Hakone Ropeway | Gondola over an active volcano

0:00 Japan Adventure Series: Part Thirty-three—Hakone Ropeway
0:16 Hakone Ropeway (Sounzan to Owakudani)
1:25 Owakudani Valley
1:55 The famous Owakudani black egg
2:20 Sit down lunch at Owakudani Valley restaurant
3:35 Hakone Ropeway (Owakudani to Togendai)
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The Hakone Ropeway) is part of the Hakone Round Course, a popular way to visit Hakone. It connects Sounzan Station (at the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar) with Togendai Station (at the shore of Lake Ashinoko) and stops at Owakudani and Ubako stations on the way. The ropeway is fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass.

The ropeway's gondolas depart every minute and fit around ten people each. Traveling the full length of the ropeway takes around 30 minutes. Along the journey, passengers can enjoy views of the active, sulfuric hot spring sources of the Owakudani Valley between Sounzan and Owakudani and of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji between Owakudani and Togendai if visibility allows. A transfer of gondolas is necessary at Owakudani, but no transfer is needed at Ubako.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5223.html

The result of a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, Owakudani is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. This area is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hakone due to its volcanic activity and striking scenic views—you can even catch an amazing view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Due to volcanic gases, the area is sometimes closed, so check before you go.

Owakudani is accessible from Hakone-Yumoto Station via train, cable car, and ropeway.

About a 10-minute walk from the ropeway station is the main volcanic zone, where you will find steam vents and bubbling pools. You can purchase hard-boiled eggs cooked in the volcanically hot waters. With shells blackened by a chemical reaction with the hot spring water, these eggs are said to extend your life by seven years. Although the shell is black, the inside is a normal boiled egg.

You can also enjoy owakudani inspired egg or charcoal ice-cream or sit down and enjoy a meal at one of the several restaurants.

https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1566/