Owakudani
大涌谷
A valley of sulfur vents formed by the last major eruption of the Hakone volcano about 3,000 years ago. White smoke fills the air, and the local specialty, black eggs, is said to add seven years to your life.
Owakudani sits in the center of the Hakone mountains at about 1,044 meters. It is an explosion crater formed by the last major eruption of the Hakone volcano, and it still releases sulfur gas and water vapor. The valley is barren and shrouded in white smoke, making it the most geothermally active stop on the Hakone loop. Its specialty is the black eggs (kuro-tamago), eggs cooked in hot spring water until their shells turn black from iron sulfide. Five cost about 500 yen, and locals say that eating one adds seven years to your life. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from the plaza in front of Owakudani Station. The station is also a transfer point for the Hakone Ropeway. Its line from Sōunzan to Togendai passes directly over the vents, offering a dramatic view. A common route is to take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sōunzan, transfer to the aerial ropeway to Owakudani, and after exploring, ride back down to Togendai and transfer to the Lake Ashi pirate ship. Entry to the Owakudani Natural Study Trail requires booking a guided tour in advance. Owakudani itself is free to visit, and the one-way Hakone Ropeway ride from Sōunzan to Owakudani costs about 1,500 yen, which the Hakone Free Pass covers. Note that when volcanic gas levels rise, the ropeway may be temporarily closed or suspended. People with asthma or heart conditions, and pregnant women, should not stay long. The official website posts real-time updates.
Opening hours
Cable car 09:00–17:00 (until 16:15 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Pola Museum of Art
- Hakone Gora Park
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields
- Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Lake Ashi
- Hakone Shrine
- Old Tokaido Road & Amazake-chaya