Ōwakudani Station

Are you acrophobic? You're gonna hate the Hakone Ropeway, which is all the more reason why you've just gotta experience it! Start your ascent at the Sounzan Station, climbing above the cloud layer to arrive at Owakudani station, a waypoint where you can purchase such novelties as charcoal ice cream, and tasty, slightly sulfurous eggs whose shells have carbonized to a jet black after being boiled in volcanic hot spring water; they say eating one adds seven years to your life! If you're afraid of heights, you probably need to add back seven years, since the ascent probably shaved a few off, eh? When you're ready, the ropeway continues on, descending and swaying gently as it makes its way towards its terminus at Togendai station, on the shore of Lake Ashi. Stop, shop, catch your breath, grab some food at one of the many local, world-class restaurants, and when you're ready, you can board a replica pirate ship (of all things!) to continue your journey. Hopefully you're not a limnophobe or thalassoharpaxophobe as well! Along the way, you'll encounter sweeping, gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji, volcanic pools, ancient forests, picturesque mountain towns, gorgeous bodies of water and, more than likely, other tourists, cowering and squealing with fear and trepidation, snapping skittish selfies while trying to maintain their balance and keep their nauseated stomachs in check. Fun for the whole family!

Well-maintained station with a restaurant and convenience store all in one place. I loved the serenity of the location.

Highly overrated in it’s entirety. The landscape is small and consists almost entirely of tree covered hills. Trains etc run with the usual Japanese efficiency. Very crowded even midweek at the end of September.

Do not miss riding the Ropeway to Owakudani Station. The views of the sulphur mines and mt Fuji are simply breathtaking. If you drive up to the station you will miss these views. Get your camera and video ready for a good photo taking opportunity! Even though there is a queue, the Ropeway cars are plentiful and the queue moves fast. We rode it up and down. Sunset view is even more spectacular

I was worried the sulphur smell would be a bit much for me to handle but thankfully there was hardly any on the day I went, apart from the occasional whiff of rotten egg smell when the wind blew. I tried the vanilla and egg ice cream as well as a pancake with red bean paste from one of the stalls here which was pretty good. If you're in a rush to explore Hakone, you don't necessarily have to get off here but if you just want to take in the sights, it wont be a complete waste of time either.

Take the ropeway to see a more interesting view of Owakudani! The cable car passes over the sulfur vents that you wouldn't be able to see without going through the guided tour. The round trip ticket allows for stopovers at the other stations, so you can use it for a full day tour around the area. If you are going for the cruise at Lake Ashi as well, they sell bundle tickets together with this ropeway that go for a lower price.

The cable ride up was good from sounzan even though I was a little wary at first. The sulfur smell isn't a lot but the views for Fuji are amazing :) however there was a cable car delay and the line was stupidly long, so we came back down the way we came. Use the free pass and you can get a return from Shinjuku if you are around that area :)

What you see is really depends on local weather. Please check the Hakone observatory report before you get to there. There are two souvenirs shop nearby, one in Owakudani Station, another one is just next to the station, don’t miss it.