Oshino Hakkai

Overview

Oshino Hakkai, located in Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a mystical place comprised of eight ponds fed by the underground water of Mount Fuji. Its beauty has earned it recognition as a national natural monument, one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters, and in 2013, it became a component asset of the "Mount Fuji - an object of faith and artistic inspiration" World Heritage site. Each of Oshino Hakkai's eight ponds offers a unique view, boasting incredible clarity; you can see right to the bottom. 'Wakiike' pond, in particular, is a popular spot attracting many visitors due to its breathtaking beauty. A sense of tranquility permeates the area, allowing you to connect with the surrounding nature. Historically, Oshino Hakkai served as a sacred site for Fuji-ko, the Mount Fuji faith. It's said that those who worshipped Mount Fuji would perform a ritual purification in the ponds before and after their climbs. Even today, historical sites and structures related to Fuji-ko remain around the ponds. Oshino Hakkai truly represents a quintessential Japanese landscape, seamlessly blending nature, history, and faith. Take your time to stroll through this area, savoring its beauty to the fullest.