Owakudani Tokyo
Experience an active volcanic valley with steaming vents, try life-extending black eggs, and enjoy stunning Mt. Fuji views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Owakudani Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience an active volcanic valley with steaming vents, try life-extending black eggs, and enjoy stunning Mt. Fuji views.
"The black eggs are a must-try, and the ropeway offers breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape!"
♨️ Embrace the Black Eggs
Try the famous black eggs; locals say they add 7 years to your life!
🚠 Check Ropeway Status
The ropeway can close due to volcanic gas. Always check ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Owakudani Black Eggs
Owakudani Volcanic Valley
Legend says these sulfur-boiled eggs extend your life by seven years! A unique culinary experience.
Hakone Ropeway Views
Owakudani to Togendai
Soar over the volcanic landscape with potential glimpses of Mt. Fuji on clear days. A truly scenic journey.
Volcanic Hot Springs
Owakudani
Witness the 'Valley of Hell' firsthand, with steaming vents and sulfurous fumes creating a dramatic, otherworldly atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views & Access
Hakone Free Pass: Your Key to Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
♨️ Embrace the Black Eggs
Try the famous black eggs; locals say they add 7 years to your life! 
🚠 Check Ropeway Status
The ropeway can close due to volcanic gas. Always check ahead!
🎫 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, saving money and hassle. +1
😷 Bring a Mask
Sulfur fumes can be strong; a mask helps with comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Embrace the Black Eggs
Try the famous black eggs; locals say they add 7 years to your life!
🚠 Check Ropeway Status
The ropeway can close due to volcanic gas. Always check ahead!
🎫 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, saving money and hassle. +1
😷 Bring a Mask
Sulfur fumes can be strong; a mask helps with comfort.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the volcanic area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of Owakudani, particularly the legendary black eggs and the scenic Hakone Ropeway ride with potential Mt. Fuji views. Some note that volcanic gas can sometimes affect access or the experience, and recommend checking conditions beforehand.
"Tourist Tourist Tourist, we were there during the summer and the Japanese school holiday. There place is full to the brim. Restaurants are packed. No place to sit at all. The top there, sulfur smell is quite strong. Got to the try their famous black egg. The was a saying that you eat one black egg, you will be 7 years younger !"
then yue wong
"The visitor centre comprises of much needed amenities as well as a souvenir shop. Everyone and their mother is buying black eggs (4 for ¥500).
If you are wondering where do people get the black soft cream from, it's from a shop (極楽茶屋) further south from the visitor centre, so don't waste time here."
Alvin Li
"This area was originally called the "Valley of Hell" (地獄谷), but was renamed "Owakudani" (大湧谷, literally "Great Boiling Valley") after Emperor Meiji visited. It’s a volcanic landscape with continuous volcanic gas emissions that fill the air with a strong sulfur smell.
Give the local specialty, the black eggs, a try, although they taste just like regular boiled eggs."
I-Hsiang Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, then use the Hakone Tozan Line, cable car, and finally the Hakone Ropeway to reach Owakudani.+1 The Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended for seamless travel on these various modes of transport.
There isn't a direct train to Owakudani itself. You'll typically travel to Hakone-Yumoto and then use a combination of the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and the Hakone Ropeway.
While you can drive to the Hakone area, parking directly at Owakudani can be limited. Many visitors opt for the Hakone Free Pass and public transport to avoid parking hassles and enjoy the scenic routes.
The Hakone Free Pass is your best bet, covering trains, buses, the ropeway, and even pirate ships on Lake Ashi. It simplifies navigating the different transport options needed to reach Owakudani.+1
Yes, there are bus routes that serve Owakudani, particularly the J line from Odawara via Hakone-Yumoto. This can be an alternative if the ropeway is closed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Owakudani volcanic valley itself is generally free. However, you will need tickets for the Hakone Ropeway and other transport if you don't have the Hakone Free Pass.
