Owakudani is one of the most fascinating places in Hakone, with a landscape that feels almost like another planet. The volcanic terrain, steaming vents, rugged mountains, and the distinct smell of sulphur are constant reminders that this is an active geothermal area.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The journey on the Hakone Ropeway offers spectacular views over the valley, and on a clear day, Mount Fuji provides an unforgettable backdrop. Travelling through Hakone on the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway is equally enjoyable, with the train climbing and descending through the mountains, surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage.
Don’t miss trying Owakudani’s famous black eggs, cooked naturally in the volcanic hot springs. They’re a unique local speciality and part of the experience.
From the dramatic volcanic landscape to the mountain railway, ropeway, autumn colours, and views of Mount Fuji, Owakudani offers one of the most memorable experiences in Hakone. It is a destination that showcases the raw power and beauty of nature.
Our son really wanted to try eating the "black eggs" from Owakudani. We took the ropeway there which was a very easy and pleasant trip. It was memorable to see the active volcano steam everywhere as we got close. The Owakudani area itself is not huge, but we did walk a few minutes to the store that sells the black eggs. They come in a 4 pack. They taste like regular eggs but it is said they will make you younger by 7 years (or extend your life by 7 years).
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
Owakudani is a fascinating place to visit, especially if you enjoy scenic views and unique experiences. We took the Shinkansen to Odawara and then took a bus to Owakudani, which made for a convenient and enjoyable journey.
The views along the way were beautiful, and the volcanic landscape at Owakudani was truly unique. We also tried the famous black eggs, which was a fun experience. The journey and the destination were both memorable, and I would definitely recommend visiting Owakudani when exploring the Hakone area.
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.
