The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko — the iconic circular resort where Mt Fuji views across the water never disappoint
You know that aerial shot of Hakone — the circular building in a wide garden right on the lake? That is The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko. This resort is famous not just for its distinctive silhouette, but because 1,082 Booking reviews at a score of 8.8 say it consistently delivers. Lake-view rooms look out over Lake Ashinoko and on a clear day Mt Fuji floats on the horizon beyond the water, wide garden grounds invite slow walks, an outdoor natural hot spring onsen awaits, and the ropeway pier at Hakone-en is right nearby.
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko stands at 144 Motohakone on the shore of Lake Ashinoko — on the Hakone-en side, where the Hakone pirate ship docks and the Hakone Ropeway gondolas pass overhead. This resort is one of the rare places in Hakone where the architecture of the building itself becomes a landmark. The circular tower rising from wide lawn grounds alongside the lake is the image many people associate with the words "Hakone resort", and arriving in person the garden surrounding it lives up to the reputation.
"The Mt Fuji view from a Lake View room first thing in the morning was the best moment of the whole trip — guests who have visited time and again say that on a clear day, the sight stays with you for life."
What separates The Prince Hakone from most lakeside accommodation is its sheer volume of reviews. At 1,082 Booking reviews with a score of 8.8, it has substantially more guest feedback than many competitors along the lakeshore. That volume matters: a property tested and rated by thousands of guests tends to know what it needs to do well consistently, and offers far fewer surprises — in either direction.
The room category guests talk about most is the Lake View Twin, from ¥28,000 per night. Windows face Lake Ashinoko directly, and on clear, haze-free days Mt Fuji appears beyond the water in the distance — a view that appears in Hakone postcards year-round. Standard rooms in certain blocks face the garden or the hill, so anyone whose primary goal is a Fuji view needs to specify Lake View clearly at booking.
Beyond the rooms, what keeps guests on the property rather than heading straight out is the combination of outdoor natural hot spring onsen and extensive garden grounds. Multiple restaurants in the same building mean dinner or breakfast requires no effort at all. The overall atmosphere is that of a large family resort rather than a small intimate ryokan — those travelling with children or a larger group will feel right at home, without the more formal codes of conduct that smaller inns sometimes carry.
In terms of location, Motohakone is a convenient base for exploring the whole Lake Ashi circuit. The Hakone-en pier for the pirate cruise boat and the Togendai ropeway station are both reachable without hassle. From there you can ride the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani, sail across to Moto-Hakone port, or catch a bus toward Hakone-Yumoto's onsen town. Getting to the resort from Odawara Station takes around 35 minutes by bus or hotel shuttle.
Worth knowing before you book — the atmosphere here is firmly that of a large resort, not a private ryokan retreat. Peak season brings a busy property, and the Fuji view is weather-dependent — multiple reviews note that on overcast days the mountain is hidden entirely. Some guests also mention that parts of the building are beginning to show their age, which is worth bearing in mind alongside the price.
All told, The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko is the right choice for travellers who want a reliable lakeside resort, a chance at Fuji views across the water, family-friendly facilities, and a genuine base for exploring Lake Ashi — starting from ¥28,000 per night for a Lake View Twin room where the view is the main reason most guests decide to book.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Lake View rooms facing Lake Ashinoko — Mt Fuji visible on clear days
- ✓ Iconic circular building in wide garden grounds, outdoor natural hot spring onsen
- ✓ 1,082 reviews at 8.8 — highest review volume among lakeside properties
- ✓ Good location — easy walk to Hakone-en pier and ropeway access
- ! Standard rooms in some blocks do not see the lake — specify Lake View when booking
- ! Large resort atmosphere, not as quiet as a small intimate ryokan
- ! Fuji view depends entirely on weather — overcast days can hide the mountain completely
- ✓ Wide garden grounds to stroll along the lake — relaxed and open atmosphere
- ✓ Multiple restaurants on site — no need to go out for meals if you prefer not to
- ✓ Well-suited to families and larger groups — ample rooms, easier to book than small ryokan
- ✓ Outdoor natural hot spring onsen available during designated hours
- ! Sections of the building are showing their age — some guests note decor could use refreshing
- ! Busy during peak season — book well ahead
- ! No direct rail connection — bus or shuttle needed from Odawara
- 💡If a Fuji view is your main goal — you must select a Lake View room at booking. Standard rooms in several blocks face the garden or hillside and do not see the lake at all.
- 💡If you want a quiet, intimate ryokan feel — this is a large resort and the atmosphere reflects that. For a more private experience consider Hakone Ginyu or Gora Hanaougi instead.
- 💡If you are visiting during peak season — the property gets busy, and onsen areas and restaurants may have waiting times. Book ahead and plan to use facilities early in the morning or late in the evening.