Ashinoko

If you want to enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Ashi, one of the highlights of tourism in Hakone, you can't miss the pirate ship that allows you to explore the lake. The pirate ship on Lake Ashi is characterized by its retro design, as if you were in a movie. The interior of the ship is spacious, with chairs and tables, allowing families and groups to relax comfortably. It connects from the Momijidani Port to the Hakonemachi Port and Motohakone Port in about 25-40 minutes, and you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the changing seasons from the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains.

In addition to the pirate ship, you can enjoy a tour of Lake Ashi on a sightseeing boat. Unlike the pirate ship, it stops at four different ports: Hakone Sekisho-ato Port, Moto-Hakone Port, Hakone-en Port, and Kohjiko Port. Hakone-en is a leisure spot in Hakone managed by the Prince Hotel, and it's also the departure and arrival point for the Komagatake Ropeway. If you want to enjoy leisure time at Hakone-en, this sightseeing boat is convenient. The interior of the boat is spacious and comfortable to spend time in.

There are many hotels and inns around Lake Ashi where you can enjoy views of the lake from your room. Facilities such as hot springs and restaurants where you can relax while gazing at Lake Ashi are abundant, and there are also accommodations where you can enjoy day spas. There are many attractive accommodations to choose from, such as the "Hakone Hotel" where you can see Lake Ashi from all rooms, the resort hotel "Yama no Hotel" with a European castle atmosphere, and the elegant "Ryugu Palace" with an appearance modeled after the Byodoin Temple. The only campsite on the lakeshore, "Lake Ashi Camp Village," is also popular.

Enjoying lunch or sweets while gazing at Lake Ashi is also popular among tourists in Hakone. There are many shops with a view of the lake, including those with terrace seating and tea houses with a wide variety of Japanese-style dishes, so you can choose according to your mood that day. One of the charms of Lake Ashi tourism is the opportunity to spend a luxurious time while enjoying the seasonal scenery of Lake Ashi and savoring lunch or sweets made with local ingredients.

Lake Ashi is one of Japan's leading managed lakes for fishing, where you can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, masu salmon, yamame, and smelt. This is also the lake where black bass was first released in Japan, making it famous for black bass fishing as well. Lake Ashi's smelt has been designated as one of "Kanagawa's Top 100 Specialty Products" and "Fish of Hakone Town," and is known as the field where smelt can be caught the earliest in the Kanto region. It's a popular outdoor activity that's easy for children, women, and beginners to try. To fish, you need to purchase a fishing ticket for 1,500 yen per day for adults as a fishing fee (junior high school students, elementary school students, and preschool children are free). In addition, there is a closed fishing period from mid-December to the end of February, so be sure to check the fishing cooperative's website in advance.

When it comes to touring around Lake Ashi, pirate ships and pleasure boats are famous, but canoes and swan boats that you can operate yourself are also popular. Swan boats are more affordable than pleasure boats, making it a great option for families and couples to enjoy a leisurely lake walk. Even during peak season, there is little waiting time and you can get on the boat right away. Canoeing and kayaking are also available for beginners and small children to participate in with peace of mind, as experience tours are held.

Hakone-en is a popular tourist destination with a bus stop directly connected to Tokyo. It features hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, a pleasure boat pier, and an aquarium, among other attractions. The amphibious "NINJA BUS" is a thrilling and exciting activity that is very popular with children, as it dives into Lake Ashi. From the nearby ropeway station, you can go to "Komagatake" and enjoy the beautiful view overlooking Lake Ashi. You can enjoy all the tourist spots based on Hakone-en.