▲ Hakone Shrine and the Floating Torii Gate on Lake Ashi (free time) Lake Ashi is a volcanic lake on Mount Hakone, formed around 3,000 years ago. It is the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture. A well-known tourist destination and a famous spot for viewing Mount Fuji from afar. The red torii gate standing on Lake Ashi is the landmark of Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine Hakone Shrine was founded in 757 by Priest Mangaku on Mount Hakone, a sacred site of mountain worship since ancient times. It was revered by many samurai warriors including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
▲ Hakone Pirate Ship: Motohakone Port Togendai Port (those not taking the ship will proceed to Togendai Ropeway Station by coach) The pirate ship is the most unique option for sightseeing on Lake Ashi, letting you cruise and enjoy stunning scenery. Hakone Cruise is a major highlight on the popular Lake Ashi. Sightseeing boats operate at three ports: Hakone-machi Port, Motohakone Port and Togendai Port. The three vessels are Royal Ⅱ, Victory and Queen Ashi. Departing from Motohakone Port, you can admire the giant torii gate, Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi all at once, so this departure is highly recommended. On sunny days, the sparkling lake matches the blue sky, creating gorgeous and spectacular views.
▲ Hakone Ropeway: Togendai Station Owakudani Route (Ropeway fare included) The most scenic stretches of the Hakone Ropeway are near Owakudani and between Owakudani and Ubako, offering wonderful views of Mount Fuji. The first section from Ubako to Togendai mainly showcases the crater lake scenery of Lake Ashi.
▲ Owakudani – Feel the volcanic breath that nurtures Hakone's beauty(free time) Owakudani lies in Hakone, to the southeast of Mount Fuji, and is one of Hakone's most famous scenic spots. It is a crater relic formed by a huge volcanic eruption on the northern slope of Mount Kamiyama roughly 4,000 years ago, at the end of Hakone's volcanic activity. Most spring water here is toxic, so it was once known as “Great Hell”. It was renamed Owakudani after Emperor Meiji's visit in 1876. You may taste the local specialty black eggs at your own expense.
▲ Lake Yamanaka Shiratori Beach – Capture iconic photos of swans framed with Mount Fuji (approx. 20 minutes) As one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Yamanaka is home to Shiratori Beach, named for its large flock of swans. It is ideal for birdwatching and taking photos with swans against Mount Fuji. The swans are very tame as visitors often feed them.
▲ Oshino Hakkai Oshino Hakkai consists of eight clear springs fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji, filtered through underground layers. Famous for its beautiful natural scenery, the sparkling pools blend perfectly with Mount Fuji, attracting countless photographers. It is a nationally designated Natural Monument of Japan.