Hakone Owakudani & Lake Ashi Van Tour — Ropeway, Black Eggs & Pirate Ship Cruise
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short boardwalk walks and light standing; minimal uphill walking.
Overview
Ride the ropeway over steaming fissures, taste the famed black eggs cooked by volcanic heat, then relax on a pirate-ship cruise across Lake Ashi. This six-hour van tour compresses Hakone’s elemental geology and lakeside calm into one accessible day trip.
Hakone Owakudani & Lake Ashi Van Tour — Ropeway, Black Eggs & Pirate Ship Cruise
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You step off the van into a high wind that smells faintly of eggs and iron; steam threads up from the valley like a rope of breath. Below, the gondolas of the Hakone Ropeway glide over pocked terrain where fumaroles exhale white and yellow and the earth itself seems to be cooking. Around you, tourists cluster at railings, cameras angled toward skittering vents and the new glass Ibuki Deck that juts out over the maw of Owakudani.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a face covering for sulfur fumes
Volcanic vents release sulfurous gases that can irritate sensitive lungs — a simple mask or bandana helps if you notice irritation.
Dress in layers and windproofs
Even on warm days the ridge can be windy and cool; a light jacket that blocks wind is essential at the ropeway and Ibuki Deck.
Carry small change
The black eggs, snacks, and some museum stalls accept cash only — keep ¥1,000–¥3,000 handy for purchases and fees.
Time your visit for visibility
Mount Fuji appears on clear mornings; mid-afternoon haze is common — aim for a morning ropeway and lake cruise for better views.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (often in nearby forests)
- Varied waterfowl on Lake Ashi such as herons and ducks
History
Hakone long served as a checkpoint and rest stop on the old Tokaido route between Edo and Kyoto; the area’s volcanic features shaped travel, settlement, and onsen culture.
Conservation
Owakudani’s fragile geothermal terrain is protected — stick to boardwalks, avoid touching vents, and follow signage to minimize erosion and exposure to hazardous gases.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks cold gusts on the ridge and makes time on the Ibuki Deck more comfortable.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good traction helps on wooden boardwalks and uneven volcanic ground.
Light face mask or bandana
Reduces irritation from sulfurous fumes if you’re sensitive.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Clear days offer iconic views of the ropeway, vents, and Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi.