Owakudani Tourism

Owakudani, which translates to the 'Great Boiling Valley', is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Formed around 3,000 years ago following a volcanic eruption, it is situated in the volcanic Hakone mountains, which is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Visitors can experience the area's unique landscape of bubbling pools and steam vents, often with the scent of sulphur in the air. They can also try the local specialty, 'kuro-tamago', a black egg hard-boiled in the valley’s sulphurous waters, which, according to legend, extends the eater's life by seven years. The site offers impressive views of Mount Fuji on clear days, making it a popular tourist destination. The area is accessible via the Hakone Ropeway, which provides a scenic ride with panoramic vistas. Owakudani also serves as a reminder of the geological forces that shaped Japan. While it can be accessed throughout the year, volcanic activity sometimes restricts entry to certain parts for safety reasons.