The majestic view woven by the mountains of Hakone and Mt. Fuji. It is Lake Ashi that adds even more color to this attractive landscape. Lake Ashi, which was formed about 3,000 years ago when the Hayakawa River was dammed by volcanic activity, is the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture and has a long, narrow shape with a circumference of 21.1 km. The deepest point is 43.5m deep, and the average depth is 15m, making it a lake filled with clean and abundant water.

Access is also convenient. Many buses connect to Motohakone Port and Hakone-machi Port, and excursion boats come and go on Lake Ashi. The fact that it is convenient for moving to other tourist spots in the Hakone area, such as the Hakone Ropeway departing from Togendai and the Komagatake Ropeway departing from Hakone-en, can be said to be another charm of the Lake Ashi area.

The Lake Ashi area can be further divided into four smaller areas. Motohakone, home to "Hakone Shrine," which is also known as one of the Kanto region's leading power spots, and Hakone-machi, with the "Hakone Checkpoint Site," both have many historical highlights. Hakone-en, Kojiri, and Togendai have become new resort areas, while Ashinoyu and Oshiba have long been popular as therapeutic hot spring resorts blessed with high-quality onsen.

With the Lake Ashi area having such an abundance of highlights in each part, you may have felt that a day trip is just not enough. We will now introduce recommended inns for thoroughly enjoying Lake Ashi and Hakone.

On the shores of Lake Ashi, near Hakone-en. " RYUGUDEN ANNEX" is a hotel with an impressive building modeled after the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple.

Spectacular Views from Both Guest Rooms and Open-Air Baths

All four types of guest rooms have a lake view. Even from your room, you can fully savor the spectacular scenery of Lake Ashi, the Hakone mountain range, and Mt. Fuji. Please enjoy the waters of Takogawa Onsen in the scenic open-air bath of the day-trip bathing facility "Ryuguden Honkan," located next to the accommodation building. Staying guests can use it for free.

Dinner is kaiseki cuisine, and breakfast is a pot-cooked gozen set meal, which you choose depending on your accommodation plan. For those who want to spend a leisurely time in a Japanese atmosphere, a blissful moment awaits at this inn. That is " RYUGUDEN ANNEX."

Accommodation Rates and Access

" RYUGUDEN ANNEX," with its historic building relocated from Lake Hamana during the Showa era, is full of charm. Accommodation starts from around 47,000 yen to 72,000 yen per person (for one night with two meals, based on double occupancy). To enjoy the view from the rooms and open-air baths, you'll want to check in early from autumn to winter when the sun sets quickly.

There is a bus stop called "Ryuguden-mae" for the Izu Hakone Bus, where buses from Odawara Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station stop.

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Right after getting off the Hakone Ropeway at Togendai. "Hakone Hanaori," known for the view from its terrace where the sky and the lake surface seem to merge, is an inn that values the delicate sense of the seasons based on the 24 solar terms.

An Inn That Shines with Hospitality Based on the 24 Solar Terms

Upon checking in, you will likely be captivated by the view of Lake Ashi from the lobby. After dropping off your luggage in your room, head to the open-air terrace, known as a photo spot, which is based on a sky-blue theme. The scenery woven by the light is on the level of art. You might just forget the passage of time while gazing at Lake Ashi and warming yourself at the adjacent footbath terrace.

Dinner is a Japanese-Western buffet. The presentation of seasonality is also delicate, based on the 24 solar terms, and this consideration abounds not only in the dishes but also in the desserts. Experience the season of Hakone with your eyes and your tongue.

Accommodation Rates and Access

Rooms start from around 30,000 yen to 40,000 yen per person (for one night with two meals, based on double occupancy). As this is an inn where you'll want to enjoy the view, checking in while it's still light out or having a slow checkout is recommended.

Access is also excellent, with a free shuttle bus from the west exit of Odawara Station, and it's also a short 2-minute walk from Togendai Station, the final stop of the Hakone Ropeway.

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Near Hakone Shrine and the Heiwa no Torii, on the former site of Baron Koyata Iwasaki's villa. There you will find "Hotel de Yama," a place where the garden, full of seasonal colors, and the chic, historic building remain in your heart.

