All Reviews of Owakudani

How could you visit Hakone and miss Owakudani, a place filled with the “power of the earth”!

This is Hakone's most iconic volcanic landscape. Along the way, you can see wisps of white smoke rising from the valley, and there's a faint smell of sulfur in the air, as if the earth itself were breathing. Owakudani is also said to be one of Hakone's famous power spots. Standing before the spectacular volcanic terrain, you really can feel a mysterious and awe-inspiring force. When the weather is clear, you can also see Mount Fuji in the distance, and the view is truly spectacular. You have to see it for yourself when you visit Hakone!

The ride over by cable car was really impressive, and the overall experience felt very complete. The only downside was that the smell was a bit hard to appreciate.

As soon as I got off, that sulfur smell hit me right in the face—super intense.

White steam was billowing everywhere. It honestly looked like the gates of hell opening.

There's a visitor center where you can take a break, plus restrooms and a souvenir shop. Super convenient.

I visited on a snowy day in mid-March. The ropeway was stopped in the morning, so I went after it started running again in the afternoon. In the end, everything was completely white and I couldn't see anything, so I just ate a black egg and headed back. I'd love to come again on a sunny day.

At Owakudani, you can try the famous black eggs, which are boiled in the sulfur hot springs—legend says eating one adds seven years to your life! Plus, the observation deck offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone's natural scenery.

In the Owakudani area, you can try lots of foods cooked with geothermal heat, like black eggs (eggs boiled in the hot springs) and noodles made with geothermal steam. These dishes have a unique texture and flavor, making them a real highlight of the trip.

You can smell the sulfur from far away when you take the ropeway up. The black eggs steamed with the hot spring steam are also really tasty.

The view changes as you ride up on the ropeway. Up here, it's pretty barren and you can really smell the strong sulfur. The black hot spring eggs are a famous local specialty—almost every visitor tries them.

The black eggs at Owakudani are a must-try specialty. You definitely have to eat one for the experience.