Nestled in the volcanic valley of Ōwakudani in Hakone, Japan, lies one of the country’s most peculiar culinary treasures: the black egg, or kuro-tamago. These eggs, jet-black in appearance and steeped in sulfuric steam, are more than just a visual oddity—they’re a cultural symbol, a tourist attraction, and a promise of extended life. According to local legend, eating one black egg adds seven years to your lifespan. But what makes these eggs so special, and how did they become a symbol of longevity?To get more news about black eggs, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.

The journey of the black egg begins in the heart of Ōwakudani, which translates to “Great Boiling Valley.” This geothermal hotspot was formed over 3,000 years ago during a violent eruption of Mount Hakone. Today, the valley is alive with volcanic activity—steam vents hiss from the earth, sulfur stains the rocks yellow, and the air carries a pungent, mineral-rich scent. It’s here, amid this dramatic landscape, that the black eggs are born.

The transformation from ordinary egg to black egg is a process rooted in nature and tradition. Fresh eggs are selected and placed in wire baskets, then submerged into the bubbling hot springs, which reach temperatures of around 80°C (176°F). The water is rich in sulfur and iron, and as the eggs boil, a chemical reaction occurs. Hydrogen sulfide gas reacts with the iron in the eggshell, forming iron sulfide—a black compound that coats the shell. After boiling, the eggs are steamed for an additional 15 minutes to deepen the color and flavor. The result is a striking black shell, while the inside remains a perfectly normal boiled egg.

Despite their ominous appearance, black eggs are safe to eat and taste much like any other hard-boiled egg, though some say the minerals impart a slightly richer flavor. But it’s not the taste that draws thousands of visitors each year—it’s the legend. Local folklore claims that consuming one black egg will grant you seven extra years of life. Eat two, and you gain fourteen. But eat three? That’s considered tempting fate.

This myth of longevity has made Ōwakudani a pilgrimage site for the curious and the hopeful. Tourists arrive via winding mountain roads or the Hakone Ropeway, a gondola that glides above the steaming valley, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the volcanic terrain below. At the summit, visitors can purchase black eggs in packs, often accompanied by signs reminding them of the “seven-year rule.” The experience is as much about the journey and the atmosphere as it is about the eggs themselves.

Beyond the folklore, black eggs have become a symbol of resilience and connection to nature. They represent the harmony between human tradition and the raw power of the earth. In a country where reverence for nature is deeply embedded in culture, the black egg stands as a reminder of life’s fragility and the hope for longevity.

In recent years, the black egg has also become a popular souvenir and social media sensation. Tourists pose with their eggs against the backdrop of sulfuric steam, sharing their experience with the world. Local vendors have embraced the trend, offering themed merchandise and packaging that celebrates the egg’s mystique.

Whether or not the legend holds true, the black egg of Ōwakudani continues to captivate hearts and imaginations. It’s a culinary curiosity, a cultural icon, and a testament to the enduring power of myth. And for those who make the trek to Hakone, cracking open a black egg is more than just a snack—it’s a ritual, a story, and perhaps, a wish for a longer life.