THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
November 15, 2019 at 17:45 JST
HAKONE, Kanagawa Prefecture--A restriction on entry to the popular Owakudani valley here during daytime has been lifted for the first time in about six months.
The volcanic valley, which reopened Nov. 15, is known for its magnificent views, sulfur vents and black eggs boiled in hot spring water.
The area has been off limits since May due to increased volcanic activity at Mount Hakoneyama.
Tourists flocked to a wide observation deck and souvenir shops on the day, having reached the valley by Hakone Ropeway, vehicles and other means.
White steam could be seen from the observation area rising from the slopes.
A train line operated by Hakone Tozan Railway Co. and National Road No. 138 were still cut off due to damage by Typhoon No. 19, which made landfall in eastern Japan on Oct. 12.
With the popular tourist spot accepting visitors again and autumn leaves looking their best, the Hakone area is expected to see an uptick in the number of visitors.
(This article was written by Yuji Endo and Eiichi Murano.)
Stories about memories of cherry blossoms solicited from readers
Cooking experts, chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life.
A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry
A series on the death of a Japanese woman that sparked a debate about criminal justice policy in the United States
A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II
Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors.