Owakudani sulfur valley
About this viewpoint
Owakudani sits in the crater of the last eruption of Mt Hakone, 3000 years ago. Sulfurous steam vents the entire valley and the ropeway crosses over them with a direct view of Fuji to the north. The famous black eggs are boiled in the vent water and supposedly add seven years to your life per egg.
Safety status
Hakone Ropeway and Kanagawa Prefecture publish real time volcanic alerts. Yellow level closes the upper trails. Red level closes the ropeway entirely. Always check before travelling specifically for Owakudani.
The black eggs
Boiled in 80 degree sulfur water, the shells turn black from the iron sulfide reaction. They taste like a normal boiled egg with a slightly mineral note. Five for ¥500 at the upper station shop.
Photographer tips
- Volcanic activity occasionally closes the area, check Hakone Ropeway daily.
- The smell is strong, asthmatics may want to skip the upper deck.
- Combine with the full Hakone loop using the Free Pass.
Getting there
Practical info
Free, ropeway ¥1500 one way
Limited free parking at the upper station.
Main deck is step free, secondary trails close to vents are not wheelchair accessible.
35 to 85 mm. The composition is steam in the foreground, Fuji in the back.
Where to eat nearby
- Owakudani Kuro Tamago Kan
Black egg shop and cafe at the top station.
Best rail pass for Owakudani sulfur valley
These are the rail passes that actually reach Owakudani sulfur valley. Buy your pass before you fly, then collect it at any major Japanese airport or city station.
Hakone Free Pass (2 days)Recommended
Round trip from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line plus unlimited rides on the Hakone ropeway, pirate ship, mountain railway and buses around Lake Ashi.
Japan Rail Pass (7 days)
Worth it if Hakone is one stop on a Tokyo, Fuji and Kyoto loop. Covers the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara, the JR gateway to Hakone.
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