Owakudani Observatory

Owakudani sits inside a crater born from Mount Hakone's last great eruption some 3,000 years ago, and the earth here has never quite settled. Sulphurous vents billow white steam across the rocky valley floor, lending the air a sharp mineral edge that reminds you this landscape is very much alive. The Hakone Ropeway glides directly over the spectacle, connecting Sounzan and Togendai, while the observatory area below offers a closer encounter. The site's signature treat: kuro-tamago, eggs turned jet-black by the hot spring pools: comes with a cheerful local legend: eat one and gain seven years of life.

When to go

Clear winter and autumn mornings offer the finest chance of an unobstructed Mount Fuji view, when low humidity keeps the horizon sharp. Arrive early or late in the day to enjoy the steam vents at their most atmospheric.

“Beautiful views of Mount Fuji from here as well! It was a beautiful drive to get here I bet during spring time this road must be whimsical with all the Sakura trees along the road. I would love to come back just for that 😍”— Cynthia Nagel, Google review