Ôwakudani
On your trip to Hakone, be sure to stop by Owakudani, which means “great boiling valley” in Japanese. It is a region of hot springs and sulfur vents creating a dynamic landscape that looks like it comes from a science-fiction movie. There is a tourist center explaining the geography, which also has a souvenir shop with local specialties and a restaurant called Yunohana. Hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, though there may be some seasonal variation.
Owakudani black egg
Take the roughly 1 kilometer path to see the sulfur vents and boiling springs up close. Try one of the famous “black eggs,” the local specialty, at Tamago-Jaya where they are made. There is also an annex to the visitor center, called Yu-Land, at the base of the path. Owakudani is one of the stations on the Hakone Ropeway. This side trip is sure to be a memorable part of your trip. For more information:
http://www.owakudani.com/index-e.html
photos by:
chaojikazu &
yoco**
