Mount Fuji Sightseeing Spot

Oshino Hakkai Sightseeing | Eight Spring Ponds Formed by Mount Fuji's Subterranean Water, and a World Heritage Landscape

Oshino Hakkai, in Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, is made up of eight spring ponds formed by Mount Fuji's subterranean water. Clear pond water, a traditional village landscape and the natural scenery around Mount Fuji blend together, making it one of the most representative sightseeing spots in the Mount Fuji area.

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What Is Oshino Hakkai?

Oshino Hakkai is in Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is a Mount Fuji spring-water landscape made up of eight springs.

Rain and snow on Mount Fuji seep underground and, after a long time filtering through volcanic strata, re-emerge as subterranean water, forming today's Oshino Hakkai.

Clear spring water, fish swimming in the ponds, thatched houses, wooden buildings, water channels and small bridges together form a landscape full of traditional Japanese rural character. Compared with the wide, magnificent lake views of Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai is better suited to experiencing the waterscape and village scenery at the foot of Mount Fuji up close.

Oshino Hakkai is also a component asset of the World Cultural Heritage site “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”, so it is not only a natural landscape but also closely connected with Mount Fuji faith and local history and culture.

Main Highlights of Oshino Hakkai

Mount Fuji's Subterranean Water

The most representative feature of Oshino Hakkai is the subterranean water from Mount Fuji. Rain and snow seep through Mount Fuji's strata over a long period, filter, and re-emerge from underground. Some ponds are very clear, so you can see stones on the bottom and fish swimming — a distinctive, tranquil waterscape.

The Eight Spring Ponds

Oshino Hakkai consists of eight springs: Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Sokonashi Pond, Choshi Pond, Waku Pond, Nigori Pond, Kagami Pond and Shobu Pond. The eight ponds differ in size, water colour and surroundings, and are suited to a slow stroll. If you want to cover all eight ponds, allow more time than for just the core area.

Traditional Japanese Village Landscape

Oshino Hakkai's charm is not only in the water. Thatched houses, wooden buildings, water channels, small bridges and the surrounding village together create a space full of Japanese rural character. For first-time visitors to Japan, or visitors hoping to photograph traditional Japanese scenery, this landscape contrasts sharply with central Tokyo, and is an important reason why Oshino Hakkai has long been popular with overseas visitors.

Basic Information

Location: Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture; Highlights: World Cultural Heritage component asset; Suggested stay: about 60–120 minutes; Recommended visiting time: morning

Visiting Tips

If you also want a clearer view of Mount Fuji, go in the morning if possible. Actual visibility is still affected by that day's cloud and weather.
Oshino Hakkai is a popular spot in the Mount Fuji area, and can be crowded on public holidays and around midday. If you want a leisurely walk and photos, arrive as early as possible.
The eight ponds are not all in one place. If you plan to visit all eight, allow plenty of time.
Ponds, water channels and some roads are close to local residents' living areas; please follow the designated routes, and take care to protect the natural environment and respect local residents.
Mornings and evenings are cooler in autumn and winter, so bring warm clothing according to the weather; on rainy days, watch out for slippery surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oshino Hakkai really have eight ponds?

Yes. Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for the eight springs: Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Sokonashi Pond, Choshi Pond, Waku Pond, Nigori Pond, Kagami Pond and Shobu Pond.

Does visiting Oshino Hakkai require admission?

The main area of Oshino Hakkai can be walked around freely, but some nearby facilities or private areas may charge separately — follow the signs on site.

Can you see Mount Fuji at Oshino Hakkai?

When weather conditions are good, you can see Mount Fuji from around Oshino Village. Mount Fuji's visibility is affected by cloud, season and that day's weather.

How long does a visit to Oshino Hakkai take?

About 60–90 minutes for a walk around the main area. If you plan to visit all eight ponds more completely, and also allow for photography, meals or shopping, allow about 90–120 minutes.

Can you do a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes. Oshino Hakkai combines very well with Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Fuji-Yoshida Honcho Street, and Arakurayama Sengen Park into a Mount Fuji one-day tour.

Visit Oshino Hakkai Comfortably from Tokyo

Depending on your time and travel needs, Oshino Hakkai, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Fuji-Yoshida Honcho Street and other Mount Fuji area sights can be combined flexibly. Travelling by private charter avoids frequent public-transport transfers, and makes it easier to adjust the itinerary according to weather, Mount Fuji visibility and your actual pace. Enquire about a Mount Fuji charter itinerary: WhatsApp +81 070-4165-3183 (Open WhatsApp) | LINE +81 070-4165-3184 | WeChat A superluck | Email [email protected] | Phone 070-4165-3183

Charter prices are quoted on enquiry.