Owakudani

Owakudani was once called Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and Ojigoku (Large Hell) and is a fumarolic zone representative of Hakone. Although there are many valley formations, none are named Owakudani, and the name refers to the surrounding areas.

The largest of the valleys is the horseshoe shape in Photo 1 indicated with white dashes. This is where the northwest side of Mt. Kamiyama, a late central volcanic cone, collapsed about 3,000 years ago.  Mt. Kanmurigatake (Photo 2), is a lava dome formed after the collapse.

The fumes contain harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, which are heavier than air and tend to accumulate in valleys. This is why the area developed for tourism as Owakudani, are the elevated ridge-like areas that stretch south from Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station to Mount Mt. Kanmurigatake (Photo 3).

Ever since the volcanic eruption of 2015, 7 volcano rock shelters have been maintained, and the gift shop, station, and surrounding buildings have been built to function as evacuation shelters in the event of an eruption or increase in harmful gases. Although less noticeable as the fumaroles, high-temperature hot springs also gush up from several locations. The famous specialty black eggs are boiled in hot springs, then steamed in the fumaroles, and are hard-boiled eggs. Dead trees that are still standing can be seen in the area; however, these are mostly trees that died from harmful gasses released after the 2015 eruption.