake Ashi, from fancy ryokans to budget-friendly guesthouses. Popular areas to stay include Moto Hakone and Hakone-machi, which are close to many attractions and have easy transportation options to the lake.

Swimming isn't allowed in Lake Ashi. The water is very deep and often really cold, which isn't safe for swimming. Also, the lake is important for local fishing and boating, so these rules help keep the lake clean. But don't worry, visitors can still have fun with other activities like boat rides around the lake.