Hakone Owaku-dani Valley

Owaku-dani Valley was formed due to a volcanic eruption more than 3,000 years ago. Now, the Valley attracts visitors from all over the world for its unique volcanic landforms and volcanic activities, like the rising sulfur plume and volcanic hot springs. In addition, you can taste black eggs unique to Owaku-dani Valley. 

The sulfur gas in Owaku-dani Valley

Top Things to Do in Owaku-dani Valley 

1. Worship Enmei Jizo Bosatsu Jizoson

Inside the valley, there is a 700-meter-long (766 yards) Owakudani Nature Study Path, which is the main visit route there. Once you cross the entrance of the Study Path, you will see a statue of Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. It is said that this Bodhisattva of Buddhism not only protects children and unborn babies but also travelers, so it’s very common to see its statues standing on both sides of roads. Standing before the statue, you will gain peace of mind and feel more relaxed. You can also pray for a long life for you or your families since the god symbolizes a prolonged life. 

2. Watch Volcanic Plume

Walking past the statue along the Path, you will be closer to the volcanos, thus being able to observe the volcano rocks exposed in the air and the white smoke rising from the ground. If you are interested in geography, don’t miss the opportunity. But please note that the gas may be toxic, so please don’t get too closer, given to your health.

3. Appreciate Mount Fuji in Observation Platform

In the middle position of the Study Path, you can climb onto the Observation Platform, looking at the Hakone Mountains sprawling in the distance and covered by green plants all year round, and Mount Fuji further. While appreciating the scenery, don’t forget to record this moment with your camera. 

4. Witness the “Magic” of Sulfur Spring Water on Eggs

The Panorama of Owaku-dani Valley

Black eggs are specialties unique to Owaku-dani Valley. Legend has it that it can prolong human lives for seven years. They are boiled in sulfur water with common eggs. If you wonder how their shells turn black, don’t hesitate to come to the egg boiling site. A man called “steamer” will demonstrate the whole process. Four black eggs are only sold at 500 yen, and you can buy them at Kuro-tama Shop, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Notes for Owakudani Nature Study Path: 

(1) The Path is open four times every day and receives no more than 30 visitors every time for entry
(2) Reserve the entry online in advance. 
(3) Owaku-dani Valley is not open in special circumstances, like when there is too much volcanic gas, strong wind, thick fog or heavy rain, so confirm if it’s open or not before going. 
(4) The pungent sulfur gas may be toxic, so prepare a mask in advance. Visitors with heart or respiratory disease might as well consult a doctor before coming.

5. Learn about Hakone Geography in Hakone Geo Museum

Hakone Geo Museum introduces various geographic landscapes in Hakone, including volcanos, marshlands, hot springs, and lake. The Geo-Hall is composed of 7 exhibitions: Owakudani, Mt. Kanmurigatake and Mt. Kamiyama, Sengokuhara, Hakone Onsen, Lake Ashinoko, Volcanic threats and hazards, and “Exciting spot in Owakudani”. The last one is especially recommended. By observing real volcanic rocks or models, reading column articles on geological conditions in Hakone, you will learn more about Hakone. The Museum opens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6. Take Photos before Kuro-tama Shop

Black Egg Monument before Kura-tama Shop always attracts visitors to take photos, as in clear days, Mount Fuji far behind the Monument can be seen.   

Open time

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all year round

Ticket Prices

It is free to enter Owaku-dani Valley. But some internal attractions require admission fee or other cost:
1. Hakone Geo Museum: 100 yen for an adult; free for pre-school children.
2. Owakudani Nature Study Path: 500 yen for safety equipment

How to Arrive at Owaku-dani Valley

1. Hakone Tozan Line - Cable Car - Ropeway

Hakone Ropeway

→ Take Hazone Tozan Line from Hakone-Yumoto Station for about 50 minutes, get off at Gora Station. 

→ Here take Hazonetozan Cable Car for about 50 minutes and get off at Sōunzan Station.
→ Take Hakone Ropeway for about 10 minutes and get off at Owakudani Station. 

2. Bus:

Take Izu Hakone Bus toward Hakone-en via Owakudani or Kojiri, get off at Owakudani. 

Nearby Attractions

Many tourists usually go to Lake Ashi or Hakone Open Air Museum after or before visiting Owaku-dani Valley. 

1. Hakone Open Air Museum

Hakone Open Air Museum displays authentic works by Picasso, including paintings, potteries, and sculptures, as well as sculptures by Rodin, Bourdelle, and Miro and other masters. 

Transaportation
From Owaku-dani Valley, you can reverse the way back to Gora Station, then take Hazone Tozan Line for one stop to Chokokunomori Station, and then you can get to Hakone Open Air Museum within 2 minutes’ walk. You can also visit it before going to the Valley. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hazone Tozan Line to Chokokunomori Station directly.

2. Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a caldera lake also formed due to the volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago. Here, you can appreciate scenic lake, Mt. Hakone and, Mt. Fuji on pirate ship. 

Transportation

From Owaku-dani Valley, take Hakone Ropeway to Togendai Station, and then walk to Hakone Pirate Ship Tōgendai Port in two minutes. Here, take Hakone Pirate Ship to cruise over the lake.