How do I get to Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station from Tokyo?

Take JR Tokaido Line to Kozu, transfer to JR Tokaido Main Line to Odawara, then Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora, Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan, and finally Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Station. The total journey takes about 2-3 hours from Tokyo.

What are the operating hours and ticket prices for Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani?

Hakone Ropeway operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 4:15 PM in winter). One-way tickets cost 840 yen for adults and 420 yen for children. The Hakone Free Pass offers unlimited rides and significant savings for multiple attractions.

What can I see and do at Owakudani Station in Hakone?

At Owakudani Station, you can explore the active volcanic valley with sulfur vents and hot springs, try famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in sulfur springs, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days, visit souvenir shops, and experience the dramatic volcanic landscape.

Is Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station closed due to volcanic activity?

Owakudani Station operations depend on volcanic alert levels. During heightened volcanic activity, the station may temporarily close or restrict access for safety. Check official Hakone Ropeway website or call ahead before visiting, especially during periods of increased sulfur gas emissions.

Can I see Mount Fuji from Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station?

Yes, Owakudani Station offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days, particularly during autumn and winter months. The best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon. Weather conditions greatly affect visibility, so check forecasts before your Hakone ropeway journey.

Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station

4.4 (1802)Tourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 7, 2026

Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station serves as the gateway to one of Japan's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, situated at 1,044 meters above sea level in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The station opened in 1959 as part of the Hakone Ropeway system, providing visitors access to the active volcanic valley of Owakudani, which formed approximately 3,000 years ago during the last major eruption of Mount Hakone.

Owakudani, meaning "Great Boiling Valley," represents a significant geological site where sulfurous hot springs and steam vents continue to demonstrate ongoing volcanic activity. The area holds cultural importance as a sacred site in Shinto tradition, while its geothermal features have been utilized for centuries. The valley's most famous attraction is the kuro-tamago (black eggs), chicken eggs boiled in the natural hot springs that turn black due to sulfur and iron reactions. Local legend suggests eating one black egg extends life by seven years.

Visitors experience panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days, observe active sulfur vents and bubbling hot springs, and explore walking trails through the volcanic landscape. The station houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and observation decks. The Owakudani Geoseum provides educational exhibits about the region's geological history and volcanic activity. Photography opportunities abound, particularly from the ropeway gondolas during the scenic 16-minute journey from Togendai Station.

The Hakone Ropeway connects Sounzan Station to Togendai Station via Owakudani, operating daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with gondolas departing every minute during peak times. Access requires taking the Hakone Tozan Railway to Sounzan or arriving by boat at Togendai on Lake Ashi. A one-way ropeway ticket costs ¥840, while the Hakone Free Pass provides unlimited access to most Hakone transportation including the ropeway. The station is located approximately 90 minutes from Tokyo via Odawara Station. Volcanic activity occasionally suspends operations, so checking current status before visiting is recommended.

What other travelers are saying about Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station

Smooth ride, clear skies, and a Fuji bonus We rode the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani and had a great experience. Everything ran on time, the cabins were clean, and the ride felt very safe and smooth. The views were incredible—clear skies gave us a perfect look at the surrounding mountains and even Mt. Fuji, which showed up without its usual snowcap. Still stunning. It’s a short ride but definitely worth it, especially if the weather’s good. Great way to get to Owakudani and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Mika M

Oct 14, 2025

This spot is currently low-traffic, making for a pleasant visit. The cable car line is efficient and moves continuously. Crucially, buy your tickets via machine (credit card accepted) and purchase a 2-way fare immediately, as returning to the base station by cable car is mandatory. The summit offers views of sulfur vents and a few snack options (ice cream, including an unusual black flavor). It’s primarily a photo opportunity and can be completed comfortably in 30 minutes.

Hakone Ropeway’s Owakudani Station is a well-organized stop with great views of the volcanic valley. The station is clean, easy to navigate, and offers clear information about the ropeway route and nearby attractions. From here, you get excellent vantage points of the steam vents and the surrounding mountains.

Our taxi dropped us off at the the top, so after visiting we took the Ropeway down to the boat ride we had tickets for. Great views of Mt. Fuji. Smooth ride and great scenic views. Great way up and down!

Lovely experience. Super interesting to go above the sulfur springs. The cable car was clean and spacious. We have been to Multiple stations, all clean and well organized. Only downside it was very busy so long waiting times.