Lake Ashi, also known as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake is located in Kanagawa prefecture.
Lake Ashi is one of Hakone’s most iconic sights, and riding the famous pirate ship makes the experience even more memorable. As the colorful vessel sails across the calm water, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji rising in the distance. The blend of beautiful scenery and the playful pirate‑ship atmosphere creates a uniquely fun way to explore Hakone.
◆Highlights Around Lake Ashi
1. Hakone Sightseeing Pirate Ship
Colorful pirate‑themed boats sail across the lake, offering panoramic views of the mountains and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. A fun and iconic way to experience Hakone.
2. Hakone Shrine & Heiwa no Torii
A historic shrine hidden in deep forest, famous for its red torii gate standing in the water. A spiritual spot and one of the most photographed places in Hakone.
3. Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint
A faithfully reconstructed Edo‑period checkpoint where travelers once passed on the Tōkaidō. From the nearby terrace, you can enjoy beautiful lake views.
4. Cedar Avenue of Hakone
A peaceful walking path lined with centuries‑old cedar trees. It preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s old travel routes.
5. Moto‑Hakone Lakeside Town
A charming area with cafés, small shops, and scenic lakeside paths—perfect for a relaxing stroll.
6. Narukawa Art Museum
A modern museum with panoramic windows overlooking Lake Ashi. Known for contemporary Nihonga paintings and a serene viewing lounge.
◆Access from Shimizu Port to Hakone Port (Lake Ashi)
From Shimizu Port, the easiest way to reach Hakone Port on Lake Ashi is by taxi or private transfer.
The journey takes about 70–90 minutes, depending on traffic and the route.
1. By Taxi / Private Transfer
- Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours
- Most convenient option for cruise passengers
- Direct service from Shimizu Port to Hakone Port (Lake Ashi)
- Ideal for visiting major Hakone attractions such as the Hakone Shrine, Pirate Ship Cruise, and Hakone Checkpoint
2. By Train + Bus (Public Transport)
This option requires several transfers and is less convenient with luggage.
- Shimizu Port → JR Shimizu Station (shuttle bus or taxi)
- JR Shimizu Station → JR Odawara Station (via Shizuoka or Atami)
- Odawara Station → Hakone Port (Hakone Tozan Bus)
- Total travel time: approx. 2.5–3 hours
3. Recommended for Cruise Travelers
Most international visitors choose a chartered taxi for comfort, speed, and a guaranteed return to the ship.
Sights and Experience from Shimizu Port
■Shimizu Area
S-Pulse Dream Plaza (Shimizu Port), Shimizu Ryugeji Temple, Shimizu Seishintei Tea House, Shimizu Funakoshi Tsutsumi Park, Shizuoka, Shimizu Shimizu Ekimae Ginza Shopping Street, Shimizu Shimizu Fish Market, Riverside Market, Shimizu Shimizu Port Seamen’s Inn Museum”SUEHIRO”, Shimizu Minowa Inari Shrine, Shimizu Shimizuminato Jirocho Seika (Jirocho’s Birthplace), Shimizu Miho no Matsubara Nihondaira ( Yume-Terrace) Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan Nihondaira Ropeway Nippondaira Hotel Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Satta Pass Jiji-in Temple, Shizuoka ▲Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art 【Long-Term Closure】
■Shizuoka Area
Oden Yokocho ( Aoba Yokocho), Shizuoka Shizuoka City Museum of History Shizuoka Gofuku-cho Shopping Street Shizuoka Hobby Square Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka Sumpu Castle Park, Shizuoka
■Eastern Shizuoka Area
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) Hakone Area Owakudani Valley, Hakone Mishima Sky Walk Fuji Safari Park Fuji Bussharito Heiwa Park, Gotemba Gotemba Premium Outlets, Gotemba Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Fuji-City Jinba Falls, Fujinomiya Lake Tanuki Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya Taiseki-Ji Temple, Fujinomiya Obuchi-sasaba, Fuji-City
■Close to Mt.Fuji
Oshino Hakkai Lake Kawaguchi Lake Motosu Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja, Fujiyoshida Narusawa Ice Cave Yurari Hot Springs （Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari）