Lake Ashi (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Lake Ashi?
What makes it 95% Couple-Friendly: Couples get romantic Fuji views on the pirate cruise, quiet sunset promenades and scenic ropeway summit, with many cafés for lingered chats, making it an almost ideal date spot.
Positives:
- Hakone Free Pass Coverage: Boat and ropeway rides are included, cutting transport costs and simplifying plans.
- Private Photo Moments: Quiet spots at dawn let couples capture the torii gate and Fuji without crowds.
Challenges:
- Variable Visibility: Fog can hide Mount Fuji views; check local weather before booking ropeway rides.
- Midday Crowds: Tour boats fill up by late morning; reserve early departures to avoid lines.
What is Lake Ashi?
- A volcanic crater lake formed over 3,000 years ago at the foot of Mount Komagatake in Hakone
- Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, set within a scenic basin framed by cedar and pine forests
- Sits at 723 meters above sea level, encompassing seven square kilometers with a maximum depth of 43 meters
What is so special about Lake Ashi for couple trip?
- Cruise a pirate ship together for unique lake views.
- Visit the floating vermilion torii via cedar-lined path.
- Stroll Onshi-Hakone Park at sunset for panorama deck photos.
- Ride Komagatake Ropeway for 360° vantage points.
- Optimize costs and time with the Hakone Free Pass.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Provides enough time to cruise the lake, visit the torii gate, stroll the park, and ride the ropeway without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Lake Ashi
Pirate-Ship Cruise:
Board a themed cruise for 40 minutes of lake views framed by Mount Fuji.
Tip: Reserve the special cabin for front views and quieter space.
Hakone Shrine & Floating Torii:
Walk the cedar path to the red ‘Heiwa no Torii’ rising from the water.
Tip: Visit at dawn or dusk for soft light and fewer visitors.
Onshi-Hakone Park Sunset Stroll:
Wander the former imperial villa grounds along the pine-lined lakeshore.
Tip: Head to the Panorama Pavilion 30 minutes before sunset for best views.
Komagatake Ropeway Summit:
Ride the gondola to a mountaintop shrine with 360° lake and Fuji vistas.
Tip: Buy a round-trip ticket to save and check sky conditions for clear views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Ashi
- Arrive Early: Start at Moto-Hakone pier to catch the first cruise and beat peak visitor times.
- Combine Passes: Use a Hakone Free Pass to cover both lake cruises and ropeway fares at a discount.
Reviews of Lake Ashi
Chak Hong
The boat ride was over all too quick. It's clear and calm waters make the boats motor totally out of place. I'd gladly hoist up a pirate sail...
Oreste Gaspari
Lake Ashi in Hakone is a scenic crater lake surrounded by mountains, often seen with Mount Fuji in the background. The area offers boat cruises, lakeside trails, and hot springs. A peaceful destination ideal for day trips or weekend escapes from Tokyo.
Edward Orrego Ruiz
Lake Ashi was a highlight of our Hakone trip – absolutely stunning with panoramic views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Getting there was surprisingly smooth: we boarded the Hakone Ropeway from Sōunzan, transferred at Ōwakudani, and then continued down to Tōgendai, right on the lake’s edge. Just note: the cable car section officially starts at Gōra, so plan your route accordingly. We opted for the fir...
S L Chong
We came to Lake Ashi and took the cruise on what looked like a pirate ship. This ship has a lift that made it easy to reach the open deck. It was spring and the wind made it feel very cold on the ship. The lake is pleasant and we could see the Tori of Peace from the deck.
Janis Ng
Lovely experience. Weather was great and sunny. Managed to do the Lake Ashi pirate shop tpu, paddling in a swan boat and paddled past the famous toji gate
When is the best time to visit Lake Ashi (Hakone, Japan)?
Autumn’s red and gold leaves mirror in the water. Spring brings cherry blossoms at Moto-Hakone port. On clear winter days midday offers the sharpest Fuji views.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pirate-ship cruise round-trip (2 adults) | JPY 3,680 |
| Komagatake ropeway round-trip (2 adults) | JPY 3,600 |
| Lunch at lakeside café | JPY 3,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 10,280 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Lake Ashi
Address: Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Lake Ashi (Hakone)?
About Lake Ashi
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities