Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is actually an idyllically beautiful cluster of eight spring ponds between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka in Yamanashi Prefecture, as a part of the world heritage site Mt. Fuji at the northern foot of the mountain. “Oshino” is the village name of where it is, and “Hakkai” means eight ponds in Japanese. Thus, you may consider it as Oshino’s Eight Ponds. The water in the ponds are particularly clear, at an average temperature of 13℃ (55.4℉) all year around. It has been recognized as one of the best scenic places around Mt. Fuji, and also a top spot for views of Mt. Fuji down the mountain. 

Highlights:

  Fascinating views of Mt. Fuji at Pond Waku, Pond Kagami & Omiyahashi Bridge
  Invigorated koi fishes in the ponds
  The water can be drunk for free at the watering place by each pond.

How did it come about?

There was a volcanic lake once next to Lake Yamanaka. Because of multiple volcanic activities in the long history, the lake dried up and split into eight pieces, what are Oshino Hakkai we can see today.

The pond water comes from the melted snow on Mt. Fuji, which is seep into the lavabed and goes down to Oshino village. Thanks to the process of filtration for over a dozen of years, the water reaching Oshino Hakkai is very transparent.

The Eight Ponds of Oshino Hakkai

Deguchi

Although Pond Deguchi is somewhat far away from other seven ponds, it is the largest pond as well as the closest one to Lake Yamanaka. It has kept the originally wild features, shaded with many trees on shore. Pond Deguchi is quiet with less crowds, which is great to empty yourself.

Okama & Sokonashi

Pond Okama is the smallest but quite deep, even so you can look straight to the pond bottom. The fishes swimming in Pond Okama is also very clear.

Oval-shaped Pond Sokonashi across the stream is also deep and the bottom is full of mud, so the actual depth is unknown. It is said that the water is connected with that in Pond Okama. As an interesting old saying goes, the item dropped into Pond Sokonashi could be found out in the neighboring Pond Okama.

Waku

Located quite central in the village, Pond Waku is in the most bustling area of Oshino Hakkai, surrounded by stores and specialty shops. Pond Waku has the largest water inflow among the eight ponds, as the spring water is gushing out moment by moment. “Waku” means “gushing” rightly, hence the name. It is also a wonderful cherry blossom spot in spring.

According to local legends, Pond Waku was created by goddess Konohana Sakuyahime when people were desperate for water after an eruption of Mt. Fuji. The annual Konohana Sakuyahime Festival is held there.

Choushi & Nigori

Pond Choushi on the grassland is also less crowded. Its edge was built with stones.

Pond Nigori nearby is secluded and of course beautiful. Pond Nigori indicates muddy water, for a part of water in the pond is muddy. It is funny that there is also a story, which goes that once upon a time, an old woman scolded a traveler who wanted to drink water from the pond. Since then, some water turned to be cloudy.

Kagami

Pond Kagami is famous for sightseeing in Oshino Hakkai, as you could see Mt Fuji reflecting on the pond on a good day. Mt. Fuji itself in the distance is also captivating, making Pond Kagami the most popular photo spot around Oshino Hakkai.

Shoubu

Shoubu is just acorus calamus, the name was given because of the abundance of calamus around Pond Shoubu. If you would like to see calamus flowers, the small park by Pond Shoubu can feast your eyes in summer.

More Attractions in Oshino Hakkai

  Hannoki-bayasi Museum by Pond Sokonashi shows the history of Oshino village. In the old folk house covered with the thatched roof, you could get a glimpse into the life of villagers in the 18th century, as the daily necessities, furniture, weapons, the silkworm hut, weaving machines and farming tools are on display. JPY 300 per adult is required for admission from 09:00 to 17:00 every day.

  Omiyahashi Bridge north to the eight ponds is welcomed for cherry blossoms on both banks as well as the fine view of Mt. Fuji. When cherry blossoms are in full bloom in April, many shutterbugs flock to the wooden bridge.

Taste Local Food

Coming to Oshino Hakkai, local food is a must-try. Fresh fish dishes are full of praise, while Hakkai Tofu made with spring water from Mt. Fuji is also a featured snack there.

In the center of Oshino Hakkai, Restaurant Ikemotochaya is most-visited. There are also many restaurants and specialty shops worth a try.

How to get to Oshino Hakkai?

From Lake Kawaguchi, the sightseeing bus around Fuji Five Lakes area, that to Lake Yamanaka, can take you to Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi (the entrance of Oshino Hakkai) stop.

For another choice, Fujisan Station along Fujikyuko Line is the nearest bus station to Oshino Hakkai. After getting there by a highway bus from a city like Tokyo, you can transfer to a local bus or the sightseeing bus to the entrance of Oshino Hakkai.