Visit Japan Web Owakudani
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore the Owakudani. It surrounds a crater formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone approximately 3000 years ago. Presently, a significant portion of the region constitutes an active volcanic zone. It encounters with sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers. In addition, Owakudani provides splendid vistas of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Visitors can purchase eggs cooked in the hot spring pools of Owakudani at shops in the vicinity. Their shells become dark because of sulfur. Consuming one of these eggs is believed to extend one’s lifespan by seven years. A brief walking path extends from the ropeway station into the volcanic zone. It leads to numerous steam vents and simmering pools. The entire walk takes approximately 30 minutes. Access to the trail necessitates advance reservations and incurs a fee of 500 yen.
For the more adventurous, a hiking trail leads from the ropeway station to the peak of Mount Kamiyama. It continues on to Mount Komagatake from where you can catch the Komagatake Ropeway down to Lake Ashinoko. These hiking trails are currently closed due to potential volcanic activity. The hike takes about 2 hours one way and can be rocky or slippery as well as quite windy. Proper hiking shoes and rain gear are recommended.
Alternatively, about 30 minutes past the peak of Mount Kamiyama a trail splits off down towards Lake Ashinoko. It leads down the mountain and along the lake shore, ending at Kojiri not far from Togendai. The Hakone Ropeway connects back to Owakudani from here. The round trip takes about 4.5 hours.
