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Observation decks

Owakudani Volcanic Valley & Black Eggs

大涌谷

Hakone (upper Hakone Ropeway) · near Owakudani Station (Hakone Ropeway) (2 min walk)

Owakudani Volcanic Valley & Black Eggs in Hakone (upper Hakone Ropeway). You ride a gondola over a steaming, sulphur-smelling active volcanic valley, then eat an egg boiled black in the hot springs (said to add seven years to your life).

Why children love it: You ride a gondola over a steaming, sulphur-smelling active volcanic valley, then eat an egg boiled black in the hot springs (said to add seven years to your life).

Honest drawbacks: Strong sulphur smell and volcanic gas mean the site sometimes closes; those with breathing issues are advised to take care and it is exposed and cold up high.

Best for
Primary (5–11), Teens (12–17)
Time to allow
1h
Opening hours
Ropeway and viewing area roughly 9:00-17:00 (shorter in winter). Access can close at short notice when volcanic gas levels rise, so check advisories.
Price
The valley viewpoint is free to reach if you already hold a ropeway ticket / Hakone Freepass; the famous kuro-tamago black eggs are 500 yen for a pack of four.
Booking
Usually walk-in
English
★★★☆☆
Indoor / weather
outdoor

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