Blowing Winds (Japan, Ōwakudani)

Located in the Hakone region, the Ōwakudani (大涌谷) volcanic valley was formed by the eruption of Mount Hakone nearly 3,000 years ago. This active geothermal area is known for its sulfur fumaroles , acidic hot springs, and spectacular mineral colors, due to high concentrations of sulfur dioxide, iron, and silica.

From the Hakone Ropeway cabin, the relief sculpted by flows and landslides reveals an almost alien landscape . The anti-erosion structures – retaining walls, concrete trenches, anchor blocks – seem to form the layers of a post-industrial setting. This contrast between organic matter and human intervention visually evokes certain Star Wars film sets, notably those of Mustafar or Jedha, mixing extreme geology and futuristic infrastructure .

This mineral atmosphere, both threatening and fascinating, makes Ōwakudani a unique place where geology, engineering and science fiction imagination overlap.