The ride over by cable car was really impressive, and the overall experience felt very complete. The only downside was that the smell was a bit hard to appreciate.
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Owakudani
Fumaroles of Mt. Hakone volcanic activity emitting white smoke.
4.36
11
After changing from the cable car to the ropeway at Hayamiyama Station on the main route of the Hakone tour, While enjoying an aerial walk for a while the scenery suddenly changes. The lush greenery disappears, and white plumes of smoke billow out from the crumbling, bare rock. This is Owakudani, an explosive crater created by the most recent volcanic activity in Hakone. The white gas spewed from the fumaroles all year round contains sulfur and has a distinctive smell.
If you get off at Owakudani Station on the ropeway, you can observe the fumes up close. The yellowish color of the rock surface is due to the crystallization of sulfur. Where the hot spring water gushes out, the famous "black eggs" are made. When soaked in acidic water at high temperatures, it becomes a boiled egg with a black shell. It is said that if you eat one, your life will be extended by seven years. There are several stores in the valley where you can buy them.
In the southeastern part of the area, called Jigokusawa, there is a stone chamber piled up with sulfur pores, where water is poured into the chamber and the hot spring water is supplied to Sengokuhara and Gora.
Highlights
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Feel the powerful activity of the living earth close at hand.
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It used to be the Shinto shrine of Hakone Gongen, and is a power spot with a black egg that prolongs life.
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When volcanic activity becomes active, entry restrictions are imposed. Please check the official website for the latest information.
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The sulfuric air from the fumaroles is toxic, so people with respiratory or heart problems should not enter the area. Pregnant women, people with allergic diseases, and the elderly also need to be careful. Also, when the sulfur concentration rises, all visitors are restricted.
Photos
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White smoke billows from the mountainside. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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Take the boardwalk to get close to the fumaroles. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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A hot spring is created and supplied in a stone chamber with sulfur pores. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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The famous black eggs can be bought at several stores. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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Steaming area for making black eggs. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
Reviews
11
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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As soon as I got off, that sulfur smell hit me right in the face—super intense.
White steam was billowing everywhere. It honestly looked like the gates of hell opening. -
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There's a visitor center where you can take a break, plus restrooms and a souvenir shop. Super convenient.
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I visited on a snowy day in mid-March. The ropeway was stopped in the morning, so I went after it started running again in the afternoon. In the end, everything was completely white and I couldn't see anything, so I just ate a black egg and headed back. I'd love to come again on a sunny day.
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At Owakudani, you can try the famous black eggs, which are boiled in the sulfur hot springs—legend says eating one adds seven years to your life! Plus, the observation deck offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone's natural scenery.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 大涌谷
- Postal Code
- 250-0631
- Address
- Sengokuhara, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa
- Telephone
- 460-84-5201
- Closed
- Open every day
- Hours
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February - November: 9:00 am - 4:20 pm
December - January: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Admission
- Free
- Directions
- A short walk from Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)
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