Owakudani Visitor Guide

This guide is for travelers seeking volcanic landscapes and black eggs. It answers: “What is Owakudani?”

Quick Facts

Best for: Nature enthusiasts, unique experiences
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Access: Hakone Ropeway from Gora or Togendai
Famous for: Black eggs (kuro-tamago)

Overview

Owakudani Visitor Guide - Image 2 — Photo by Joli Rumi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley) is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. The otherworldly landscape of steam, sulfur, and barren rock is a must-see Hakone attraction.

Steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools in Owakudani volcanic valley — Owakudani Hot Springs — Photo by Joli Rumi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

What to Do

Black Eggs

Eggs boiled in the hot springs turn black from sulfur. Said to add 7 years to your life per egg. Sold at the top station (5 eggs for about ¥500).

Close-up of Owakudani black eggs (kuro-tamago) in a basket — Owakudani Black Eggs — Photo by Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Viewing Area

Walking trail to view active vents (may close during high volcanic activity). Dramatic scenery with steam rising from vents.

Dramatic landscape of Owakudani with steam rising from active sulfur vents — Owakudani Volcanic Landscape — Photo by Joli Rumi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Mt. Fuji Views

On clear days, spectacular views of Mt. Fuji from the ropeway and viewing platforms.

Hakone Ropeway gondola ascending with a clear view of Mount Fuji in the distance — Hakone Ropeway with Mt. Fuji — Photo by Ka23 13 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Panoramic view of Mount Fuji from an Owakudani viewing platform or Hakone Ropeway — Mount Fuji from Owakudani — Photo by Ka23 13 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Tips

Volcanic activity: Area may close temporarily during elevated activity. Check conditions.
Health warning: Not recommended for those with respiratory or heart conditions due to sulfur gases.

Getting There

From Narita Airport (NRT)

Recommended (Premium): Take the Narita Express (N’EX – red & white) from Terminal 1 or 2 directly to Shinjuku Station in approximately 85–90 minutes. Terminal 3 users should take the shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first. From Shinjuku, transfer to the Odakyu Line to reach the Hakone region. Budget: Take the Keisei Main Line 🔵 to Nippori Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line 🟢 to Shinjuku.

From Haneda Airport (HND)

Recommended (Mid-range): Take the Keikyu Line 🔴 from any terminal (T1, T2, T3) to Shinagawa Station in approximately 15–20 minutes. From Shinagawa, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station (fastest) or the JR Yamanote Line 🟢 to Shinjuku Station to connect with the Odakyu Line. Direct highway buses also operate from Haneda Airport to Hakone-Yumoto, taking approximately 140 minutes depending on traffic.

From Major Stations

From Shinjuku Station: Take the Odakyu “Romancecar” (limited express) directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station in approximately 75–85 minutes (Premium). Alternatively, the Odakyu Rapid Express 🔵 takes approximately 95 minutes (Budget).
From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (blue/white) to Odawara Station in approximately 35 minutes, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway or bus to reach the Hakone interior.

Local Access

Owakudani is a station on the Hakone Ropeway and requires multiple transfers to reach. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station (approximately 40 minutes). Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan Station (approximately 10 minutes), then board the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Station (approximately 8–10 minutes). The Hakone Freepass is highly recommended as it covers the round trip from Shinjuku and all local transport (train, cable car, ropeway) in the area. IC cards (Suica, PASMO) are accepted on trains and buses, but the Freepass offers significant savings.

Sources

Official site: Hakone Ropeway

Last updated: 2026-02-03