Owakudani, meaning “Great Boiling Valley”, is an active volcanic zone with sulphurous fumes and hot springs in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. This place was formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone about 3,000 years ago. It is a volcanic caldera located on the northern side of Mount Kamiyama. It lies between Sounzan and Togendaiko.
In Owakudani, there are many boiling pools of sulphur rich mineral water and huge vents spewing vocalnic fumes of hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide. The whole place has smell of suphur. This place is popular among tourists for its scenic views of the mountains, valleys and hot springs. It is also well-known for kuro-tamago, which is a local specialty of hard boiled eggs in hot natural spring waters. The boiled eggs are black in colour and consuming the eggs is said to increase longevity. The eggs are actually ordinary chicken eggs but the shell turns black when being boiled in the sulphuric hot springs. The eggs are popular among the people in Hakone. There are so many souvenirs associated with these eggs!
Tourists can go to Owakudani by taking a ride via a funitel, the Hakone Ropeway, or by road to a visitor’s centre below the Kuro-tamago hot springs site. Visitors using the funitel can experience a stunning view of Mount Fuji (if the sky’s clear) and an aerial view of the crater with the sulphur vents. The short walking trail, from the ropeway station to the volcanic zone of steam vents and hot springs, takes about 10mins. The black eggs can be purchased from the actual site where they are boiled. Due to constant volcanic activity, landslides may occur at the area. Hence, the walkways may be closed during times when dangerous conditions arise.
Lake Ashi, also known as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a beautiful lake located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Hakone is located less than 100 km from Tokyo and is a very popular tourist attraction. At Hakone, you will have the opportunity to see the most scenic view of Mount Fuji, beautiful green forests, volcanic mountains and hot springs. Lake Ashi lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano. It was formed after the volcano’s last eruption about 3,000 years ago.
Lake Ashi is the most popular attraction in Hakone. The lake, with Mount Fuji in the background, has become the symbol of Hakone. Lake Ashi is surrounded by mountains, valleys and forest and is popular for its magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Cruising Lake Ashi is a good way of seeing Hakone, as it provides great views of the mountains, green forests and its beautiful surroundings. During fall, when the leaves on the trees turn deep red, the views from the cruise boats are really stunning. Many cruise boats usually travel along the lake, bringing tourists here to enjoy the beautiful scenery. A boat cruise takes about 30 minutes to travel from one end of the lake to the other.
Due to frequent cloudy and misty atmosphere, the chances of viewing Mount Fuji are quite low. Usually, the visibility of Mount Fuji is better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer and in the early morning than late evening. Visitors who came to Lake Ashi can choose to stay at the many beautiful resorts located around the area so that they can spend more time enjoying the surroundings.
Many tourists come to Hakone mainly for leisure and relaxation. The place has ryokan (Japanese styled inns and resorts), onsen (hot springs and bath-houses) and golf courses. There are many organised tours from Tokyo to Hakone. Most tourists would not want to miss visiting Lake Ashi when they come to Hakone. Indeed, a visit to Lake Ashi is a real must for those who want to have the best of Hakone.
Lake Ashi, also known as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a beautiful lake located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Hakone is located less than 100 km from Tokyo and is a very popular tourist attraction. At Hakone, you will have the opportunity to see the most scenic view of Mount Fuji, beautiful green forests, volcanic mountains and hot springs. Lake Ashi lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano. It was formed after the volcano’s last eruption about 3,000 years ago.
Lake Ashi is the most popular attraction in Hakone. The lake, with Mount Fuji in the background, has become the symbol of Hakone. Lake Ashi is surrounded by mountains, valleys and forest and is popular for its magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Cruising Lake Ashi is a good way of seeing Hakone, as it provides great views of the mountains, green forests and its beautiful surroundings. During fall, when the leaves on the trees turn deep red, the views from the cruise boats are really stunning. Many cruise boats usually travel along the lake, bringing tourists here to enjoy the beautiful scenery. A boat cruise takes about 30 minutes to travel from one end of the lake to the other.
Due to frequent cloudy and misty atmosphere, the chances of viewing Mount Fuji are quite low. Usually, the visibility of Mount Fuji is better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer and in the early morning than late evening. Visitors who came to Lake Ashi can choose to stay at the many beautiful resorts located around the area so that they can spend more time enjoying the surroundings.
Many tourists come to Hakone mainly for leisure and relaxation. The place has ryokan (Japanese styled inns and resorts), onsen (hot springs and bath-houses) and golf courses. There are many organised tours from Tokyo to Hakone. Most tourists would not want to miss visiting Lake Ashi when they come to Hakone. Indeed, a visit to Lake Ashi is a real must for those who want to have the best of Hakone.