A Chill and Happy Day at Ōwakudani🥚

When I planned a short getaway to Hakone, I knew I had to include Ōwakudani (大涌谷) — the famous “Great Boiling Valley.” Known for its steaming volcanic vents, sulfur-scented air, and the iconic black eggs, this place was a unique mix of natural wonder and fun tourist vibes.

The adventure started with the ropeway ride. As the gondola lifted higher, the view just kept getting better. I could see little clouds of steam rising from the ground below, almost like the earth was quietly cooking something for us. The air was crisp, the ride was smooth, and I found myself just sitting back, smiling, feeling grateful for such a simple joy.

The moment I stepped out, the smell hit me — sulfur! It’s sharp, yes, but for some reason it didn’t bother me. Instead, it made me laugh a little. “So this is what Ōwakudani is all about,” I thought. The steaming vents around me made the whole place feel alive, almost like I was walking on another planet.

And then, of course, came the black eggs. You can’t go to Ōwakudani without trying them. The shells were pitch black from being boiled in the volcanic hot springs, but inside, just a regular egg. Still, the story that eating one would add seven years to your life made me smile. I cracked one open, sat down on a bench, and enjoyed it slowly. Somehow, in that moment, it felt like the simplest meal ever but also one of the happiest.

I didn’t rush. I just wandered, took photos, and let myself enjoyed the odd but beautiful mix of steaming earth and cool mountain air. At one point, I stopped, closed my eyes, and just listened — the faint hiss of steam, the murmur of people, the wind brushing past. It felt peaceful in the most natural way.

Before leaving, I grabbed a little snack from the shop and just sat for a while, looking at the valley one last time. I felt so chill, so content, like I had pressed a reset button on my mood. It wasn’t a big, dramatic adventure — just a simple day trip — but sometimes those are the best.


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Post by Kamponggirlroundtheworld | Sep 29, 2025