What other travelers are saying about Owakudani Valley
Owakudani is one of the most memorable spots in Hakone. The moment you arrive, you can see the steam rising from the volcanic vents and smell the sulfur in the air—it’s like stepping onto another planet. On a clear day, the view of Mt. Fuji is breathtaking.
The highlight for us was trying the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago), sold in warm 5-packs—delicious and fun with the local legend that each egg adds seven years to your life. The shops are clean and organized, and staff were kind. It’s also family-friendly: we had no issues with our stroller, and there are elevators in the main building to make it easier.
Pro tips:
• Weekdays = calmer → fewer crowds, easier for families.
• Check the weather → Mt. Fuji views only appear on clear days.
• Black eggs → come in 5-packs—perfect for sharing.
• Bring a jacket → cooler and windier up here.
• Ropeway status → check ahead, as it sometimes closes due to volcanic gases or strong winds.
• Strollers → use the elevator inside; outdoor paths are better with a compact stroller.
A unique, 10/10 experience that blends nature, culture, and a little bit of fun.
Definitely breathtaking. I came by cable car, and saw Mt Fuji and the overall view of the sulfur - majestic! I miss there already. I hope the trekking route was opened but it seems like you’ll need to book in advance for the trek.
We stopped at Owakudani while riding the Hakone Ropeway—definitely worth it for the views and the novelty. Tried the famous black eggs (kuro tamago), which are said to add seven years to your life. No idea if that’s true, but we’re counting on it.
Caught a nice glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the gondola—it looked totally different without snow on top. Still impressive, just a little less postcard-y.
The area smells like sulfur (because, volcano), but you get used to it quickly. We took some photos, ate the eggs, and browsed the gift shop—which was absolutely packed with tourists. Lots of cute souvenirs though, if you’re into that.
It’s a quick stop, but a fun one. Just don’t expect peace and quiet—it’s more of a “snack and selfie” kind of vibe.
Fantastic views of Mt. Fuji from the cable car. At Owakudani, you can really feel the volcanic activity with the sulfuric scent from the steam vents. There’s a large souvenir shop as well, including the famous black eggs. It’s a unique and memorable stop in Hakone. I just wish we could’ve stayed longer but our tour guide left us at the cable car station without giving us the tickets, so we ended up wasting time calling and waiting for him to send them over. A real bummer, honestly.
To be honest: nothing special! Yes, you can see the thermal springs here emitting smoke and sulfur, but that’s about it. With some luck, you get a nice view of Mt. Fuji, but you can enjoy that from many other beautiful places as well. Apart from the viewing platform, you can’t enter the area without booking a guided tour beforehand (which might have made it a bit more interesting).
Yes, it is generally safe to visit Owakudani Valley. However, as it is an active volcanic zone, there may be times when access is restricted due to increased volcanic activity. Visitors should check the latest information before planning their visit.
No, there is no accommodation in Owakudani Valley itself. However, there are numerous hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in the surrounding Hakone region where visitors can stay.
Despite the harsh volcanic environment, you might spot some local wildlife like the Japanese kestrel and various species of butterflies.
Owakudani Valley can be visited year-round. However, the views of Mount Fuji are particularly clear during the colder seasons, from late autumn to early spring.
Yes, there are hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area around Owakudani. However, due to the volcanic activity, these trails may sometimes be closed for safety reasons.
