Hakone. Ovakudani Volcanic Valley

The center of Japan is not only the capital’s skyscrapers and other man-made wonders of the world but also natural attractions. This camera is set near Tokyo, in the Ovakudani volcanic valley. Volcanoes with hot springs were formed about 3,000 years ago, as a result of the explosion of the volcano Hakone.

Ovakudani is a popular tourist destination. Travelers from all over the world come here to look at the picturesque mountains and take part in an unusual ritual of cooking volcanic eggs. Eggs are hard-boiled in hot springs and, as a result, are covered with a black crust. According to the legend, eating black eggs adds seven years to one’s life.

Access to the volcanic valley is sometimes blocked, due to the activity of craters. In May 2015, the valley was closed. Guests of Hakone were able to get to Ovakudani only a year later. The local Ministry of Tourism recommends that asthmatics, people sick with bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, cardiac pacemakers, or pregnant women not visit the volcanic valley.