Popular Tours & Experiences in Owakudani

There are many recommended attractions around Owakudani. You can take the Hakone Ropeway to admire the spectacular volcanic landscape, and then connect to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise to tour Lake Ashi, enjoying the scenery and a distant view of Mt. Fuji. Along the lake, you'll find the famous Hakone Shrine, with its iconic torii gate in the water, a popular photo spot. Additionally, the Hakone area boasts numerous art and cultural facilities, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, perfect for art lovers. Combining these with Owakudani allows for a rich and diverse one-day or multi-day Hakone itinerary, experiencing the fusion of natural scenery and humanistic art.

The most recommended way to travel from Tokyo to Owakudani is a combination of trains and ropeways. First, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station, and then take the Hakone Ropeway directly to Owakudani. The entire journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your departure time and train schedules. This route is not only convenient but also offers very scenic views along the way.

As Hakone's active volcanic zone, Owakudani's uniqueness lies in allowing visitors to feel the Earth's pulse up close. Compared to other Hakone attractions like Lake Ashi (a caldera lake) or Mt. Komagatake (a volcanic remnant), Owakudani is characterized by continuously erupting sulfurous gases and white steam, creating a distinctive desolate yet spectacular volcanic landscape. Visitors can experience the special 'black eggs' here, enjoying the fun of eggs boiled in hot springs and the smell of sulfur, an experience difficult to replicate elsewhere in Hakone. It showcases the most direct and active face of volcanic activity.

Owakudani offers different charms throughout the year, but the best seasons are generally spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (fall foliage season), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is vibrantly colorful. Summer is relatively cool, suitable for escaping the heat. A winter visit may offer a chance to see snow. As Owakudani is at a higher altitude, the weather can change rapidly; even in summer, temperature differences can be significant, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing. Additionally, when volcanic activity is high, gas concentrations may affect visibility or travel plans, so it's recommended to stay updated with local weather forecasts and official announcements.

When visiting Owakudani, please strictly adhere to local safety regulations and warnings. Due to the presence of sulfurous gas eruptions, individuals with respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, pregnant women, or infants and young children, who are considered sensitive groups, are advised to wear masks or damp cloths to alleviate discomfort. If the volcanic activity alert level is raised, certain areas may be temporarily closed. Please cooperate with staff instructions and do not enter restricted zones. Remain vigilant and avoid lingering in prohibited areas to ensure your safety.

For a day trip to Owakudani, we recommend following the 'Hakone Golden Course' route. Start in the morning from Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora, then transfer to the Hakone Ropeway directly to Owakudani to try the black eggs and admire the volcanic scenery. After lunch, continue by ropeway to Togendai, transfer to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise to tour Lake Ashi, and visit Hakone Shrine along the way. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum or the Hakone Glass Forest Museum. This itinerary not only offers the joy of various modes of transport but also allows you to soak in Hakone's natural and cultural landscapes, making for a rich and fulfilling day trip.

On clear days with good visibility, there are several excellent viewpoints for Mt. Fuji in the Owakudani area. Firstly, while on the Hakone Ropeway traveling from Owakudani towards Togendai, or from Togendai towards Owakudani, you will have opportunities to enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from the cable car. Additionally, from the observation decks within the Owakudani park, especially in open areas near the volcanic activity zone, you can also capture unique scenes of Mt. Fuji complementing the volcanic landscape. It's recommended to visit on a clear morning for the best visibility.

'Kuro Tamago' from Owakudani are eggs boiled using the local unique geothermal heat and sulfurous hot spring water. The eggshells turn black due to the action of hydrogen sulfide, but the inside yolk and white are the same as regular boiled eggs, with a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness. There's a local legend that eating one black egg can extend your life by seven years, making it a must-try experience for visitors to Owakudani. It's recommended to enjoy them hot on-site, paired with a local specialty drink, to fully experience this unique flavor from the volcano. Please dispose of the shells properly to maintain environmental cleanliness.

Owakudani itself does not have accommodation facilities, but the surrounding Hakone area offers many excellent onsen areas convenient for planning your trip. The most recommended areas include: Hakone-Yumoto, which is the most accessible with a wide variety of hot spring inns; Gora, which has many unique museums and hot spring inns, directly reachable by the Hakone Tozan Railway; and Sengokuhara, known for its tranquil environment, many high-class resorts, and proximity to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum. Staying in these areas allows you to enjoy hot springs and easily access Owakudani and other Hakone attractions via public transport.

Owakudani is generally suitable for family visits with children. The experience of riding the Hakone Ropeway, in particular, is novel and exciting for kids, offering views of the volcanic landscape from high above. However, families with children should pay special attention to the sulfurous gases emitted from the volcano. If children or other companions have sensitive respiratory systems or allergies, wearing masks is recommended, and you should monitor the children's physical condition at all times. Additionally, some paths may involve walking, so consider the stamina of young children. Overall, with proper precautions and attention to safety, Owakudani can offer a unique natural exploration experience for families.