Owakudani

大涌谷(大涌谷くろたまご館)

A steaming volcanic valley and a bag of black eggs

⚠ Crater trail: booking, card only

Hours

Black eggs on sale 9:00–16:40; shop 9:00–16:30 (varies by season)

Tickets

Free to look around (ropeway fare extra). Black eggs ¥500 for four. Guided crater trail: book online, ¥800 fee, no cash

Address

Sengokuhara, Hakone, right outside Owakudani station on the Hakone Ropeway

The moment the gondola clears the ridge, the hillside below turns sulphur-yellow. White steam leaks from every crack, and when the doors open the smell of boiled eggs rolls in. Those eggs are the point: cooked in the vents until the shells go black, they're said to add seven years to your life per egg. On a clear day Mt Fuji's summit sits right behind the viewing deck. The trail up towards the vents was closed for years and now only opens for small guided groups that you book ahead.