Hakone’s Owakudani: Iconic Views, Onsen Culture & Must-Do Experiences
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How to Enjoy Owakudani & Hakone: A Classic Guide for First-Time Japan Travelers
Hakone remains one of Japan’s most beloved destinations—famous for its steaming valleys, onsen culture, and unforgettable views of Mt. Fuji.
Owakudani, often called the “Valley of Hell,” is one of Hakone’s most iconic spots. Formed by volcanic activity nearly 3,000 years ago, it offers travelers a rare chance to witness Japan’s geothermal power up close. Whether you’re visiting on a Japan Highlights Tour or exploring independently, Hakone’s blend of scenic landscapes and cultural charm makes it an essential stop on many Japan tours.
1. Ride the Hakone Ropeway for Stunning Mt. Fuji Views
One of the most exciting ways to experience Owakudani is from above. The Hakone Ropeway glides over volcanic vents, sulfur clouds, and rugged terrain—offering panoramic vistas that are truly spectacular. On clear days, the ropeway provides one of the region’s best views of Mt. Fuji.
This experience is a highlight for guests on our Hakone-included Japan group tours, and it’s often described as one of the most memorable moments of the itinerary.
2. Sample Owakudani’s Famous Black Eggs (Kuro-Tamago)
A visit to Owakudani isn’t complete without trying its iconic black eggs, boiled in naturally heated sulfur springs. Legend says eating one extends your life by seven years—a fun tradition that travelers of all ages enjoy.
The eggs’ distinctive black shells are created by the valley’s unique mineral-rich waters, making them a cultural and geological curiosity you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Walk the Owakudani Geothermal Trails
Designated walking paths allow travelers to safely observe bubbling pools, steaming vents, and rugged volcanic landscapes. Interpretive signs explain Hakone’s geothermal history, making the area a fascinating outdoor classroom for visitors interested in Japanese geology and environmental science.
These trails offer excellent photo spots and a chance to experience the valley’s raw natural power up close—while still following safety guidelines.
4. Relax in Hakone’s World-Class Onsen
Hakone is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring regions, with mineral-rich waters prized for their soothing benefits. Many travelers choose to stay in a traditional ryokan, where you can unwind in open-air baths surrounded by forest and mountains.
Our Private Tours includes a night in Hakone, giving guests the chance to experience authentic onsen culture—one of the most memorable parts of any Japan journey.
5. Cruise Lake Ashi for Classic Postcard Views
Lake Ashi is famous for its tranquil waters, red torii gate, and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. The popular sightseeing cruise offers a peaceful contrast to the volcanic scenery of Owakudani, creating a beautifully balanced Hakone experience.
From the deck of the boat, travelers can capture the famous “Fuji + Torii + Lake Ashi” view—one of Japan’s most iconic travel images.
6. Visit Hakone Shrine, a Cultural Treasure
Hidden in a cedar forest along the shore of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is both serene and visually striking. Its bright vermilion torii gate rising from the water has become a symbol of Hakone’s spiritual heritage.
The shrine is a meaningful stop for travelers seeking cultural depth, and it pairs beautifully with the Owakudani ropeway and Ashi cruise on the same day.
7. Experience Hakone’s Art & Museums
Hakone is home to several world-class museums, including The Hakone Open-Air Museum—famous for its sculpture park, natural surroundings, and Picasso collection. Art lovers often describe Hakone as one of Japan’s most inspiring regions, where creativity and nature harmonize beautifully.
Your Perfect Hakone Experience Awaits
Owakudani and Hakone together offer a balanced blend of nature, culture, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're gliding above volcanic valleys, soaking in an onsen, or admiring Mt. Fuji from a lakeside shrine, Hakone provides a classic Japan experience that resonates with travelers from around the world.
If you’re planning a Japan trip and want to explore Hakone with ease, consider joining one of our guided tours:
Hakone is timeless—discover it at its best.
Travel Desk
Hakone is a place that continues to surprise me, no matter how many times I visit. Each season transforms the landscape in its own way—cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas during the rainy season, the vivid greens of summer, and the fiery colors of autumn. Even when I walk the same paths or ride the same ropeway, the scenery feels completely different from the time before. That’s one of the many reasons Hakone has become a destination I return to again and again.
Living in Tokyo, Hakone was close enough for spontaneous day trips. I often hopped on the train early in the morning—sometimes just to stroll around the valleys, enjoy a quiet onsen, or savor a bowl of local soba at a small shop near the station. The Hakone area is filled with simple pleasures that reward slow, mindful travel.
One of my personal favorites is the Daiyuzan Railway, which uses a rare switchback method to climb the mountains. Watching the train change direction as it ascends, with the forest closing in around the windows, always feels a little magical. Even the scenery from the train—misty hillsides, old wooden bridges, and small stations—has a nostalgic charm you don’t often find so close to Tokyo.
And when the weather cooperates, the view of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway is breathtaking. That moment when the gondola clears the ridge and Fuji suddenly appears in the distance is something I’ve never grown tired of. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you're joining a guided tour or planning a private trip, Hakone remains one of my most recommended destinations. It's close, accessible, beautiful in every season, and full of experiences that speak to both first-time visitors and repeat travelers. I hope your journey here will be as memorable as the many I've enjoyed over the years.