Lake Ashi 芦ノ湖, Ashi no ko – JAR
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ashi
Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖, Ashi-no-ko), also referred to as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshū, Japan. It is a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano that last erupted in 1170 CE at Ōwakudani. The lake is known for its views of Mount Fuji, its numerous hot springs, historical sites, and ryokan. The lake is located on the Tōkaidō road, the main link between Kyoto and Tokyo. A number of pleasure boats and ferries traverse the lake, providing scenic views for tourists and passengers. Several of the boats are inspired by the design of sailing warships.
Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖, Ashinoko) was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano’s last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The lake’s shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels.
The best views of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from Moto-Hakone (a few steps south from the sightseeing boat pier), from the Hakone Detached Palace Garden and from the sightseeing boats cruising the lake.
Most visitors to Lake Ashi stay in one of the hotels or ryokan located in the area to visit some of the local attractions. There is also a campsite at the north end of the lake. Hakone Shrine is a shrine that has been visited by shōgun, samurai, and many travelers over the centuries. Large sections of the Old Tōkaidō road are preserved here. Onshi Park, the summer retreat established in 1886 for the imperial family, is now a public park. Taking the aerial tram Hakone Ropeway to The Great Boiling Valley. From Togendai on Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway aerial tram connects to Sounzan, the upper terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car funicular railway. This in turn connects to the Hakone Tozan Line mountain railway for the descent to Odawara and a connection to Tokyo by the Tōkaidō Shinkansen.[1]
Visitors can also take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise with its pirate ships from Togendai to Moto-Hakone Port and Hakone-Machi Port on opposite ends of the lake. The cruise line began in 1950.Lake Ashi is emptied by the Fukara Aqueduct toward Susono, Shizuoka since its completion in 1670, not by the Haya River toward Odawara, Kanagawa.Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Two companies, Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Hakone Pleasure Cruise, operate boats from Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi at the lake’s southern shores to Togendai at the lake’s northern end (25-40 minutes, 1200 yen one way) and Hakone-en at the eastern shore (15-30 minutes, 1000 yen one way). The Hakone Free Pass is valid on the pirate ship-shaped Hakone Sightseeing Boats but not on the Hakone Pleasure Cruises to/from Hakone-en.
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, commonly referred to as the Hakone Pirate Ship, is a must see attraction in Hakone. Departing from three docks around the lake, this sightseeing cruise is a perfect way to see the stunning scenery Hakone has to offer.
On clear days, views of Mt.Fuji can be enjoyed from the Hakone Scenic cruise, providing a stunning backdrop to your relaxing journey, attracting both international and domestic tourists. Also on the cruise, you can see Hikone Shrine – the oldest and most significant shrine in the area. Mt. Hakone, and the crater of Owakudani can also be seen when the weather is clear.
The cruise is a year-round attraction, and the surrounding landscape changes with the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter all provide different and captivating perspectives of the area.
Many visitors combine the cruise with other attractions in the Hakone area, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, and Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Sightseeing cruise is definitely one of the top things to do in Hakone, and should be on your itinerary if you are in the area.