Gasping for oxygen, sweating profusely, about to melt in sweltering steam, yet exhilarating. This could be a befitting tagline for my trip to the Great Boiling Valley at Owakudani, Japan. Even while writing this post, for a moment, I sensed like breathing sulphur. This happens with me, very often, whenever I narrate my tale l do relive that experience .
The Great Boiling Valley is a live volcanic area full of sulphurous springs. When I looked around I saw gases belching from vents, everywhere. Whole area was blanketed with thick cloud of steam. All visitors were being cautioned not to stay longer in volcanic area. In case, someone felt very uncomfortable due to strong odor or excessive heat, was to be taken away immediately.
Around volcanic area, there were enough markings but all were in Japanese language. So, non Japanese travelers were, attentively, getting all the instructions from their respective guides. My guide suggested to use water proof jacket so that I do not get wet while approaching hot springs.
The Great Boiling Valley, Owakudani, was easily accessible from Hakone lake. There were many trails at the volcanic area which were permitted for visitors and one could decide depending upon one’s capacity to bear the heat and overcome breathing problem arising due to smelly sulphurous air. Though, it was pretty hard for me also, to keep moving and staying till last permitted hot spring point, but the end result was quite thrilling and it was worth putting my body to test.
Other than hot spring points, there was one egg boiling point, also known as boiled black egg point. There regular eggs were being boiled in volcanic hot spring water. Eggs turned black and smelled sulphur due to excessive sulphur content in spring water.
One amusing story claimed black eggs unique, that said, with each black egg consumed, one enhances the longevity by five years. And it went on till five eggs. That meant five eggs eaten and twenty five years added to one’s age. Locals firmly believed that story. And, that was the hot selling point for sellers. They sold packs containing five eggs, not less.
My guide added a funnier angle to this belief when one traveler asked her why the limit is five eggs not more, if someone further wants to add more years. She quipped back,”if you eat more than five eggs, instead of adding extra years to your age, you will just get upset tummy”. And everyone around burst into laughter.
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