Your Guide to the Oshino Hakkai Springs at Mount Fuji: Overview, Local Food, One-Day Itinerary & Access Information

How Oshino Hakkai's 8 sacred ponds were formed

The area of Oshino Village in Yamanashi Prefecture was once a large lake. Over time, following multiple eruptions of Mount Fuji and natural changes, the lake gradually dried up. However, melted snow from Mount Fuji seeped underground and resurfaced in several places, forming numerous spring-fed ponds. The eight most iconic of these are collectively known as Oshino Hakkai.

Oshino Hakkai is considered an important sacred site, with its layout said to mirror the alignment of the North Star and Big Dipper. Its water is exceptionally pure and mineral-rich, with an impressive daily output of about 1 million tons from Mount Fuji's underground streams. 

This pristine site offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, and holds deep cultural significance as a pilgrimage destination. Recognized as a National Natural Monument, it was designated in 2013 as part of the Mount Fuji Unesco World Heritage Site.

Oshino Hakkai
Address: Oshino Hakkai, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 20-min bus ride from Fujisan Station (Fuji Kyuko Line) to Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi bus stop; from there it’s a 5-min walk
Official website: https://oshino-navi.com/ (in Japanese only)

Oshino Hakkai: Access information

The most convenient way to reach Oshino Hakkai is by heading to Fujisan Station on the Fujikyuko Line. From JR Shinjuku Station, take the Fuji Excursion limited express train (about 1 hr 55 mins,) or from JR Tokyo Station, opt for an express bus (about 2 hrs.)

After you've reached Fujisan Station, transfer to the local bus, which takes you to Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi bus stop in about 20 minutes. From there, it's only a five-minute walk to the entrance.

Exploring Oshino Hakkai takes about 1.5-2 hours, perfect for taking in the scenery and sampling local foods.

If you're traveling from Tokyo and planning to visit other locations besides Mount Fuji, opt for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel within the specified period from Tokyo to the Mount Fuji area, including Oshino Hakkai, and popular destinations like Nagano and Karuizawa.

Explore the 8 spring ponds of Oshino Hakkai

Hakkai refers to the eight spring ponds of Oshino Hakkai. Snowmelt from Mount Fuji seeps underground, becoming subterranean water that is naturally filtered through layers of lava for about 80 years before surfacing as crystal-clear springs.

Historically, pilgrims climbing Mount Fuji performed purification rituals, known as suigyo, in these eight ponds before beginning their ascent. The ponds were originally called Fujisan Nemoto Hachiko Reijo (Eight Sacred Lakes at the Base of Mount Fuji,) and each is dedicated to one of Buddhism's eight dragon kings, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to visitors.

Oshino Hakkai is a popular destination year-round. Of the eight ponds, only Sokonashi-ike requires an admission fee, while the others can be visited 'round the clock. Exploring in the early morning is recommended to avoid crowds. In spring, during cherry blossom season, it’s worth staying until after sunset to see the illuminated blossoms set against the twilight sky, with Mount Fuji towering in the background.

1. Deguchi-ike Pond

Deguchi-ike is the only pond located slightly farther from the main area of Oshino Village, about a 15-minute walk away. Symbolizing the North Star, it complements the other ponds, which represent the Big Dipper.

At 1,467 square meters, it's the largest of the eight ponds. The vermillion torii gates of Deguchi Inari Daimyojin Shrine stand in the surrounding forest, creating a serene atmosphere. With fewer shops and tourists, this spot offers a peaceful retreat into nature, with the fall foliage being particularly magical.

2. Okama-ike Pond

Okama-ike may be small at just 24 square meters, but it boasts an impressive flow of spring water. Its name derives from the way the spring water bubbles up, resembling a pot of boiling water. In the clear, deep blue pond, you’ll find swaying Japanese water crowfoot, which blooms with small white flowers in summer, creating a picturesque contrast against the dark green water plants.

