Ashinoko Lake (芦ノ湖, Ashi-no-ko) – A Place of Sacred Waters and Timeless Beauty

Ashinoko Lake (芦ノ湖, Ashi-no-ko) is a crater lake that formed approximately 3,100 years ago inside the caldera of the Hakone volcano. Known for its clear views of Mt. Fuji and tranquil waters, Ashinoko has been regarded 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 importance. The lake served as a place for ritual purification, used by ascetic monks and believed to channel holy energies to visitors. Legends about Ashinoko include the story of a mighty nine-headed dragon that once resided in its depths. According to myth, villagers near the lake had to make sacrifices to this dragon.

Long before Christ, this land was venerated through mountain rituals, and the Hakone area was regarded as sacred—a gateway between the earthly and the divine.

Woodblock of Hakone Lake in Sagami Province

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, transforming 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.

Lake Ashinoko with Hakone Shrine’s Peace Torii and Mt. Fuji visible in the background.

Ashinoko’s appeal is enhanced by the famous Hakone Shrine (箱根神社, Hakone Jinja), a sacred Shinto site tucked away in the forests along the lake. Many tourists explore Ashinoko on pleasure boats, several of which are designed as pirate ships, adding a touch of historical adventure to the peaceful scene. Hakone Shrine Peace Torii (平和の鳥居, Heiwa no Torii), partly submerged in Lake Ashi, is one of Japan’s most photographed torii gates, representing a special connection between peace, nature, and spirituality. This iconic view, especially with Mt. Fuji in the background, makes Ashinoko Lake a favorite spot for travelers seeking beauty, calm, and tranquility.

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