Hakone: Hot Springs, Lake Ashinoko, and Old Roads
Accommodation in Hakone
Hakone brings together volcanic landscapes, hot springs, Lake Ashinoko, and historic routes. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hakone, setting a clear priority can help you plan your trip: hot spring resorts, time by the lake, or the history of the old Tōkaidō each give your stay a different focus.
Volcanic Landscapes and Lake Ashinoko
Hakone is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ōwakudani reveals the area’s volcanic character: the volcanic valley has active sulfur gas emissions and hot springs. Lake Ashinoko is also volcanic in origin. As a crater lake of the Hakone volcano, it sits at an elevation of 724 meters.
Lake Ashinoko is believed to have formed about 3,100 years ago, when a steam explosion on Mount Kamiyama triggered a landslide that dammed an old river. Its formation connects the lake to the volcanic landscape that also defines Ōwakudani.
Hot Springs and the History of Bathing
Hakone has 17 different types of hot springs and seven hot spring resorts. The figures offer different points of reference: the first describes the types of springs, while the second refers to the hot spring resorts. If wellness is a particular interest, you can consider these two aspects separately when planning.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot spring theme park in Hakone. If you plan to visit, check the operator’s latest information on facilities and access. The history of the hot spring resorts also spans a long period: Miyanoshita opened as a hot spring resort during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Boat Trips, Shoreline, and Activities on Lake Ashinoko
Hakone Sightseeing Boats operate on Lake Ashinoko as pirate ships, stopping at Moto-Hakone, Togendai, and Hakone-machi. The red torii gate of Hakone Shrine stands right on the lakeshore and can be seen from the sightseeing boats. A view from the water thus connects the boat trip with a prominent landmark on the shore.
Swan pedal boats can be rented on the lake; check their availability before your trip. Fishing is also possible: Lake Ashinoko is home to fish including wakasagi smelt, trout, carp, and crucian carp. Fishing seasons and access conditions can change, so check local rules before fishing.
The Old Tōkaidō and Annual Events
A preserved stone-paved section of the old Tōkaidō is open for walks from Hatajuku to the shore of Lake Ashinoko. Temporary restrictions may apply on some sections. The cedar avenue along the old Tōkaidō is also on the lakeshore; it is about 400 years old.
The Daimyō Procession takes place every year on November 3, Culture Day, along the old Tōkaidō. A total of 170 people parade with brandished spears. The Hakone Shrine Lake Water Festival is celebrated annually as an evening festival on July 31: more than 3,000 lanterns float on Lake Ashinoko, accompanied by fireworks. The two dates are several months apart. If you’re traveling specifically for an event, check the latest schedules; for the procession, you should also confirm the route and traffic arrangements in advance.
Getting There and Getting Oriented
Hakone-Yumoto Station is the gateway to Hakone and is easily reached from Tokyo. From the station, you can take a bus to Lake Ashinoko; the journey to Motohakone-ko on the south shore takes about 35 minutes. If the lake is part of your plans, you can allow for this approximate travel time as a separate part of your itinerary. Check the timetable for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Sengokuhara, Yumoto, Odawara, Kamakura, Ogimachi, Hadano, Manazuru, Zushi.
For the broader travel overview: Kanagawa Prefecture.
