Ashinoko Lake (芦ノ湖, Ashi-no-ko) – A Place of Sacred Waters and Timeless Beauty
- M.R. Lucas
- Nov 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Ashinoko Lake (芦ノ湖, Ashi-no-ko) is a crater lake that formed about 3,100 years ago inside the caldera of the Hakone volcano. Known for its clear views of Mt. Fuji and calm waters, Ashinoko has been seen as a place of mystical energy since ancient times. The name "Ashinoko" means "Lake of Reeds," with 芦 (ashi) meaning "reed" and 湖 (ko) meaning “lake,” reflecting the natural abundance along its shores.
In Japanese culture, Ashinoko’s sacred waters have long held spiritual significance. The lake was a site for ritual purification, used by ascetic monks and believed to channel sacred energies to visitors. Legends about Ashinoko include the story of a powerful nine-headed dragon that once dwelled in its depths. According to myth, villagers near the lake had to make sacrifices to the dragon.
Long before Christ, this land was worshipped through mountain rituals, and the Hakone area was considered sacred—a gateway between the earthly and the divine.
The story of Mangan Shonin, a Buddhist priest who pacified the dragon, is still told with reverence. Known for his dedication to the Buddhist sutras, Mangan Shonin freed the villagers by chaining the dragon upside down, turning it into Kuzuryu Myojin (九頭龍明神, Kuzuryū Myōjin), the revered dragon deity enshrined at Kuzuryu Shrine on the lake’s edge. This legendary figure is still honored today, with visitors making offerings at Kuzuryu Shrine for protection and blessings.
Ashinoko's allure is heightened by the iconic Hakone Shrine (箱根神社, Hakone Jinja), a sacred Shinto shrine nestled in the forests along the lake. Many sightseers explore Ashinoko on pleasure boats, several of which are styled as pirate ships, adding a sense of historical adventure to the peaceful experience. Hakone Shrine Peace Torii (平和の鳥居, Heiwa no Torii), partially submerged in Lake Ashi, is one of Japan's most photographed torii gates, symbolizing a unique link between peace, nature, and spirituality. This iconic scene, especially with Mt. Fuji in the background, makes Ashinoko Lake a perennial favorite among travelers seeking beauty, serenity, and tranquility.
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