Owakudani — Attraction in Hakone

Ōwakudani was one of the most unique and memorable places I visited during my time in Hakone. Known as the "Great Boiling Valley," it's an active volcanic zone formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone over 3,000 years ago—and it truly feels like stepping onto another planet.

Getting there via the Hakone Ropeway was part of the fun. The ride offers incredible aerial views of the steaming valley below, the surrounding mountains, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. As the ropeway descends into Ōwakudani, the landscape transforms into a dramatic, steaming, sulfuric terrain—it’s eerie, beautiful, and awe-inspiring all at once.

Once at the station, you can walk around designated paths that take you close to the sulfur vents. The smell of sulfur is strong, so if you’re sensitive, bring a mask or scarf to cover your nose. But the view is worth it—seeing steam pour out of the earth and the rocky terrain up close was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

A must-try here is the famous black eggs (kuro tamago), boiled in the sulfuric hot springs. They’re said to add seven years to your life! The taste is just like a regular egg, but the novelty makes it a fun souvenir or snack. There are also some shops and a café with great views, as well as clean facilities and helpful signage in English.

Ōwakudani combines natural wonder, cultural quirkiness, and stunning vistas. It’s a can’t-miss spot in Hakone, especially for nature lovers or anyone curious about Japan’s...

Beautiful views of views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone's mountains. In case you did not read it or planning to visit note: * If the concentrations of volcanic gas exceed specified level, or occur eruptions suddenly, please take refuge to the following evacuation shelters, listening out for instructions and announcements. As of the day we visited on March 21st and 22nd ,2025 there are about 7 shelters and you will see the map there or here in my photos.

Owakudani is a special location where plumes of volcanic gas are still coming out and it is possible to observe volcanic activity up close. This area is known as Owakudani Garden and is designated as a special location in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. IF VOLCANO BECOMES MORE ACTIVE ... This is a hazard map of Hakone volcano(the map is there or in my photo here), which summarizes precautions taken against present-day volcanic activity and possible disasters during periods of volcanic unrest. Volcanic gasses are emitted from the volcano in the areas of Owakudani, Sounzan, and Yunohanazawa. Earthquake swarms also occur as a result of volcanic activity. Sometimes the earthquakes occur at shallow depths beneath the younger central cones, but they are harmless.

You can reach here by bus,car or ropeway. And there’s food stand or restaurant where to buy food apart from the black eggs. What’s written on the black egg standing is “Big Drop Valley”.

Free stamp for those who want can be found in somewhere in the...

2023 December 21, It was rainy and windy, actually my destination was Hakone due to weather problems they stopped the ferries so I went to Owakudani with my wife. While reaching there, you will see the long queue of the vehicles almost 30min I guess. It’s a popular place so can’t help most of the parking lot is full but there is also 2nd park under the main park mostly people don’t know or they don’t want to park there but if you can’t find parking at the top there is another parking lot near to toilet so park there rather than searching spot on top parking. Main attraction of the Owakudani is black egg and the ropeway. There is 2 path, 1path lead to Hakone and another to around volcano side I don’t remember the name. For autumn season Hakone side ropeway is best to see momiji and volcano side is for view. For the Up&Down per person ¥2500 I think it’s expensive in my opinion. It’s really windy there but you don’t feel cold because of the surroundings volcano but still it will be good ideas to carry...