Owakudani
nature
Owakudani
大涌谷
Overview
Result of a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago, this volcanic valley has active sulphur vents and hot springs.
Owakudani, meaning Great Seething Valley, sits at the active heart of the Hakone caldera. The landscape here is roughly 3,000 years old, shaped when a volcanic collapse sent pyroclastic flows that blocked the Haya River. Today, steam and sulfurous gases rise constantly from the ground. In the Edo period, locals called this place Great Hell Hole before renaming it Owakudani ahead of an imperial visit in 1876. The valley keeps Hakone's many hot springs heated and is a site of ongoing geological research. Black eggs hard-boiled in sulfurous vents are the signature food here; the eggshell color fades within a few days.
Local tips
The black eggs boiled in volcanic sulfur springs reportedly add 7 years to your life. Buy them at the top station. The ropeway ride up is half the experience.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 大涌谷
- Nearest station
- Owakudani Station (1 min walk)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
- Reservations
- not required
Accessibility
Good for
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