Owakudani in Hakone is quite cool even during the hot summer vacation season! Before I even got close, I could see white steam constantly rising from the valley, and there was a strong smell of sulfur in the air. It was very different from the mountain scenery you usually see. Standing at the observation area and looking at the volcanic landscape in front of me made me feel that nature is truly fascinating. Of course, when you come here, you also have to buy one of the famous black eggs to try. The black shell looks very unusual, and it's one of the local specialties you have to eat here. If the weather is good, you may also get to see Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, it happened to be rainy and overcast this time, which was a little disappointing. This place isn't just good for taking photos—you can also experience the impressive volcanic landscape up close. It's well worth adding to your itinerary when visiting Hakone.
Owakudani | Review by 汪汪妮
Other Reviews by 汪汪妮
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DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Welcomed by the gargantuan 19.7-meter, life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza embodies its concept as a "theatrical urban space," offering a place to play, learn, relax, and just take in each moment of surprise and inspiration. Tantalize all five senses at this unforgettable destination that’s like none ever before.
The Gundam at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is definitely not to be missed! I originally just planned to browse around, take some photos of the Gundam, and buy a few things, but I ended up spending quite a bit of time here. The mall is very spacious and has a wide variety of stores, offering everything from clothing and household goods to all kinds of specialty items. It made me want to go into every store and take a look. The atmosphere is very relaxed, without feeling too overwhelming. Even if you’re just wandering around, you can find plenty of interesting things.
I think DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is a great place to include in an independent trip to Tokyo because, besides shopping, there are also plenty of nearby places worth exploring. When you get tired from shopping, you can find a restaurant for a meal or buy some snacks and take a break. Before you know it, half a day has passed. If the weather happens to be bad, you can also plan to spend your time here instead of staying outdoors all day.
My biggest impression from this trip was that Odaiba offers more than just the fun of shopping; the surrounding ocean views are also distinctive. After shopping, you can take a walk nearby and look at the water, adding a little relaxation to what would otherwise be a simple shopping trip. If you enjoy shopping and good food but also want to slow down during your travels, Odaiba is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
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Oshino Hakkai – The 8 Springs of Oshino
Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for Mt. Fuji’s 8 natural ponds, Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike. Once a former lake, the area has dried up and formed the 8 spring-sourced ponds that remain today.
Oshino Hakkai is a very famous tourist attraction. I was immediately drawn to the crystal-clear pond water. The water is so clean and transparent that you can see the bottom, and together with the surrounding traditional Japanese houses and natural scenery, it has a real Japanese countryside feel. As you walk through the small village, you can take your time enjoying the different ponds, each with its own unique features.
If the weather is clear, you may also get to see Mt. Fuji against the blue sky, though this really requires a bit of luck. There are also plenty of food stalls along the way where you can buy local specialties to enjoy while walking around. This time, I got some tofu with chili miso, and it was really delicious! I recommend giving it a try. Oshino Hakkai is perfect for a half-day trip and is one of the attractions around Mt. Fuji that left a strong impression on me. -
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Jogasaki Coast
Jogasaki Coast is a representing view spot of Higashiizu, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is also part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The coast is formed out of igneous rock from eruptions of Mt. Omuro around 4000 years ago. Over time, the ocean eroded portions of the rock away. Today, the Jogasaki Coast spans around 9 kilometers.
What impressed me most on this visit to the Jogasaki Coast was the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. From the bridge, you can see the waves and rocks up close and experience the magnificence of nature. There aren't many bustling commercial facilities here, which instead gives it a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. It's a great place to slow down and enjoy the coastal scenery. When the weather is clear, you can also see a broader view of the ocean. Overall, the Jogasaki Coast is a place that combines natural beauty with the fun of exploration. I recommend it to people who enjoy ocean views, walking, and photography.
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