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Fuji-Hakone-Izu NP, Kanagawa
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Hakone’s 2026 “OTOBACO” is described by its operator as the world’s first ropeway gondola with Dolby Atmos. Its soundtrack changes with the sky: piano for clear views, digital music for rainy or foggy days.
In June 2015, Ōwakudani had its first historically recorded, tiny eruption, opening a new vent; ash fell at Sōunzan Station, 1.5 km away. The ropeway returned to full service on July 26, 2016, after staged reopenings.
Hot-spring minerals darken Ōwakudani’s black eggs as they cling to the porous shells. The promise that one adds “7 years” to your life is a folk blessing linked to a local longevity Jizō—and to 7 as a lucky number.
Near Ubako Station, giant rocks called Funami-iwa and Kintaro-iwa are pieces of Mt. Kamiyama swept downslope in a collapse about 3,000 years ago. Funami-iwa was said to serve as a lookout for boats crossing Lake Ashi.
Between Sōunzan and Ōwakudani, the gondolas cross a valley about 130 m above the ground. That stretch offers a remarkable look down into the rugged terrain beneath the ropeway.
Hakone chose its Funitel system for greater stability in mountain winds. Antler-like grips hold each gondola to 2 ropes; the design began on the Sōunzan–Ōwakudani section in 2002 and reached the Tōgendai-bound section in 2007.
A legend attached to the ropeway’s Ubako stop says Kintaro’s mother prayed at Hakone Shrine for his injured eye; they were directed to a spring here, where he healed. The tale is also said to explain the name Ubako-yu.
The ropeway opened in stages: Sōunzan–Ōwakudani began in 1959, followed by Ōwakudani–Tōgendai in 1960. That final link completed Hakone’s Golden Course, a sightseeing circuit connecting the mountain railway, ropeway and Lake Ashi boat.
The gondolas have no motors of their own. The drive for the Sōunzan–Ōwakudani section is at Ōwakudani Station, while the drive for the section toward Tōgendai is at Ubako Station.
Ōwakudani’s black eggs are sold warm and made fresh that day. Unsold eggs are repurposed as smoked eggs or furikake seasoning, rather than simply being left over for the next day.
The ropeway’s seasonal window show includes mamezakura in April–May, dogwood and hydrangeas in June–July, pampas grass in September–October, and autumn leaves from late October into November.
