Owakudani Hell Valley and Lake Ashi: Hakone Guided Tour, Ropeway & Pirate Ship
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity level; suitable for most fitness levels with short walks and steps at viewpoints.
Overview
Ride the ropeway into Owakudani’s smoking vents, taste the famous black eggs, then cross mirror-still Lake Ashi on a pirate ship. This six-hour guided tour pairs geological spectacle with calm lakeside scenery—ideal for first-time visitors to Hakone.
Owakudani Hell Valley and Lake Ashi: Hakone Guided Tour, Ropeway & Pirate Ship
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The ropeway lifts you out of the tree line and into a world where the ground exhales: plumes of steam coil from vents and the sulfur-scented air tangles with your breath. From the cable cabin you can see a valley that once frightened travelers into calling it "Hell Valley"—blackened rock, hissing fumaroles, and the tiny figures threading along observation decks. On clear days, the steam parts long enough to reveal Mount Fuji, balanced like a silent witness over Lake Ashi.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Owakudani’s steam and wind make temperatures variable—bring a light insulated layer and a windproof shell.
Bring cash for vendors
Black eggs and small museum admissions are often cash-only; carry small bills and coins.
Check visibility windows
For Mt. Fuji views, aim for early morning in winter or clear autumn days—ask your guide about local weather windows.
Watch footing on observation decks
Glass platforms like the Ibuki Deck can be slippery when wet—use the provided railings and wear shoes with grip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (occasionally in higher forests)
- waterfowl and kingfishers on Lake Ashi
History
Hakone grew as a strategic post town on the Tokaido route; Owakudani’s ‘hell’ name dates to Edo-period reactions to fumaroles and boiling vents.
Conservation
The geothermal vents are fragile—stay on designated paths, avoid touching vent areas, and respect vendor and park rules to protect fragile chemistry and vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good grip is useful on observation decks and uneven boardwalks around vents.
Light waterproof shell
Protects against wind and sudden rain while riding the ropeway or on lake decks.
spring specific
Small daypack
Carries water, camera, and layers without weighing you down during short walks.
summer specific
Compact camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens
Captures sweeping lake views, ropeway scenes, and the Ibuki glass deck perspective.