What to eat in Hakone: the black eggs of Owakudani
Owakudani and the black eggs
Owakudani is a live geothermal valley of sulphur vents, sitting under the middle of the ropeway between Sounzan and Togendai. The eggs are boiled in the springs there and they are what the place is known for. You reach it by ropeway, which means the eggs are subject to the same timetable as everything else: the last run is 16:45, or 16:15 in December and January, and Owakudani station itself stays open to 17:00 in the February to November timetable. High wind suspends the ropeway altogether. Fares and hours are on the ropeway page, and live status is at hakonenavi.jp.
Lunch, if you are on a coach tour
Here is what the operators’ own inclusion lists say. The most-booked ropeway day tour excludes lunch. The best-rated Fuji and Hakone tour does not include meals. The cable-car-and-cruise tour and the Shinkansen-return tour include lunch only if you select that option when booking. The all-inclusive bullet-train tour includes a buffet lunch if selected. On several of these, cash is worth carrying — one reviewer was “little annoyed cash was needed” and lost time finding an ATM.
Choosing the rest
Eat the eggs at Owakudani, and choose the rest when you are standing there. More about the stops is on things to do in Hakone.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hakone famous for eating?
The black eggs boiled in the geothermal springs at Owakudani, which sits under the middle of the ropeway between Sounzan and Togendai. That is the local speciality, and the one to plan your stop around.
Is lunch included on a Hakone day tour?
It depends on the product and it is worth checking before you book. The most-booked ropeway tour excludes lunch and the best-rated Fuji and Hakone tour does not include meals; the cable-car-and-cruise, Shinkansen-return and all-inclusive bullet-train tours include lunch only when you select that option. Inclusions for all eight are on the tours page.
Where should I eat in Hakone?
Start with the black eggs, and choose the rest of your meals once you are there.