posted on July 26, 2016

  On July 26^th came the long-awaited day. The Hakone Ropeway has resumed its full operations after 15 months of interruption. Some of its sections had been closed due to increased volcanic activities in the Owakudani area, but travelers can now make a full-circuit around the Hakone area taking the ship on Lake Ashi, the train / cable car and the ropeway, which extends between Togendai and Sounzan. Travelers can get off at Owakudani station, however, the strolls along the walking trails stretching toward the zones close to the sulfur fumaroles of Owakudani remain off-limits. Kurotakago-kan and the shops in and around the station are partially open, so the travelers can try the tasty kuro-tamago (black eggs / https://www.owakudani.com/kurotamago_hiimtsu_e) on the spot relatively close to the place where the volcanic activities are viewable. Operation hours of the ropeway are from 9am to 4pm, but meanwhile the suspension of its service is scheduled on Aug. 4 and 25 as well as on Sep. 8 and 29 due to maintenance works.