Lake Ashi (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Lake Ashi?
What makes it 77% Baby-Friendly: Ports supply elevators, nursing rooms and changing tables, and strollers roll onto cruises; however ships lack onboard baby care and uneven paths mean carriers are often needed.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly facilities: Ports and stations offer elevators, nursing rooms, and diaper-changing tables for hassle-free outings.
- Baby rides free: Infants under 2 ride the pirate ship and ropeway free, reducing overall costs.
Challenges:
- Limited shade on boat deck: Bring a sunshade or hat for the baby, as the pirate ship deck has minimal cover.
- Crowds midday: Peak visitor times at 10 AM–3 PM can make queues longer for boats and ropeway.
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 with baby?
- 30–40 min pirate-ship cruise with free infant fare
- Flat, stroller-friendly Onshi-Hakone Park walk
- Spacious ropeway ride with panoramic lake and Mt. Fuji views
- Easy-access nursing rooms and changing tables at ports
- Seasonal colors highlight shore views year-round
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time for a boat cruise, park stroll, and ropeway ride without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Lake Ashi
Pirate-Ship Cruise:
Board the themed pirate ship for a 30–40 min loop of Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji and the torii gate.
Tip: Infants under 2 ride free. Roll your stroller straight onboard.
Onshi-Hakone Park Stroll:
Walk along flat, paved lakeshore paths in a former imperial villa park.
Tip: Use the open lawns for baby breaks. Paths are stroller-friendly.
Komagatake Ropeway:
Take the gondola from Hakone-en to Mount Komagatake summit for panoramic lake and mountain views.
Tip: Gondolas run every 20 min; under-7s ride free. Queue near the ticket office to board together.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Ashi
- Use Hakone Free Pass: Cover boat and ropeway fares in one ticket to save money and skip single-ticket lines.
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds by starting with the pirate ship at the first departure around 9 AM.
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)?
In spring, cherry blossoms line the shore; in autumn, maples turn red. Summer mornings are cooler and less crowded; winter brings crisp air and clear views of Mt. Fuji.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pirate-ship cruise (2 adults RT) | JPY 3,680 |
| Komagatake Ropeway (2 adults RT) | JPY 3,600 |
| Snack at lakeside café | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 8,080 |
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
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