#1 Lake Ashinoko

Tucked away in the heart of Hakone is Ashinoko, a lake that formed in the caldera created after Mt. Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago. Famous for its impressive view of Mt. Fuji, which you can see on a clear day, Ashinoko is a must-see when visiting Hakone.

Don't Miss:

• Views of Mt Fuji—both the real thing and its reflection on the lake
• The magnificent Hakone Shrine
• The forest around the former Imperial summer palace

Getting there:

You can get to Ashinoko by direct train, or by bullet train or regular train and then bus.

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen/JR line to Odawara Station. Transfer to a bus or take the Odakyu train line to Hakone Yumoto Station. Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto. A variety of trains run along this line, providing different levels of comfort and speed. Local, Express, and the beautiful Romance Cars. This entire trip is covered by the Hakone Free Pass. Buses connect Hakone-Yumoto with Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi on the southern shore of Ashinoko, and take approximately 35 minutes.

#2 Lake Biwa

Situated in the center of Shiga Prefecture, the lake takes its name from its natural shape, which resembles a biwa, Japanese traditional lute. With around 235 kilometers of shoreline to explore, there is plenty to do, from swimming and pleasure cruising to strolling and island-hopping.

Don't Miss

• Shirahige Shrine, with its “floating” torii gate in the water
• Island hopping on a cruise boat
• Windsurfing at Omimaiko, a white sandy beach shaded by pine trees

Getting there:

Although Lake Biwa is in Shiga Prefecture, it takes just 10 minutes from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station. There are also direct links from Kansai International Airport and Nagoya.

You can take a JR Tokaido Line train from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station, at the southern tip of Lake Biwa, or continue to Hikone station, to access the east side of the lake. JR Haruka special express trains from Kansai International Airport reach Otsu in just over 80 minutes.

#3 Lake Kawaguchi

Of the five lakes near Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to access from Tokyo. On a still, clear day, you can see a perfect mirror image of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. With hot springs, good fishing, museums and plenty of attractions, the lake makes a relaxing getaway from Tokyo or Yokohama. It's easy to see why Kawaguchiko has attracted outdoors enthusiasts for centuries.

Don't Miss

• Renting a bicycle or hopping on the retro bus to visit the museums and art galleries around the lake
• Taking a cruise around the lake for incredible views of Mt. Fuji
• Riding the Kachi Kachi Ropeway up Mt. Tenjo for sweeping views over the lake and of course of Mt. Fuji
• Viewing Mt. Fuji from the comfort of a steaming bath at one of the area's hot spring hotels

Getting there:

Lake Kawaguchi is in southeastern Yamanashi near the border with Shizuoka. You can take a train or a highway bus from Tokyo.

Take a train from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Otsuki Station on the JR Chuo Line (about an hour). Change to the Fuji Kyuko Line for Kawaguchiko Station (JR Rail Pass not accepted).

You can also get to Kawaguchiko Station by bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in just under 2 hours.

#4 Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji is Japan's highest natural lake, located just west of Nikko. The area's altitude and stunning scenery draws visitors looking to escape the humid Japanese summers. It’s also popular in the fall for its incredible array of autumn color. The area is now a part of Nikko National Park.

Don't Miss

• Hiking along the lakeside
• Incredible views of Kegon Falls
• Chuzenji Temple's entralling artwork

Getting there:

Lake Chuzenji is easily accessible via bus from either Nikko or Tobu Nikko Station.

Take the bus heading for Yumoto Onsen and get off at the Lake Chuzenji stop of your choice.

#5 Goshikinuma

The five caldera lakes in Fukushima known as Goshiki-numa were born when Mt. Bandai erupted over a century ago. Influenced by the volcanic elements and minerals, each body of water has its own distinctive hue, and these hues are enhanced and altered by the changing seasons.

Quick Facts

• There are approximately 30 marshes and lakes in total
• Colorful carp inhabit the waters of Bishamon-numa
• You can hike past all five lakes on one trail

Getting there:

Goshiki-numa is accessible by both train and bus.

From Tokyo, take the shinkansen 90 minutes north to Koriyama Station. Transfer to the rapid train heading to Inawashiro Station via the Banetsu West Line. A 30-minute bus ride will take you to the entrance of Goshiki-numa.

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(Content and images source: JNTO)