Owakudani Natural Hot Springs
Posted by: 
S5280ft
N 35° 14.395 E 139° 01.129
54S E 319730 N 3901448
Owakudani crater is reached by the Hakone Ropeway from either Sounzan or Togendai. The region is still very hot from magma close to the surface, causing numerous hot springs and fumaroles.
Waymark Code: WM35XX
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Date Posted: 02/15/2008
Views: 66
From the informational plaque on-site:
"Owaduzawa (Owakudani) is and explosion crater created by a large-scale phreatic explosion about 3000 years ago. The crater still discharges fumarolic gas containing poisonous hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The bedrock in the area is very fragile due to this fumarolic activity having caused landslides in the past
In 1910 there was an extensive landslide by heavy rain, sediment runoff attacking the banks of Hayakawa River causing a major disaster and many causalities. This side of the mountain continues to have frequent landslides and collapses since.
To prevent further landslide disasters, Kanagawa prefectural government has been undertaking contingency planning including erosion-control works and lining of mountainsides with stones, boring and anchoring work."
Japanese tradition is to hard boil eggs in the hot springs. The eggshells turn black from the minerals and take on a slight sulfurous smell. Each egg you eat is said to add 7 years to your life. The eggs can be purchased for 500 yen (about $5 US) for six. That is the answer to add 42 years to your life.
Temperature (C): 100
Type: Primitive
Cost?: No Cost
Open to the Public?: yes
Clothing Optional?: no
Other Amenities:
There are tables and trash cans available to crack and eat the eggs.
Temperature (F): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
1. Include a photo of the hot spring
2. Describe your visit.