Why Japan’s black eggs from Owakudani are gaining traction: Legend says they add 7 years to your life

People feel a little apprehensive before consuming these eggs due to their appearance, but the taste takes away the fear. (Picture Credit: Instagram/@dejashu)

• Owakudani in Hakone is famous for black eggs boiled in sulphurous hot springs
• Legend says eating a black egg adds 7 years to life, but only up to two eggs.
• Check safety rules due to volcanic activity and strong sulfur fumes.

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Japan has become quite the tourist hotspot in recent years, and many are now going beyond the obvious cities of Tokyo and Kyoto to explore what more the country has to offer. And going by what’s surfacing on social media, it hasn’t been a disappointment.

The latest place gaining traction is the volcanic valley of Owakudani in Hakone, where tourists first notice the smell of sulphur clinging prominently to the air. The smoke and fumes from the volcano and the evident warnings of the region’s volcanic activity are also hard to overlook. What adds to the buzz is that its eggs turn black when boiled in the sulphurous waters and legend says it adds 7 years to your life.

How to reach Owakudani?

Many tourists prefer to take a day trip to Owakudani, which is about 90 km from Tokyo. The journey includes taking a train from central Tokyo to Odawara, followed by a series of local transports through Hakone.

Visitors have the option to take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto or Gora, travelling along the mountain roads, but many prefer the adventure of taking the Hakone Ropeway, which offers the most unforgettable views as it glides directly over the volcanic valley. The change of scenery to the sulphuric rocky terrain is dramatic as visitors arrive at Owakudani station from the ropeway.

The popular black eggs of Owakudani

Owakudani translates to "Great Boiling Valley” for a reason. This geothermal site was created around 3,000 years ago during the last eruption of Mount Hakone. It continues to be an active volcano, carrying nature’s raw forces: fumes and steam, yellowish stones, and hot springs of sulphurous water. This is precisely the reason behind its famed kuro-tamago or black eggs.

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Quite the culinary delight, fresh eggs are placed in wire baskets and submerged into the hot springs. The sulphur and iron in the water bonds with the hydrogen sulphide, creating iron sulphide and turning the eggshells distinctly black. The eggs are taken out after an hour and steamed in a pot for about 15 minutes.

While the eggs look black in colour, the inside is still soft and white. People feel a little apprehensive before consuming them due to its appearance, but the taste takes away the fear. Most tourists enjoy it as a snack while soaking the views of the scenic valley on black eggshell shaped stools.

Black eggs and the seven-year legend

While many are discovering the region now, the legend surrounding the black eggs stretches back over a thousand years, to when Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi visited the volcanic valley, at a time when it was considered unsafe for settlement. Looking at the conditions of the locals, he carved an Enmei Jizo statue, hailing it as a figure of protection and longevity. Considering eggs promote health, he encouraged people to boil them in the bubbling hot springs and consume them.

With time, many people began to believe that black eggs add extra seven years to life. The number seven wasn’t chosen randomly. In Japanese culture, it is considered lucky. When it comes to the legend, there is no scientific explanation, but the myth continues to lure people to the valley and has become part of the region’s identity. However, eating more than two eggs is not suggested to the visitors, as its benefits stop beyond that.

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Word of caution

Many might be tempted to try the black eggs and visit the valley, but it’s essential to know that the area is an active volcanic zone. It is monitored closely by authorities and may have restricted access due to high gas emissions or seismic activity. Visitors must check the rules and conditions before planning a visit, keeping their safety in mind. Those with respiratory issues should be extra cautious, as the sulphuric fumes can be strong on some days.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.