Lake Ashi (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Lake Ashi?
What makes it 77% Baby-Friendly: Ports have elevators, nursing rooms and diaper tables, and strollers roll onto cruises; lack of onboard changing table and some stepped piers mean extra planning but overall visit remains feasible.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly routes: Most boat piers and park trails have ramps and elevators for easy stroller access.
- Free baby facilities: Nursing rooms and diaper stations are available at Moto-Hakone and Togendai ports.
Challenges:
- Peak-time boarding: Mornings and early afternoons are busiest; plan departures around 10 AM and 2 PM to avoid crowds.
- Limited shade: On clear days the lakeside path has few shaded spots; pack a sunshade or umbrella for your stroller.
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?
- Gentle, stable boat cruise with stroller space
- Flat, paved lakeshore stroll in Onshi-Hakone Park
- Spacious ropeway gondolas with Mt. Fuji views
- Baby facilities at major ports for feeding and changing
- Cost-saving Hakone Free Pass covers main activities
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A 2–3 hour visit allows time for a boat cruise, park stroll and ropeway ride without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Lake Ashi
Sightseeing Boat Cruise:
Board a stable double-hulled boat for a gentle 30-minute tour of Lake Ashi.
Tip: Bring a stroller blanket; boats load early so arrive 10 minutes before departure to secure stroller space.
Onshi-Hakone Park Stroll:
Walk flat, paved paths along the lakeshore with open lawns for breaks.
Tip: Use the park’s ramps and rest spots every 5 minutes to settle your baby.
Komagatake Ropeway:
Ride the spacious gondola to Mt. Komagatake summit for panoramic Mt. Fuji views.
Tip: Catch a gondola just after departure to avoid the queue and board with your stroller easily.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Ashi
- Use a Hakone Free Pass: Covers boat and ropeway fares and lets you board without separate tickets.
- Time your visit: Start at Moto-Hakone to use nursing rooms before boarding your cruise.
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)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms around the shore. Summer mornings stay cool with mist on the lake. Autumn maples glow red along the walkways. Winter offers crisp air and clear Mount Fuji views.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Boat cruise (2 adults) | JPY 2,000 |
| Komagatake Ropeway (2 adults) | JPY 3,600 |
| Snack or light lunch | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,100 |
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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