Oshino Hakkai

Things to Do in Oshino Hakkai

Visit The Eight Ponds

At Oshino Hakkai's Eight Ponds, each pond has a unique story and beauty. Deguchi Pond is the largest among other ponds, with clear water resembling a mirror. Okama Pond is the smallest and is known for its blue water, once thought to bubble like a cauldron. Sokonashi Pond is connected to a legend of a disappearing washboard. All the ponds are crystal clear due to Mount Fuji's natural filtration system.

Check out Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan

At Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, you can explore its local culture. This small, open-air museum near Oshino Hakkai's biggest pond requires a small entrance fee. Inside, you'll find a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse with farming tools, household items, and even samurai weapons for you to explore.

Taste Mount Fuji's fresh spring water

You can do more than just look at the crystal-clear waters---you can also taste them! In special spots, you can drink water from the springs, savoring the refreshing, pure taste of water filtered for years by Mount Fuji's volcanic rock. This water is so crystal clear that it's considered one of Japan's top 100 best waters.

Buy local delicacies and souvenirs

While you tour around Oshino Hakkai, keep an eye out for vendors offering traditional Japanese treats, snacks, and fresh local fruits and vegetables. Make sure to try kusa mochi, rice cakes infused with mugwort and crafted using the pure spring water from Mount Fuji, from souvenir shops.

Popular attractions near Oshino Hakkai

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchiko is conveniently close to Oshino Hakkai, just a 3-minute walk. The eastern part of the lake has a hot spring resort town with lots of tourist spots and amazing views of Mount Fuji. In contrast, the northern and western shores are more natural and less developed, giving you a different kind of experience.

Lake Yamanaka

Close to Oshino Hakkai, you'll find Lake Yamanakako, the biggest among the Fuji Five Lakes. It's the second most developed lake after Lake Kawaguchiko, with cozy towns at both ends and hotels, minshuku (Japanese guesthouses), camping spots, and eateries in between.

This lake offers great views of Mount Fuji, especially from the quieter northern shore, where the landscape is less developed, giving you unobstructed glimpses of the iconic mountain.

Kaneyama Waterfall

Flowing from the Katsura River with water from Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai, the falls are surrounded by lava formations from Mt. Fuji. At 10 meters high, they mirror the vibrant scenery all year round. In spring, admire the mitsuba-tsutsuji blossoms, while autumn showcases vivid Japanese maple leaves. Kaneyama Waterfalls provide a cool and refreshing escape, even during the hottest summer days.