The Harmony of the Garden and Lake Ashi

Baron Iwasaki once entertained distinguished guests from all over the world. "Hotel de Yama" is a hotel that has inherited that rich hospitality.

Guest rooms are of three types—Standard, Deluxe, and with Onsen—all with a lake view. After checking in, there are various ways to enjoy your time, such as having tea at the dessert restaurant floating on the lake or walking through the garden inherited from the villa era. The private-source onsen is the pleasant Ashinoko Onsen.

For dinner, you can choose from exquisite Japanese cuisine or French cuisine.
There is also a plan where you can have dinner via room service, which is great for those who are not fond of restaurants.

Accommodation Rates and Access

You can enjoy a special holiday on the shores of Lake Ashi at "Hotel de Yama," and the accommodation rates start from around 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen per person (for one night with two meals, based on double occupancy).

A free shuttle bus operates to and from Motohakone-Ko, which also has many bus services from Odawara Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station to Motohkaone-Ko.

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A location overlooking Hakone-machi Port, where the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise departs and arrives. "Hakone Hotel" is where you can enjoy a deep view of Lake Ashi along with the coming and going of excursion boats.

Plenty of Water Activities Too

While there are rooms that have a garden view instead of a frontal view, all guest rooms are a luxurious lake view. The view of Lake Ashi from the garden is a vivid contrast between the green at your feet and the colors of the lake and sky. Water activities, such as motorboat cruising, are also abundant.

The onsen can be enjoyed in two large baths with different tastes. They are separated by gender, but they switch at midnight, so you can enjoy both. For dinner, you can choose from French cuisine or teppanyaki.

Accommodation Rates and Access

While the view of Lake Ashi, stretching to Mt. Fuji, is a charm of "Hakone Hotel," accommodation plans start from around 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen per person (for one night with two meals, based on double occupancy).

Access is also convenient; if you get off at the "Hakone Hotel-mae" bus stop, the hotel is right in front of you. Please take a bus bound for Hakone-machi from either Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station.

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Togo Murano, who has worked on numerous buildings such as the Nissay Theatre and Waseda University's Faculty of Letters building. "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko" in Hakone-en, with its characteristic solemn atmosphere, is also known as one of the famous Murano works.

An Elegant Time Spent on the Shores of Lake Ashi

With the concept of "Relaxation & Nature," "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko" is an inn where you can experience the four seasons of Hakone, which are both severe and gently flowing.
The guest rooms in the main and annex buildings have lake and garden views, and both offer a comfortable stay in a spacious environment.

The onsen is also from a private source. It uses the waters of Takogawa Onsen, which is also known as a spring that promotes blood circulation and heals wounds. Dine elegantly in the main dining room, where the architect's attention to detail can be seen everywhere. At breakfast, you can have a spectacular view of the sun-drenched Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji before your eyes.

Accommodation Rates and Access

A stay at "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko," where you can have a superb hotel experience while being healed by nature, starts from around 30,000 yen to 55,000 yen per person (for one night with two meals, based on double occupancy).

Take a bus bound for Hakone-en from either Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko" bus stop, and the hotel is right in front of you. A shuttle bus also operates from the west exit of Odawara Station, which staying guests can use for free if they book in advance.

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There’s something soothing about landscapes with water. Throughout the seasons, the gentle beauty of Lake Ashi has long offered comfort to travelers, easing their fatigue and calming their minds.
Even today, Lake Ashi continues to attract visitors from across Japan and around the world. Its appeal goes far beyond the scenery—diverse hot spring qualities, cruises aboard the Hakone Pirate Ship, and spiritual spots like Hakone Shrine all contribute to its rich charm.

To explore Lake Ashi, you’ll find more than just trains—ropeways, buses, and other transport options make getting around easy. The Hakone Freepass is a great way to travel affordably and efficiently.
There’s so much more to discover in Hakone. Let HAKONETRIP be your trusted companion in finding your favorite views, choosing the perfect stay, and creating unforgettable memories.