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Upon arriving in Owakudani, Japan, the first two things that impress visitors are not the steam rising from the ground or the warning signs about volcanic activity: first, the scent—a thick, sulfurous smell that reminds us the earth here is always on the verge of erupting; and second, the unique dish—kuro-tamago, or black eggs. Legend says that eating just one black egg will extend your lifespan by seven years. Regardless of the truth, this dish attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its flavor and explore the mysterious story behind it.
Owakudani Volcanic Valley, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Journey to Owakudani - The magnificent volcanic valley
Owakudani, meaning "Great Boiling Valley," was formed from an eruption of Mount Hakone approximately 3,000 years ago. Today, it has become one of the prominent destinations in Kanagawa Prefecture, attracting visitors with its spectacular natural scenery.
The scenery here is a stunning, unspoiled natural landscape, with geysers spewing white steam, strangely sulfur-colored rocks, and bubbling hot springs resembling a witch's cauldron. If you look closely, you'll see pipes running along the mountainside, carrying precious mineral water from Owakudani to the ryokan (traditional inns), a testament to the region's long history as an ideal destination for hot spring lovers.
There are many ways to get to Owakudani, but the most exciting route is the Hakone Ropeway. As the cable car departs from Sounzan Station, visitors are greeted by lush green forests before suddenly finding themselves in the pristine landscape of the volcanic region. The higher you ascend, the more steam rises from the earth, staining the rocks yellow with sulfurous minerals. This is the birthplace of the legendary black eggs.
Visitors should experience the Hakone Ropeway when visiting Owakudani.
Volcanic delicacy: Kuro-tamago black eggs
Kuro-tamago, or black eggs, are prepared using a very special process. Fresh eggs are placed in a wire basket and immersed in hot springs containing high levels of iron and sulfur, then cooked for about an hour. During this process, a chemical reaction between iron and hydrogen sulfide gas forms iron sulfide, causing the eggshells to turn jet black. After being boiled, the eggs are steamed for another 15 minutes to complete the process.
Despite its unusual appearance, once the black shell is peeled off, the egg white inside is smooth and shiny, indistinguishable from a regular boiled egg. The taste isn't particularly special either, with just a faint, characteristic mineral note. But what makes this egg so appealing is the legend of longevity associated with it.
Despite its unusual exterior, the inside of a kuro-tamago is no different from a regular boiled egg.
The legend of "seven years"
Legend has it that eating a black egg at Owakudani will extend your lifespan by seven years. This legend originates from an ancient statue of Enmei Jizo Bosatsu, meaning "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva bestowing longevity." According to legend, this statue was sculpted by the monk Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago.
Enmei Jizo is considered the guardian deity of children, the elderly, and the weak, and is believed to bestow blessings and prolong life for those who sincerely pray to it. Therefore, when locals discovered eggs turning black after being boiled in the hot spring, they believed they had absorbed the spiritual energy of this sacred land and could help people live longer.
The number "seven" is not accidental. In Japanese culture, the number seven is considered lucky, bringing blessings and good health. Although there is no scientific evidence to prove this, the legend still intrigues many tourists. However, if you intend to achieve "immortality" by eating many eggs, you should also note that the supposedly life-extending effect is only effective with a maximum of two eggs!
Legend has it that the black eggs are the crystallization of the land's spiritual energy, helping people live longer.
What should I be aware of when visiting Owakudani?
Despite being an interesting destination, Owakudani is still an area with active volcanic activity. Local authorities regularly monitor gas levels in the air, and the area may be temporarily closed if sulfur concentrations become too high.
Additionally, those with respiratory problems should consider carefully before visiting, as the sulfur fumes can be irritating. If you feel uncomfortable, you can rest in sheltered areas or shops within the tourist area.
Those with respiratory problems should consider carefully before coming here as the sulfur fumes can be irritating.
If you want to enjoy authentic black eggs, you can visit Owakudani Kurotamagokan, which sells fresh eggs prepared daily. Whether you believe in the longevity legend or not, enjoying kuro-tamago black eggs at Owakudani is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Even more valuable than tasting this unique delicacy is the opportunity to admire one of Japan's most spectacular natural wonders.
And who knows, that pitch-black egg might actually give you seven extra years of life!
