What Is Owakudani? Hakone’s Famous Volcanic Sightseeing Spot
Ōwakudani (Owakudani) is a volcanic crater area of Hakone Volcano in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, featuring a dramatic barren landscape formed by volcanic activity about 3,000 years ago.
Volcanic activity is still active today, and the spectacular sight of white steam vents rising from the ground makes this a rare place where you can feel the power of the earth up close.
It attracts many visitors year-round as a scenic viewpoint for the famous “black eggs” (kurotamago) and for panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway.
It is popular to combine a visit with Hakone’s hot spring areas, and Ōwakudani is often considered one of the highlights of Hakone sightseeing.
How to Get to Owakudani
Access by Train and Ropeway
- From Shinjuku Station: About 85 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto Station by Odakyu Romancecar. From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gōra Station (about 40 minutes), the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sōunzan Station (about 10 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Ropeway and get off at Ōwakudani Station (about 8 minutes).
- From Tokyo Station: About 35 minutes to Odawara Station by JR Tokaido Shinkansen, then via Hakone-Yumoto on the Hakone Tozan Railway and onward to Ōwakudani by the same route above.
If you use the Hakone Freepass, you can ride eight types of transportation—including the mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, and pirate ship—unlimited times at a good value.
Access by Car
About 30 minutes from the Odawara-Nishi Interchange on the Odawara-Atsugi Road via Hakone Shindō Road.
The Ōwakudani parking lot (147 spaces) is open 9:00 to 16:20 from February to November and 9:00 to 16:00 from December to January. It can be crowded on holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Please note that the Ōwakudani parking lot closes at 16:40, and it may also be closed depending on weather and conditions.
To avoid congestion, another option is to park at Sōunzan Station or Tōgendai Station and use the ropeway.
Top Things to See in Owakudani
Powerful Volcanic Landscape of the Steam Vent Area
At the steam vent area in Ōwakudani, forceful white steam rising from the ground and the smell of sulfur create a unique atmosphere.
The contrast between the rugged rocky terrain and the rising steam is a striking scene that truly makes you feel that the earth is alive.
A viewing area called “Chikyū no Tani (Valley of the Earth)” has also been developed around Ōwakudani Station, allowing visitors to enjoy the volcanic scenery from even closer.
Famous Local Specialty: Kurotamago (Black Eggs)
If you visit Ōwakudani, one local specialty you should not miss is the “kurotamago” (black egg).
The shells turn black due to the hot spring minerals and the effects of hydrogen sulfide, while the inside is the same as a regular boiled egg.
There is a well-known saying that “eating one adds seven years to your life,” and they are sold in packs of four for 500 yen (tax included).
As a signature local specialty, many visitors enjoy trying them on site.
Scenic Ropeway Ride on the Hakone Ropeway
If you ride the Hakone Ropeway (Sōunzan Station to Tōgendai Station), you can enjoy a bird’s-eye panorama of the Hakone mountains, including the steam vent area of Ōwakudani.
On clear days, breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi spread out before you.
The ropeway fare is 2,000 yen one way (junior high school students and older) and 3,000 yen round trip (junior high school students and older).
Hakone Geo Museum (1F of Kurotamago-kan)
This exhibition facility is located on the first floor of Ōwakudani Kurotamago-kan and offers information about the formation of Hakone Volcano and its natural environment.
The Information Center is free, while the “Geo Hall” further inside is paid (100 yen for adults), with a wide range of models and panel displays.
It is especially recommended for visitors interested in nature conservation, volcanology, and geology.
Things to Do in Owakudani
Owakudani Nature Trail
This is a circular route about 700 meters long that takes you close to the steam vent area, where you can observe the unique nature of the volcanic zone up close.
You can also access the black egg steaming site (Tamago Chaya) and observation points, and the required time is about 30 to 40 minutes.
For safety reasons, admission methods and whether reservations are required may change.
Enjoy Local Specialty Food
- Kurotamago (black eggs): 4 eggs for 500 yen (tax included).
- Black curry bread: A popular menu item with black curry inside a crispy coating kneaded with cocoa and bamboo charcoal (430 yen).
- Onsen manju and black egg soft-serve ice cream are also widely available as Ōwakudani-only treats.
Relax in Hot Springs
There are many day-use hot spring facilities in the nearby Gōra Onsen and Sengokuhara Onsen areas.
You can enjoy a relaxing time after sightseeing in natural hot springs created by volcanic activity.
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy Owakudani
Spring (April to May): Fresh Greenery and Azaleas
Spring in Hakone brings beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and the area around Ōwakudani also takes on a lively atmosphere.
The azaleas and rhododendrons of Gōra Park are also in season, and the views from the ropeway become even more colorful.
Summer (June to August): A Cool Retreat in the Mountains
Ōwakudani sits at an elevation of about 1,044 meters, so it stays cool and comfortable for sightseeing even in summer.
However, temperatures can be low, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket.
Autumn (late October to mid-November): Contrast of Autumn Leaves and Steam
The contrast of mountains colored red and yellow with the white volcanic steam is one of Ōwakudani’s autumn highlights.
The air is often clear, making Mt. Fuji more visible, and this is also an ideal season for photography.
Winter (December to February): Snowy Landscapes and Hot Springs
Ōwakudani can be covered in snow in winter, creating a magical landscape.
It is relatively less crowded in winter, so you can enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
Warming up in a hot spring is another winter-only pleasure.
Important Notes for Visiting
Ōwakudani is an active volcanic area, and concentrations of volcanic gas (hydrogen sulfide) may become high.
People with asthma or bronchial conditions, those with heart problems, and pregnant visitors should refrain from entering.
Access restrictions may be imposed when volcanic activity becomes more active or during bad weather.
Check the official Hakone Ropeway website in advance for restriction information.
Useful Information for Travelers
Opening Hours and Fees
- Ōwakudani area: 9:00 to 17:00 from February to November, 9:00 to 16:00 from December to January. Admission free.
- Hakone Ropeway: 9:00 to 16:45 from February to November, 9:00 to 16:15 from December to January. One way 2,000 yen, round trip 3,000 yen (junior high school students and older).
- Kurotama SHOP: 9:00 to 16:15. Black egg sales 9:00 to 16:20 (until sold out).
Recommended Places to Stay
- Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien: A highly rated hot spring inn convenient for visiting Ōwakudani.
- Gora Onsen Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka: An accommodation that is easy to access from Ōwakudani by cable car.
Wi-Fi and Multilingual Support
Free Wi-Fi is available at Ōwakudani Station and other major sightseeing spots.
Information in English, Chinese, and Korean is available at Hakone Ropeway stations and tourist information centers.
Recommended Visit Duration
A stay in Ōwakudani takes about 1 hour without meals, or about 2 hours if you want to enjoy black eggs and souvenir shopping.
If you plan to walk the nature trail, allow an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
Summary
Ōwakudani is a special sightseeing destination where you can feel the breath of Hakone Volcano up close.
From the Hakone Ropeway ride and the famous black eggs to the dynamic steam vent landscape, it is packed with experiences that engage all five senses.
Combine it with Hakone hot springs and a Lake Ashi cruise, and enjoy a trip to Ōwakudani where you can experience the mysteries of the earth.
