Region
Kanto
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Yokohama
Population
8,489,932

Owakudani

Be Queen (or King) of dragons at this volcanic attraction.

As you approach Owakudani on the Hakone Ropeway, you could almost imagine you were arriving on an alien planet. The crater and it’s various arteries pulse, puffing out great clouds of sulfur.

10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do in Hakone

The arid, rocky landscape would give the Mars Rover a run for its money. But you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that even in this crazy landscape, there is plenty for visitors to do.

First things first, get into the super long queue that is probably snaking it’s way around from the back of one of the souvenir shops. Inside, eggs are being boiled slowly for an hour in water heated by one of Owakudani’s many hot springs. Almost like Darth Vader resurfacing out of the flames, these black eggs are guaranteed Instagram fodder that your followers will lap up. Crank up the geekiness by claiming to be a certain Queen of Dragons; but don’t forget to eat these tasty little morsels before they hatch! (Disclaimer: don’t get your hopes up.)

Add seven years to your life with one of these.

Owakudani is in a prime position for gorgeous panoramas of Lake Ashinoko and views of Mount Fuji. It is definitely recommended to take a sightseeing tour and hop off at Togendai so you can experience the awe-inspiring approach to Owakudani via the ropeway. The sights don’t end there, though. Getting up close and personal with a crater is possible because of the sightseeing decks but beware that Owakudani is very much an active volcano so make sure to stay well within the designated areas. If your egg didn’t fill you up, enjoy the scenery whilst taking a break in one of the many volcano-side restaurants. How often will you get a chance to do that on the weekend?!

Trivia

10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do in Hakone

Hakone isn’t all hot springs and epic views of Mt Fuji - there’s even more to discover in this day-trippers’ destination favorite.

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Things To Know

Volcanic Activity

Due to volcanic gases, walking and hiking trails around Owakudani are currently closed to tourists. The Hakone Ropeway and shops/restaurants around Owakudani are operating as normal at this time. However, if you have respiratory problems, it is advised that you avoid the area due to the volcanic gases.

How To Get There

Address

Japan, 〒250-0631 Kanagawa-ken, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi, Sengokuhara, 県道734号線

By train

Owakudani can be reached via the Hakone Ropeway, between Sounzan and Togendai. In order to get to Sounzan, you can take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station by transferring at Gora Station.

By boat

Togendai is connected by boat (sightseeing tours will usually stop here) with Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi.