What other travelers are saying about Owakudani Valley
Owakudani is one of the most memorable spots in Hakone. The moment you arrive, you can see the steam rising from the volcanic vents and smell the sulfur in the air—it’s like stepping onto another planet. On a clear day, the view of Mt. Fuji is breathtaking.
The highlight for us was trying the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago), sold in warm 5-packs—delicious and fun with the local legend that each egg adds seven years to your life. The shops are clean and organized, and staff were kind. It’s also family-friendly: we had no issues with our stroller, and there are elevators in the main building to make it easier.
Pro tips:
• Weekdays = calmer → fewer crowds, easier for families.
• Check the weather → Mt. Fuji views only appear on clear days.
• Black eggs → come in 5-packs—perfect for sharing.
• Bring a jacket → cooler and windier up here.
• Ropeway status → check ahead, as it sometimes closes due to volcanic gases or strong winds.
• Strollers → use the elevator inside; outdoor paths are better with a compact stroller.
A unique, 10/10 experience that blends nature, culture, and a little bit of fun.
A place to visit. And, this is an active volcano that is monitored. On top there are great views souvenir shops and food. The food is good, the (black) ice cream is excellent, there are plenty of souvenirs to buy and also the back eggs.
Traffic into the valley is tremendous long.
Although we didn't get to spend time at the hot springs due to the weather not cooperating and high winds. We thought it best to head back down and not be stuck at the top. Everything was enjoyable from the train ride up/down it was totally spectacular. I have never experienced so much beautiful land scape, trees etc. God in His infinite glory shared this beauty with us. I would love to give place a go again, hopefully another time. I can't wait.
This place is a famous spot that I absolutely love ❤️. From here, you can hop on a gondola 🚡 and take in breathtaking views while exploring the many beautiful areas of Hakone 🏞️, from the heights to the valleys. It’s truly an unforgettable experience 🎉 and one of my recommendations .I wouldn’t suggest going in summer ☀️—the heat can be intense 🥵. Instead, the perfect time to visit is during springtime 🌸, especially between March and April, when the weather is mild and the scenery is stunning. If you’re planning a day trip 🗓️, be sure to set out early in the morning 🌅 to make the most of your adventure.
A nice area with a scenic cable car ride and the opportunity to eat black hard boiled eggs made from the local spring water. Eating one is said to add a few years extra to your life. On a clear day, you can usually get some good views of Mt Fuji from here. This place gets packed with tourists but we never felt overwhelmed personally. We felt like a few hours was the perfect amount of time to spend here between the cable car, the eggs, enjoying the sights, and enjoying the shops.
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.
