Yes, it is generally safe to visit Owakudani Valley. However, as it is an active volcanic zone, there may be times when access is restricted due to increased volcanic activity. Visitors should check the latest information before planning their visit.
No, there is no accommodation in Owakudani Valley itself. However, there are numerous hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in the surrounding Hakone region where visitors can stay.
Despite the harsh volcanic environment, you might spot some local wildlife like the Japanese kestrel and various species of butterflies.
Owakudani Valley can be visited year-round. However, the views of Mount Fuji are particularly clear during the colder seasons, from late autumn to early spring.
Yes, there are hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area around Owakudani. However, due to the volcanic activity, these trails may sometimes be closed for safety reasons.
Traveler reviews
Very fun and interesting with good views and unique food. I recommend arriving early, it gets very busy by mid day and you could be waiting 45 minutes just to board the roapway. The boat ride was a fun way to see around the lake and it makes some stops that you can get off at to see around. The black egg were tasty but not super special. The geology museum is worth a stop. Overall a fun trip if you get there early enough
A absolute must-visit destination in Hakone! The best way to get here is by purchasing the Hakone Freepass, which covers the journey. Alternatively, you can buy a separate ropeway/cable car ticket to reach the top.
As soon as you arrive, you'll notice a strong sulfur smell, but you get used to it after a while. You can easily spend about two hours exploring the area. You must try the famous black-shelled eggs (Kuro-tamago) cooked directly in the volcanic waters—local lore says eating just one will add seven years to your life! Why not give it a shot?
The volcanic scenery is absolutely superb, with plenty of great angles to take stunning photos.
The Mog Champ sends his regards.
A spot famous for the black egg on top of a mountain, a fun spot to visit as part of the Hakone loop. It does get very windy here and the line to get the black egg is long but goes past fast. It tastes just like most boiled eggs.
Mogliest Regards,
Your Mog Champ
The place would be worth a million stars... if only the best spots weren't used as private parking lots!! The natural environment is a real wonder, and the views on the sulfur valley, on the lake and on Mt Fuji would be breathtaking... BUT the best spots have been made parking lots, unacccessible by the general public and managed but very rude people. There are also a lot of very bad looking buildings, full of very low quality shops. The food is generally low quality and overpriced. It is the only place where the mad made things are not in harmony with the natural surroundings. So: interesting, but also disappointing!!
Owakudani Valley was ok. You get some great views up there, which are initially quite majestic with the steaming sulphur vents. However, after admiring the views, there is not much to do up there. The black eggs I thought were a bit of a scam and taste no different to regular hard-boiled eggs.
