Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a crater lake in Hakone at 723 meters elevation with forested shores and a view of Mount Fuji to the west. The water extends for several kilometers and three small ports connect the settlements around the lake.

The lake formed about 3000 years ago after an eruption of Mount Hakone filled the valley with lava and blocked the drainage. During the Edo period the Tokaido road ran along the shore and travelers had to cross the lake by boat.

The name Ashi-no-ko translates as Reed Lake referring to the water plants that once lined the shore. Today visitors board sightseeing boats to cross the water and see the mountain landscape or they walk the paths that run along the eastern and northern sides.

A walk along the northern shore takes about 30 to 40 minutes and passes through quiet sections with trees and open views of the water. The ropeway ends at Togendai on the western side and buses continue from there to other places in Hakone.

The sightseeing ships that sail on the water are styled like 17th-century pirate vessels with replica sails and wooden decks. These replicas carry passengers between the three landing points and some have viewing platforms at the bow or stern.