3. Sokonashi-ike Pond

Sokonashi-ike is located within the Hannoki Bayashi Folk Museum. It's the only pond requiring an admission fee (JPY 300, elementary school students JPY 150, children aged 1 and older JPY 100; open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

The museum buildings, dating back to the late 18th century, are the oldest not only in Oshino Village but in the entire northern Mount Fuji area. Inside, you can explore exhibits of Edo-period (1603-1868) furniture, farming tools, and everyday household items, offering a glimpse into life from the past.

4. Choshi-ike Pond

Choshi-ike quietly sits in a grassy area along the Ahara River. Though modest in appearance, it's believed to bring good luck in relationships. The pond is named after its shape, resembling a choshi, a traditional long-handled sake decanter. You can clearly see spring water bubbling up through the sandy bottom, gently stirring the sand.

5. Waku-ike Pond

Waku-ike is located in the heart of Oshino Hakkai and is the most iconic of the eight ponds. Surrounded by souvenir shops and facing a traditional waterwheel, it produces about 8.4 million liters of spring water daily—the highest output of all the ponds.

Historically, locals used its water for drinking and irrigation. In 1983, Nasa even used water from this pond for snow-making experiments in space. Watching koi fish swim gracefully in the crystal-clear blue water creates a peaceful, therapeutic atmosphere.

6. Nigori-ike Pond

Nigori-ike is adjacent to Waku-ike pond. Legend has it that it was named after its waters turned muddy when locals refused to give water to a raggedly dressed pilgrim. However, despite its name, meaning "muddy pond," the water is actually crystal clear.

7. Kagami-ike Pond

Kagami-ike has a minimal spring water flow but is famous for its mirror-like surface that perfectly reflects Mount Fuji. Traditionally, this pond was believed to have the power to distinguish right from wrong, and villagers would perform purification rituals here to resolve disputes.

8. Shobu-ike Pond

Shobu-ike is known for its beautiful irises, which are commonly associated with the Children’s Day on May 5. A touching legend tells of a young wife who prayed at the pond for 37 days for her seriously ill husband. According to the story, a divine voice instructed her to cover her husband in irises, leading to his miraculous recovery.

Located east of Kagami-ike, the pond features both tall Japanese irises and yellow irises. A stone monument nearby offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

Artificial Naka-ike pond: A touristy spot in addition to the eight ponds

Naka-ike is one of few artificial ponds in Oshino Village, fed by Mount Fuji's underground springs. Its central circular pool, though only eight meters deep, is remarkably clear, with deepening blue hues as the water gets deeper. The area is a popular spot for visitors, thanks to its many shops. You'll even find a place where you can sample fresh spring water.

4 must-try local delicacies in Oshino Village

The area surrounding Oshino Hakkai, with its stunning mountains and pristine waters, offers a variety of delicious treats. Here are four must-visit stores to enjoy the region’s flavors.

Watanabe Foods: Mugwort Mochi & Miso Dango Skewers

Kusa-mochi is a type of mochi made with locally-grown mugwort from Oshino Village, free of preservatives and additives, with a fragrant aroma.

You may also want to try the dango skewers, which are grilled to order and brushed with a homemade miso sauce. In the summer, you can also enjoy sweet corn, freshly picked every morning by the owner's wife.

Watanabe Foods
Address: 241 Shibokusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 20-min bus ride from Fujisan Station (Fujikyuko Line) to Ohashi bus stop; from there it’s a 5-min walk
Official website: https://www.oshino.net/watanabesyokuhin/ (in Japanese only)

Teyakido Oshino Hakkai Store: Charcoal-grilled senbei rice crackers

Located next to Waku-ike, Teyakido Oshino Hakkai Store specializes in rice crackers, offering about 40 varieties made with domestically grown rice and special soy sauce blends. They take pride in charcoal-grilling their 15-centimeter senbei crackers, believing that the far-infrared rays from the charcoal create a uniquely crispy texture and aroma that cannot be replicated by machine baking.

Their most popular items include soy sauce, sugar, plum-sugar, and double soy sauce wari-senbei. These crackers are intentionally cracked (wari means "split" in English) to allow the sauce to penetrate, enhancing the flavor.

