Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
When people think of Owakudani, they usually picture its famous black eggs and steaming volcanic vents. But there’s also a lesser-known spot that offers a completely different perspective: the Owakudani Nature Research Trail. This trail isn’t open to the general public; you can only access it by joining an official guided tour.
I’ve actually visited Owakudani four or five times before, but I couldn’t always join this guided trail. Sometimes the weather didn’t cooperate, and other times all the slots were already booked. But during my most recent trip, I happened to notice one open slot the night before, so I grabbed the chance and finally made it!
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to join the Owakudani Nature Research Trail tour, the process, important tips, and my overall impressions, so you can easily plan your own Hakone trip.
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About the Owakudani Nature Research Trail
This 700-meter-long trail cuts through the very heart of Owakudani’s volcanic zone. Owakudani itself is one of Hakone’s most popular sightseeing areas, jointly managed by Hakone Geopark (箱根ジオパーク) and Kuro-Tamago-kan. Because the sulfur gas concentration is high, the area is usually off-limits, and only opens for visitors during official guided tours.
Walking along this path under the supervision of trained staff allows you to safely experience Owakudani’s intense geothermal energy up close, while learning about the surrounding volcanic landscape and natural ecology.
Is the Owakudani Nature Research Trail Worth It?
There are four tours per day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. All taking place within the Owakudani area, which makes joining very convenient for anyone visiting Hakone.
If you’re on a tight one-day itinerary, it might feel a bit rushed, but the guided walk only takes about an hour. If you have the time, I highly recommend it. Especially if you’ve never hiked near a volcano before, this tour offers a rare and memorable experience.
The scenery reminded me of when I climbed Yakedake, one of Japan’s 100 famous Alps mountains, the sight of volcanic gas continuously billowing from the ground leaves a deep impression.
That said, if you’re taking the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, you can still enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic crater and steam vents along the way. So if your schedule is really tight, skipping the tour is also perfectly fine.
Related article:
[ Yakedake Hiking Experience ]
How to Join the Owakudani Nature Research Trail
Because the area is strictly controlled, entry is only possible through the official guided tour. Reservations are primarily accepted via the official website, though same-day sign-ups may be possible if there are last-minute cancellations. However, since the tour is very popular, the chances of walking in and securing a spot are quite low.
Each tour is limited to around 20 participants. The event may be canceled if the weather is bad or if sulfur gas levels rise. If your schedule is set, book online early, slots often fill up fast!
Owakudani Nature Research Trail – Tour Details
Access: Get off at Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway (parking available for those driving)
Reservation: Must book via the official Owakudani Nature Research Trail website
Booking period: Opens roughly one month in advance; limited spots
Fee: Around ¥800 per person (includes insurance; check the official website for updates, approximately USD 5.20)
Eligibility: Due to the environment, there may be age and health restrictions. Please read all safety notes carefully before booking.
Tour times: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
What to Expect: Step-by-Step Process
1. Online Reservation in Advance
You’ll need to complete a reservation form on the official website before your visit. The form only asks for basic information, and you’ll pay the participation fee when checking in on-site.
2. On-Site Check-In and Payment
The check-in counter is located inside the Hakone Geo Museum (箱根ジオミュージアム), right next to the Kuro-Tamago-kan building.
If there happens to be an open slot that day, you can also register and pay on-site. Both credit cards and electronic payments are accepted.
During check-in, staff will explain the meeting point and schedule. You’ll receive a confirmation card with a small map printed on the back, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
Meeting Point & Gear Distribution
When I joined the tour, the meeting point was located just above Gokuraku Chaya, near an open area close to Shinsen-no-Yu, a spot that’s usually crowded with tourists.
When it’s time to begin, the guide and staff members will hand out helmets on-site.
The entrance to the Nature Research Trail is normally sealed off and only opens for official guided tours. The moment you put on your helmet and get ready to go, you’ll probably notice curious, and maybe even slightly envious, glances from nearby tourists. It’s a little funny!
Pre-Departure & Safety Briefing
After entering the trail, the guide stops early on to go over some important safety notes. For example, during our visit, there were active volcano monitoring operations underway, with several wires on the ground we had to be careful not to trip over. Other unique hazards of the trail were also explained in detail.
Our guide, Mr. Umemoto, was warm, approachable, and made the explanations both fun and easy to understand. He seamlessly switched to fluent English when addressing the Western participants in our group, making sure everyone was on the same page.
Later, we paused at a small evacuation shelter, where he explained the protocol in case of a sudden eruption and showed us the gas masks and other emergency gear stored inside.
Scenic Outlook Along the Trail
Aside from observing volcanic activity, there’s also a scenic viewpoint along the route.
If the weather’s clear, this spot offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, even though the weather was pretty good on the day I went, the cloud cover was too thick, so no Fuji for me that time 🙁
Final Stop: Kuro-Tamago (Black Egg) Production Site
The tour ends at the site where Hakone’s iconic Kuro-Tamago (black eggs) are made. Nearby, you can also see a bubbling hot volcanic mud pool.
Interestingly, even before arriving, we saw chicken eggs being transported up from the base of the mountain via conveyor belt, placed in little metal baskets. At the site, the eggs are boiled in naturally hot volcanic spring water and then sold at the Kuro-Tamago-kan shop.
Wrapping Up the Tour
On the way back, Mr. Umemoto pointed out lichens growing along the trail, a type of symbiotic organism made up of fungi and algae. These hardy life forms can withstand drought, poor soil, and strong UV rays, allowing them to survive even in this harsh volcanic environment.
In contrast, a cherry tree growing under a steel canopy looked healthy, but the branches stretching beyond the shelter were nearly bare, possibly due to the effects of volcanic gas, though we couldn’t say for sure.
The tour wrapped up in just about an hour. At the end, the guide led us back to the starting point, we returned our helmets, and the group disbanded.
Important Reminders
・Tours may be canceled up to 30 minutes before start time due to weather or high volcanic gas levels.
・Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes with good grip.
・If you’re sensitive to sulfur smells, consider bringing a mask or damp towel.
・This tour is not suitable for pregnant visitors or those using canes or walking aids.
Please make sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date safety guidelines.
Owakudani Nature Research Trail – Tour Details
Access: Get off at Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway (parking available for those driving)
Reservation: Must book via the official Owakudani Nature Research Trail website
Booking period: Opens roughly one month in advance; limited spots
Fee: Around ¥800 per person (includes insurance; check the official website for updates, approximately USD 5.20)
Eligibility: Due to the environment, there may be age and health restrictions. Please read all safety notes carefully before booking.
Tour times: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
Final Thoughts
The Owakudani Nature Research Trail offers a rare opportunity to step right into the heart of Owakudani. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you don’t just admire the scenery from afar, you get to explore the volcanic terrain up close while learning about its unique geology and ecosystems along the way.
Even though the tour only lasts about an hour, it’s packed with surprising discoveries and fascinating insights, making it well worth the time.
If you’re planning a trip to Hakone, I highly recommend adding the Owakudani Nature Research Trail to your itinerary, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the raw power and allure of a live volcano firsthand.
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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