1. Lake Ashi, also known as Ashi-no-ko, is a scenic lake located in the Hakone region of Tokyo. It is a crater lake formed by volcanic activity centuries ago and is surrounded by stunning mountains, including Mount Fuji. One of the lake’s interesting features is the sight of the torii gate of Hakone Shrine floating on the water. The lake is also a popular spot for sightseeing cruises, especially during cherry blossom season when the surrounding trees are in full bloom.

2. There are no specific working hours for Lake Ashi as it is a natural tourist attraction that can be visited at any time of the day. However, for those interested in taking a sightseeing cruise, the boats operate daily between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For general information, visitors can contact the local tourist information center at +81 460-85-6711.

3. The cost of a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi varies depending on the type of boat and the duration of the ride. Tickets can be purchased at the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Pier, located near the Hakone-machi Port. The cost for a standard round trip on a regular boat is around 2000 yen per person. Transportation to the lake can be made through the Hakone Tozan Railway, which runs from Tokyo to Hakone. From there, visitors can take the Hakone Tozan Bus to the Hakone-machi Port which is the main departure point for the sightseeing cruises.