Kanagawa · Hakone, Kanagawa

Hakone Lake Ashi Circuit

Facilities at This Course

Course Highlights

• ✓Run alongside Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) with iconic views of Mt. Fuji over the water
• ✓21 km full lake circuit through the Hakone mountains — a memorable destination run
• ✓Parts of the historic Tokaido Road (Hakone Old Road) incorporated in the route
• ✓Rich volcanic landscape with cedar forests, torii gates, and lakeside shrines
• ✓Finish at Hakone-Yumoto with natural hot spring (onsen) bathing to recover

About This Course

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) in Hakone is one of Japan's most photographed scenic destinations — a caldera lake in the Hakone volcanic region, famous for its clear-day views of Mt. Fuji reflected in the water with a red torii gate in the foreground. Running the full 21 km circumference of the lake is a rewarding destination run requiring around 2–2.5 hours for intermediate runners. The route combines lakeside roads, sections of the historic Tokaido Hakone Old Road (石畳の旧東海道) — a preserved cobblestone mountain path — and forested trails. Elevation is rolling rather than steep, with the highest point around Moto-Hakone on the southwestern shore. Highlights include the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the lake's surface, the Hakone Open Air Museum, the cedar-forested Hakone Old Road section, and the departure point for the Hakone Ropeway with views of the active volcanic Owakudani valley. Water is unavailable on much of the route — carry at least 1 litre. Shorter options include the northern lakeside from Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone (5 km, nearly flat) or the Hakone Shrine area loop (8 km). After running, Hakone-Yumoto's famous onsen hot spring baths offer excellent post-run recovery bathing at numerous facilities ranging from day-use spas to traditional ryokan.

Nearby Running Stations

Facilities for changing, storing luggage, and showering before and after your run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about running Hakone Lake Ashi Circuit.