Owakudani walk without Japanese

Hello,

are we allowed to attend the Owakudani walk even if we don't understand Japanese? I don't mind missing out on the occasional commentary from the safety guides, but I don't want to cause any trouble not understanding safety instructions. I try not to be an ignorant tourist :-)

I can imagine Japanese can be quite strict about these things and I'd like to avoid not being permitted on the spot.

Thank you for your responses.

Yes, you're "allowed." There's no test of your group's Japanese-language abilities before you enter the area.

As for whether or not it's safe, you should be fine. The owakudani area is divided into two sections. The front section doesn't require an admission ticket, and the section at the back, which has a short walking path, does. In both, it's very easy to tell where you are and aren't allowed to walk. The front area is basically a plaza with scenic lookout spots and shops and restaurants, and there are railings to keep people from entering areas that are unsafe. The walking trail, too, is paved and once again railings keeps people from entering dangerous areas.

Perhaps you mean this tour.

https://www.hakone.or.jp/od-booking/

As you see, this site says "Explanations during the guided tour will be in Japanese. Please apply only if you understand Japanese."

However, in this YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6b_Lud3k0U

The instructor speaks English, so I think they actually accept non-Japanese speaking tourists.

Note that this restriction is to prevent possible erruption accident.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Mount_Ontake_eruption