Great Boiling Valley
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The Great Boiling Valley (大涌谷 Ōwakudani?) is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs in Hakone, Japan. A popular tourist site for its scenic views, volcanic activity, and especially, Kuro-tamago (黒玉子?) — a local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot springs. The boiled eggs turn black and smell slightly sulphuric; consuming the eggs is said to increase longevity.
[edit] Access
Access to the Great Boiling Valley is via an aerial tram. There is also a road to a visitor's center just below the Kuro-tamago hot springs site. Most visitors hike the roughly 1 kilometer trail to the actual site where the eggs are boiled to participate in the ritual egg eating. The aerial tram offers a stunning view of both Mt. Fuji (on clear days) and the sulphur vents just below the visitor's center. The sulphur vents have seen substantial human activity, including what appears to be mining activity (as can be seen in the photo above).
