Kanagawa

Hakone (Lake Ashi torii)

Visibility now

--/100

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About this viewpoint

Hakone pairs hot spring ryokan with one of the most famous Fuji compositions in Japan, the floating red torii of Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashi. Visibility is more weather dependent than in Yamanashi, so check the score before committing to a day trip.

The torii queue

Expect a 60 to 90 minute queue at the torii on weekends. Weekday mornings are calmer. The classic shot includes Fuji over the gate, only possible in clear winter weather.

Full Hakone loop

Train to Gora, cable car to Sounzan, ropeway over Owakudani, then the pirate ship across Lake Ashi to Moto-Hakone. End at the torii then bus back to Hakone-Yumoto.

Onsen ryokan

Gora Kadan, Hakone Kowakien Tenyu and Yama no Chaya all offer Fuji facing rotenburo on clear days.

Photographer tips

The Hakone Free Pass covers the pirate ship, ropeway and buses.
Stay overnight in a ryokan with a Fuji facing rotenburo if visibility is forecast clear.
Owakudani sulfur vents close occasionally due to volcanic activity, check status.

Gear to bring

70 to 200 mm to compress the gate, lake and Fuji
Polarizer for the lake surface

Getting there

Hakone-Yumoto

Bus

35 min

Moto-Hakone

Walk

6 min

Open in Google Maps

Practical info

Entry

Free, Lake Ashi pirate ship ¥1200, Hakone Free Pass ¥6100

Parking

Limited at Moto-Hakone, lots fill by 09:00 on weekends.

Accessibility

Lake shore promenade is step free. The torii itself is reached via a short flight of steps.

Best lens

35 to 85 mm. The torii needs separation from the shoreline crowd.

Where to eat nearby

Bakery and Table
Lake facing bakery cafe with footbath, by the pirate ship dock.
Amazake Chaya
300 year old tea house on the old Tokaido road, serving fermented rice drink.

Best rail pass for Hakone (Lake Ashi torii)

These are the rail passes that actually reach Hakone (Lake Ashi torii). Buy your pass before you fly, then collect it at any major Japanese airport or city station.