Explore Owakudani: Hakone’s Volcanic Crater & Mt. Fuji Views

Feel the pulse of the Earth at Owakudani

Hakone is known as a popular onsen destination, but among its many attractions lies a place where the power of the Earth can be felt directly—Owakudani. This otherworldly landscape, formed by a major volcanic eruption approximately 3,000 years ago, offers a truly unforgettable experience.

At a Glance

Core Concept: Experiencing Owakudani—a dramatic 3,000-year-old active volcanic crater featuring billowing steam vents, sweeping Mount Fuji vistas, and unique local traditions.

Transit Access: Easily reached via the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station (8 minutes) or Togendai Station. Located approximately 80 minutes from Shinjuku via the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto.

New Attraction: Features "Chikyu no Tani" (Valley of the Earth), an interactive observation area opened in April 2025 equipped with 360-degree panoramic vantage points and a glass-floor deck.

Local Delicacy: Taste the famous Kuro Tamago (black eggs) naturally blackened by sulfuric hot spring water—legend says eating one adds seven years to your life.

Ryokan Stay Tip: Perfectly pairs with a retreat at Kinnotake Sengokuhara or Kinnotake Tonosawa, Matsuzakaya Honten allowing guests to enjoy private in-room onsen after a day of mountain exploration.

Why Read This Guide? Learn step-by-step route directions across Hakone’s scenic transit network, discover optimal hours for Mount Fuji photo opportunities, and plan a seamless day trip.

Peak Season Notice: Ropeway queues peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM during autumn foliage (October–November). Morning visits are strongly recommended for clear skies and shorter wait times.

Feel the Pulse of the Earth at Owakudani

Hakone is renowned worldwide as a premier hot spring destination, but among its lush forests and tranquil lakes lies a place where the primal energy of the Earth reveals itself directly: Owakudani. This otherworldly landscape was created roughly 3,000 years ago during the final explosive eruption of Mount Hakone, offering visitors an unforgettable look into Japan's dynamic geology.

Billowing white plumes of volcanic steam rise constantly from the rugged, sulfur-dusted terrain, filling the mountain air with a distinct mineral scent. Owakudani is the active crater left behind by that ancient eruption, and geothermal gases continue to escape from deep underground—living proof that the volcano beneath Hakone remains active. Due to its barren, dramatic, and unforgiving landscape, the site was historically known as "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley).

On clear days, the raw, elemental power of the volcanic vents provides a dramatic foreground to breathtaking views of Mount Fuji—creating a striking visual contrast between the Earth's fiery forces and the mountain's serene symmetry.

New Interactive Experience: "Chikyu no Tani" (Valley of the Earth)

In April 2025, Owakudani unveiled its newest attraction: "Chikyu no Tani" (Valley of the Earth). Designed as an interactive observation geosite, this modern facility immerses visitors directly in the geothermal landscape.

360-Degree Panoramic Views: Provides unobstructed vistas of the active volcanic valley, Lake Ashi, and Mount Fuji.

Glass-Floor Deck: Offers a thrilling sensation as you step out over the valley floor, looking straight down into the steaming vents beneath your feet.

Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the geological formation of the Hakone caldera and the natural thermal networks that supply hot spring waters to ryokans throughout the region.

Taste the Legend: The Famous "Kuro Tamago" (Black Eggs)

No journey to Owakudani is complete without trying the iconic local delicacy: Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs).

Fresh chicken eggs are submerged and boiled directly in Owakudani’s natural sulfuric hot spring pools. A chemical reaction between the geothermal minerals, sulfur, and iron turns the outer eggshell pitch-black, while the inside remains perfectly cooked, tender, and savory.

According to local folklore, eating a single Kuro Tamago prolongs your life expectancy by seven years. Enjoying a warm black egg while looking out over the volcanic valley makes for one of Hakone's most memorable cultural and culinary traditions.

How to Get There: A Scenic Journey Through the Mountains

Reaching Owakudani is an adventure in itself, using Hakone's iconic multi-modal transport loop.

Step-by-Step Route from Hakone-Yumoto Station

Hakone Tozan Train: Board at Hakone-Yumoto Station and ride to Gora Station (Approx. 40 minutes). Enjoy switchback rail climbs through lush mountain valleys.

Hakone Cable Car: Transfer at Gora Station and ride up to Sounzan Station (Approx. 10 minutes).

Hakone Ropeway: Board the aerial cable car at Sounzan Station directly to Owakudani Station (Approx. 8 minutes).

Travel Tip & Passes

If you are traveling from Tokyo (Shinjuku), purchasing the Hakone Freepass (operated by Odakyu Electric Railway) is highly economical. It covers the Odakyu Romancecar express journey to Hakone-Yumoto as well as unlimited rides on the Hakone Tozan Train, Cable Car, Ropeway, and Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise.

Complete Your Excursion with a Luxury Stay at Kinnotake Resorts

After feeling the raw volcanic energy of Owakudani, unwind in the peaceful hot spring waters fed by the very same caldera:

Kinnotake Sengokuhara: Within walking distance to the Susuki Grass fields, selected as one of "Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Views." At an elevation of 700 meters, surrounded by crisp mountain air and tranquility, a blissful and extraordinary space unfolds.

Kinnotake Tonosawa: Easily accessible from Tokyo, come and relish the tranquil beauty that harmonizes with the lush forests, with the Hayakawa Gorge unfolding beneath your gaze.

Matsuzakaya Honten: Experience 360 years of heritage in Ashinoyu, where you can soak in 100% free-flowing, sulfur-rich hot spring onsen that mirror the natural geothermal minerals of the region.

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