Teyakido Oshino Hakkai Store
Address: 242 Shibokusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 20-min bus ride from Fujisan Station (Fujikyuko Line) to Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi bus stop; from there it’s a 5-min walk
Official website: https://oshino-navi.com/archives/gallery/768 (in Japanese only)

Tofu Station Kadoya Tofu Shop: Rich tofu made with pure spring water

In Japan, good water is key to making excellent tofu. Kadoya Tofu Shop uses pure spring water from Mount Fuji to craft their tofu, resulting in a rich soybean flavor and a smooth texture that will change your perception of ordinary tofu. They offer free samples, both in quantity and variety.

Tofu Station Kadoya Tofu Shop
Address: 556 Uchino, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 22-min bus ride from Fujisan Station (Fujikyuko Line) to Jotenji bus stop
Official website: http://www.navi-city.com/iine/toufu.html (in Japanese only)

Ikemoto Chaya: Tender salt-grilled Yamame

The popular soba noodle restaurant Ikemoto Chaya in Oshino Village makes its soba using spring water drawn from Mount Fuji by a traditional water wheel. It also offers grilled fresh river fish, like iwana and yamame. Salt-grilled yamame is incredibly juicy with tender, firm flesh, and its rich fat content and umami flavor rival that of high-grade meat.

Oshino Soba Ikemoto Chaya
Address: 354 Shibokusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 20-min bus ride from Fujisan Station (Fujikyuko Line) to Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi bus stop; from there it’s a 6-min walk

One-day itinerary to Oshino Hakkai & Lake Kawaguchi

You can visit both Oshino Hakkai and Lake Kawaguchi on a day trip from Tokyo. Below, you'll find a one-day itinerary designed for adventurous travelers who want to fully explore both locations. For bus schedules between Oshino Hakkai and Lake Kawaguchi, please check the official website of Fujikyu Bus.

Museums & theme parks near Oshino Hakkai

The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum features a garden with a touch of medieval European elegance, home to the world's largest dance organ, mechanical doll shows, fountain displays, and one of Japan's finest rose gardens. The museum also hosts various events and musical performances throughout the year. For a smooth visit, we recommend purchasing e-tickets in advance. Please note that prices vary during peak season, on weekends & holidays, and on weekdays.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
Address: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 19-min bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyuko Line) to Ongaku to Mori no Bijutsukan bus stop
Official website: https://kawaguchikomusicforest.jp/en/

Fuji-Q Highland is the area's most famous theme park, featuring several Guinness World Record-holding thrill rides and the world's first themed area dedicated to the popular French picture book characters, Lisa and Gaspard. While park admission is free, you have to pay for the rides separately. To skip the lines in front of the ticket machine, opt for the Fuji-Q Highland One-Day Pass.

Fuji-Q Highland
Address: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: Direct access from Fuji-Q Highland Station (Fujikyuko Line)
Official website: https://www.fujiq.jp/en/

In addition to these attractions, visit WAmazing Play to book various other activities in Yamanashi Prefecture, including paragliding at Mount Fuji, strawberry picking, and kimono-wearing experiences.

Gotemba Premium Outlets: Go on a shopping spree after visiting Oshino Hakkai

After visiting the sacred springs of Oshino Hakkai, embark on a shopping spree at Gotemba Premium Outlets. From the Miyabashi bus stop near the entrance to Oshino Hakkai, take a bus for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Gotemba Premium Outlets directly. Alternatively, you can take the bus for about 50 minutes to Gotemba Station and transfer to a shuttle bus.

Gotemba Premium Outlets features around 290 stores, making it Japan's largest outlet mall. You can find almost all major Japanese and international brands here. Even if you're not in the mood to shop, it's still worth a visit to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Fuji, making it the perfect way to wrap up your Oshino Hakkai journey.

Gotemba Premium Outlets
Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: 15-min free shuttle bus ride from JR Gotemba Station
Official website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/gotemba/

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.