Owakudani

Owakudani is a volcanic valley that has sulfur vents releasing fumes. The volcanic activity attracts the interest of many tourists. While there it is recommended to have the famed kuro tamago (black egg). It is a hard-boiled egg that was cooked in the hot springs with sulfuric properties. The black color comes from the chemical reaction with the sulfur in the water. It is said that eating one of the eggs will increase your life expectancy by seven years. They can be found along the short walking trail from the ropeway station. There are also hiking trails that lead to the peak of Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake. There is also the Hakone Ropeway that goes over Owakudani. It is a thirty-minute ride starting from Sounzan and ending at Togendai station. From the ropeway you can see Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji and the volcanic fume emitting from Owakudani.