The volcanic activity around the Owakudani area in Hakone has quieted down; on October 7th the caution level was changed from Level 2 to Level 1. This clears the way for access to the popular thermal valley to resume anytime local authorities have carried out final safety inspections. Local media was reporting that access to Owakudani could resume within the next 10-14 days.
The Hakone Ropeway continues to operate partially between Ubako and Togendai. A shuttle bus service is offered for the remaining section which remains closed until further notice.
Further update (26 Oct):
Operation of the Hakone Ropeway fully resumed on Oct 26. However note that the Hakone Tozan Rail which provides the main approach to the ropeway was badly damaged by Typhoon Hagibis, a strong typhoon that hit the area on Oct 12. No time schedule has been released on when the rail service between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora will resume.