Owakudani , "The Valley of Hell"
Owakudani is located along the Hakone Ropeway and lies between Sounzan and Togendaiko. It is still spewing and bubbling with sulphur and thermal smoke about 3000 years after the last volcanic eruption of Mt. Kamiyama. The entire area is still hazy and smells of sulphur and egg. Around the crater at Owakudani is where you find what I call the "Egg of Life". It is known locally as kurotamago or black-egg.
Kuro-tamago (Black eggs)
According to Japanese legend, every black egg that you eat will prolong your life by 7 years. Kuro-tamago are very popular as a life-prolonging food.
One black egg for adding 7 years to your life.
Two black eggs for adding 14 years to your life....
But for 3 eggs..hmmmm.. i’m not sure (T_T)
Cable Car
Most visitors who arrive at Owakudani’s cable car terminal brave the one kilometer hike up to where the eggs are boiled and served.
A word of warning for those with a fear of heights: when you cross a ridge and are suddenly suspended hundreds of feet in the air above the this valley, it’s a bit unnerving. On a windy day it can be especially interesting. LOL. Fortunately, you’ll have a good view of Mt. Fuji to help dispel the worst of the panic. :)
