Hakone, Japan: Owakudani

When I visited Owakudani in Hakone, the experience felt like stepping onto another planet. The landscape is dramatic—steaming vents, sulfur rising into the air, and rocky terrain that constantly reminds you this is still very much an active volcanic area. It’s a little surreal to be walking around knowing that the earth beneath you is alive and bubbling.

Beyond the natural wonder, Owakudani is also about the little delights you can pick up along the way. The shopping area is full of quirky souvenirs—volcano-themed trinkets, black egg keychains, and local specialties. It has that classic “tourist stop” feel, but in a fun way, and it’s hard not to grab a few keepsakes.

And then, of course, there are the famous black eggs. They’re regular eggs cooked in the volcanic hot springs, and the shells turn jet black from the sulfur. The legend is that eating one adds seven years to your life, so naturally, I had to try it. Biting into it was a funny experience—the inside looked and tasted exactly like a normal hard-boiled egg. It was almost anticlimactic, but also memorable because of the setting and the ritual. Sitting in Hakone’s mountain air, peeling a pitch-black egg, and tasting something so ordinary felt oddly special.

Dining-wise, you’ll find small shops selling the eggs in little packs and a few eateries offering snacks and simple meals. It’s not a gourmet destination, but it’s more about the novelty of eating something cooked in the earth’s natural heat.

All in all, Owakudani is a must-stop if you’re in Hakone. It’s not just about the taste of the eggs, but the entire atmosphere—shopping, steaming vents, and the sense of being right at the edge of nature’s raw power. A little touristy, yes, but in the best possible way. Enjoy!