Owakudani: Hakone’s Volcanic Valley

Our October 2025 visit to Owakudani, with current visitor information and practical planning tips.

Our visit

The ropeway carried us above the slopes to Owakudani, a landscape of steam, sulfur and exposed volcanic terrain. Fuji remained behind clouds here too, so we focused on the valley itself.

It was one of the route’s most distinctive stops: instead of a shrine or city street, visitors encounter an active geothermal area and rapidly changing mountain weather.

What to know

Owakudani was formed by the last eruption of Mount Hakone thousands of years ago. Trail access can change because of volcanic gases, weather or maintenance.

Planning the visit

Check the official ropeway and area status on the morning of the visit. Special warnings apply to people with respiratory or heart conditions because of volcanic gases.

For a wider route beyond the cities, compare transport and car-rental options in advance and decide what the itinerary actually requires.