name
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Earth Valley
infomation
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Kanagawa Japan 2025
Summary
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“Earth Valley” is a new museum offering unparalleled experiences meticulously planned and designed by MMD that opened its doors in Owakudani, Hakone on April 25, 2025. MMD transformed the entire Hakone Ropeway line into a sprawling outdoor museum, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Hakone’s rich natural landscapes. By seamlessly linking an interactive hub—where visitors can experience rather than merely see Owakudani’s unique natural landscapes—with the world-exclusive ropeway journey above its fuming valley, MMD has pioneered a completely new museum concept.
Breath Deck
This deck has a glass floor, allowing visitors to get an up-close view of the magnificent natural scenery of Owakudani. Volcanic steam rises from beneath your feet allowing visitors to feel the breath of the Earth through the ever-changing landscape and scent.
Wind Ring Terrace
This circular terrace is approximately 18 meters in diameter. Here, visitors can experience the powerful winds unique to Owakudani. As you walk on the perforated metal floor, the wind circles around you and blows past your entire body, enabling you to feel the power of the wind's sound and connect with the Earth and its nature.
Sky’s Edge
Located just steps from the ropeway, this open-air plaza is the perfect place to relax with a refreshment and take in the spectacular views of Owakudani. On clear days, the panorama extends all the way to include Sagami Bay and the buildings of central Tokyo.
Rock Nest Bench
Blending seamlessly with the rugged Owakudani landscape, the Rock Nest Bench area is designed to connect visitors with nature. Although they appear to be solid, they are actually made from a soft urethane material, providing a surprisingly comfortable place to rest.
Valley Marche
This shop's design creates a seamless experience from the outside to the interior, inviting visitors to step inside and bring home a memento of their time at Owakudani.
Earth Valley
MMD led the complete branding and design and collaborated with a graphic designer to create a logo that expresses the rugged landscape and rock surfaces of Owakudani.cliant: Odakyu Hakone Co.,Ltd. / Hakone Pleasant Service Co.,Ltd.
planning: MMD inc
design: MMD inc
VI/CI: MMD inc（Graphic Design Support: KAAKA）
images
voice
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Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd, Head of Ropeway Department
Mr. Aikawa
We requested MMD to handle everything from the conceptualization of the entire ropeway's renewal plan to the detailed planning, project management, design, and even the creation of fixtures and signage for Earth Valley. Our successful collaboration has transformed the location into a popular destination that has attracted extensive media coverage, resulting in a significant increase in visitors to the east side of the station and boosting public awareness of the ropeway. The newly renovated shop, which we also commissioned MMD to design, has been a tremendous success, achieving record-breaking sales. We are extremely grateful for your work in creating such a remarkable attraction. We look forward to your continued cooperation in improving the appeal of the entire ropeway line in the future.
location
team
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Shinjo Taro
Shimizu Akiko