The Hakone Free Pass offers different prices depending on whether you purchase a physical or digital version, and from which station. Digital passes are often cheaper, around ¥3,000, compared to physical ones which can be around ¥5,000.
You can purchase the Hakone Free Pass from Odakyu offices in stations like Shinjuku or Odawara, or online through platforms like Klook. It can also be redeemed at various Hakone offices.+1
While you can buy individual tickets for the Hakone Ropeway, it's generally more cost-effective to get the Hakone Free Pass if you plan to use multiple modes of transport within Hakone.
There are no specific age restrictions for visiting Owakudani, but due to the volcanic gases, it's advisable to use caution with very young children or individuals with respiratory issues. Masks are recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Owakudani, you can witness the active volcanic vents, try the famous black eggs boiled in hot springs, and enjoy panoramic views, especially of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
The black eggs, or 'kuro-tamago,' are regular chicken eggs boiled in the natural hot springs of Owakudani. The sulfur in the water turns the shells black and is said to prolong life.
Yes, on clear days, Owakudani offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. The Hakone Ropeway ride also provides potential vantage points for this iconic mountain.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be exploring the volcanic area. Bringing a mask is also a good idea due to the sulfurous fumes.
Owakudani is an active volcanic area, and access can be restricted if volcanic gas levels are high. Always check local advisories before visiting. The area is generally safe for tourists when access is permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hakone Ropeway offers incredible aerial shots of the volcanic landscape. Look for viewpoints with steam vents and, on clear days, frame your shots with Mt. Fuji in the background.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast volcanic landscape and any potential Mt. Fuji views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on steam vents. Protect your gear from potential moisture or sulfur.
Mornings often offer clearer skies for Mt. Fuji views and fewer crowds, leading to more unobstructed photos. The steam from the vents can also create dramatic effects throughout the day.
Absolutely! The black eggs are a unique visual. Capture them being boiled, served, or being enjoyed for a fun and iconic shot.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding restricted zones for safety reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The volcanic landscape itself is visually stimulating. However, be mindful of the sulfurous fumes; bringing masks for younger children is a good idea.Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass to simplify travel, as it covers most of the transport needed. Ensure you check the operational status of the ropeway, as closures can impact the family's itinerary. The pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, often part of the Hakone Loop, is another family-friendly activity that can be combined with a visit to Owakudani.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
+1Solo travelers can easily combine Owakudani with other Hakone attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum or a cruise on Lake Ashi. Checking the ropeway status is crucial, as it's a key part of the experience. The volcanic landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for personal reflection and photography.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the black eggs, both in their natural boiling environment and as a culinary subject. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the vastness of the volcanic valley and telephoto lenses to focus on the intricate details of the geothermal activity. Early mornings often provide the best light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Hakone Loop
Many travelers find the loop incredibly straightforward, with clear signage and integrated transport systems. The Hakone Free Pass is essential for this, covering all these segments and making the journey seamless. Redditors often confirm that the loop is easy to figure out and that you 'literally can't get lost'.
While the loop is generally easy, it's crucial to check the operational status of each segment, especially the ropeway, as volcanic activity or weather can cause closures. Having a backup plan, like using buses, is always wise.
The Legend of the Black Eggs
+1The unique preparation method has given rise to a popular local legend: consuming one of these black eggs is said to add seven years to your life! This folklore adds a fun, mystical element to the experience, making it a must-try for many visitors.
+1 You can purchase these eggs at stalls within Owakudani, often served hot and ready to peel.Beyond the legend, the eggs offer a simple, savory taste. The experience of eating a life-extending egg amidst a steaming volcanic landscape is a memorable part of visiting Owakudani, making it a highlight for many travelers.
+1Volcanic Activity and Safety
This geothermal activity is what creates the unique environment and the famous black eggs.Due to its active nature, Owakudani can experience volcanic gas emissions, which may lead to temporary closures of certain areas, most notably the Hakone Ropeway.
For visitors, it's recommended to wear a mask to mitigate the effects of the sulfurous fumes, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit