Lake Ashi is one of my favorite places in Hakone.
If I were planning a one-night trip around Lake Ashi, this is how I would spend it.
This itinerary combines shrines, lake views, a boat ride, kayaking, hotel time, and classic Hakone sightseeing.
Let’s get started.
Day 1 | Explore Moto-Hakone and Enjoy a Relaxing Hotel Stay
Leave Your Luggage at the Hakone Hotel
After arriving in Moto-Hakone, I would head to Hakone Hotel first.
For this itinerary, I’d choose Hakone Hotel as my base because it offers the perfect balance of sightseeing and a relaxing hotel stay around Lake Ashi.
Even before check-in, the hotel can store your luggage, so you can explore without carrying your bags.
This is also a good time to ask about hotel activities, such as the Kuzuryu Shrine boat and kayaking on Lake Ashi.
For this itinerary, I would book:
- The 3:30 PM shared boat to Kuzuryu Shrine
- Kayaking on Lake Ashi for the next morning
If rental bikes are available at the bicycle station on the hotel grounds, I would rent one for the afternoon.
Planning to stay around Lake Ashi?
☛ Check the latest rates and availability for Hakone Hotel on Booking.com
Visit Hakone Shrine
Ride to Hakone Shrine and walk through the beautiful cedar-lined approach.
Take your time exploring the shrine grounds.
If you have extra time, you can also visit the famous Lakeside Torii Gate.
This is one of the most popular photo spots in Hakone, so it can get very crowded. If there is a long line, I would not spend too much time waiting here.
You will have another chance to enjoy beautiful views of the torii gate and Lake Ashi from a more special place later in the day.
I also wrote a detailed guide to Hakone Shrine, which you can find below.
Picnic Lunch by Lake Ashi
After visiting the shrine, I would stop by the nearby 7-Eleven and buy lunch.
There is a beautiful lakeside spot where you can sit and enjoy views of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji on clear days, and the torii gate.
It is one of my favorite casual lunch spots in Moto-Hakone.
If the weather is rainy, too hot, or too cold, there are also several restaurants and cafés nearby.
3:00 PM – Check In
Return to the hotel and check in.
You will have just enough time to leave your luggage in your room and get ready before the afternoon cruise.
3:30 PM – Take the Kuzuryu Shrine Boat
Board the Kuzuryu Shrine boat from Hakone Hotel’s private pier.
Cruising across Lake Ashi to Kuzuryu Shrine is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Moto-Hakone.
The floating torii gate near Hakone Shrine is beautiful, but it often attracts long lines for photos.
If I had to choose, I would spend my time on this cruise instead. You can visit another historic shrine, enjoy Lake Ashi from the water, and take beautiful photos without the crowds.
For the latest schedule and availability, I recommend checking with the Hakone Hotel front desk after you arrive. The staff can also provide information about other hotel activities.
Relax in the Hot Spring
After returning to the hotel, enjoy a long soak in the hot spring.
It is the perfect way to relax after a busy afternoon.
Dinner
For dinner, I would stay at the hotel.
Whether you choose French cuisine or teppanyaki, dinner is one of the highlights of staying here.
Enjoy the Terrace and Lounge
Before going to bed, spend some time on the terrace or in the lounge.
The peaceful evening view over Lake Ashi feels completely different from the daytime scenery.
Planning to Stay at Hakone Hotel?
Check out my complete guide covering the rooms, dining, hot spring, and everything you need to know before booking.
Day 2 | Lake Ashi Activities and Hakone’s Classic Attractions
Morning Walk at Onshi-Hakone Park
Wake up a little early and take a walk, or even go for a light jog, through Onshi-Hakone Park.
The peaceful atmosphere, fresh air, and beautiful views of Lake Ashi make it one of my favorite ways to start the day.
This quiet morning scenery is something you can enjoy more easily when you stay overnight in Moto-Hakone.
Explore Onshi Hakone Park
Breakfast with a Lake View
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Having breakfast while looking out over Lake Ashi is one of the best parts of staying here.
Try Kayaking on Lake Ashi
After breakfast, join the 60-minute kayaking experience on Lake Ashi.
Paddling across the calm lake offers a completely different view of Hakone than sightseeing on land.
Please ask the hotel front desk for the latest schedule and reservation details.
Check Out, Then Relax by the Lake
After kayaking, return to the hotel and check out.
Even after check-out, you can still spend some time relaxing on the lakeside terrace or in the hammocks while enjoying the peaceful views of Lake Ashi.
If you plan to stay a little longer, I also recommend having lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. It is open to non-guests as well, making it an easy and relaxing way to end your trip.
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There are also many restaurants and cafés nearby, so you can choose depending on your mood, schedule, and the weather.
Ride the Pirate Ship
Walk a few minutes to Hakone-machi Port(箱根町港) and board the famous Hakone Pirate Ship.
The cruise across Lake Ashi offers some of the best scenery in Hakone.
Hakone sightseeing pirate ship docked
Explore Owakudani
At Togendai(桃源台), transfer to the Hakone Ropeway and ride to Owakudani(大涌谷).
Walk around the volcanic valley and try Hakone’s famous black eggs.
Continue Your Journey
From Owakudani, continue to Sounzan(早雲山) by ropeway.
From there, take the cable car, Hakone Tozan Railway, or a local bus to continue your trip.
Final Thoughts
If I were planning a one-night stay around Lake Ashi, this is the itinerary I would choose. It lets me make the most of both the sightseeing spots and the hotel without feeling rushed.
I’m sure it would be a trip full of unforgettable moments.
Of course, everyone travels differently. If I wanted a slower pace, I would simply skip a few activities and spend more time relaxing at the hotel.
I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for planning your own trip to Lake Ashi.
Planning to follow this itinerary?
Hakone Hotel makes it easy to enjoy both sightseeing and a relaxing lakeside stay.
☛ Check the latest rates and availability for Hakon Hotel on Booking.com
Photo Credit: All photos were taken by the author unless otherwise noted.
