Coming into the valley from above is quite frightening. (Photo: Tomoko Kamishima)

Hakone's Awesome Owaku-dani Valley

Appreciating the frightening power of nature

Tomoko Kamishima   - 1 min read

Intense energy is popping up from under the clefts of rocks all around you. Phreatic explosions are taking place right under your feet. Welcome to Owaku-dani Valley! It must have been so scary for the ancient people who lived near here in the Hakone mountain ranges. Even now I experience a kind of helpless feeling when I see this eerie view. Why? I think it’s because we can’t do anything in the face of the sudden destructive power of Mother Earth.

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Tomoko Kamishima

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...