Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai Springs is one of the best attractions to visit Mount Fuji. Oshino Village, located in Yamanashi Prefecture at the northern foot of Mount Fuji and between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, is a spot that perfectly embodies the charm of traditional Japanese countryside. There are quaint houses, bridges, and walking paths. Oshino Hakkai Springs refers to a group of ponds formed by melted snow from Mount Fuji that scattered throughout this village, including Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Sokonashi Pond, Choshi Pond, Waku Pond, Nigori Pond, Kagami Pond, and Shobu Pond.

Oshino Hakkai Springs

Top Things to Do at Oshino Hakkai Springs

1. Admire Mount Fuji

At Oshino Hakkai Springs, there are many spots that enable you to clearly see magnificent Mt. Fuji on sunny days, with the foreground featuring traditional houses with a strong Japanese flair and crystal-clear ponds.

Among the many spots to view Mount Fuji, please do not miss:
(1) Observation Deck: It can provide you with a bird’s-eye view of the mountain and the Oshino Village. Besides, there are usually not many visitors, guaranteeing quiet visiting environment. What you should note is that, the deck is located inside the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan Museum, and you need to buy a ticket of JPY300 (USD1.9) first.
(2) Kagami Pond: Besides serving as a good location to see Mount Fuji in the distance, the pond also boasts a beautiful view of Mount Fuji reflected in its calm water.
(3) Omiya Bridge: In spring, you can see Sakura blooming along the river together with Mt. Fuji.

2. Visit the Ponds

In addition to Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai Springs itself is also worth visiting. Each of the eight naturally formed ponds has its unique shape and features. Among them, Waku Pond is the most recommended and representative one to visit: It is about 8 meters (26.3 feet) deep, but the water is still clear enough to see swimming fishes and swaying aquatic plants. In a about 200-meter (656-foot) range, lie other 6 beautiful ponds. Actually, a total of 30 minutes is enough to admire and take photos of these 7 ponds. Besides, in spring, they will be decorated by lovely pink cherry blossoms. As for the remaining one - Deguchi Pond, it is about 15-20 minutes’ walk from those ponds. So, those have limited time or don’t want to walk a lot can consider to give it up, though it is also beautiful and actually quieter.

3. Stroll around the Japanese Village, Taste Local Foods, and Visit Various Shops

You are also highly recommended to leisurely stroll around the village, during which process you will be attracted by the rustic houses. When feeling tired, you can walk into a restaurant to taste local food. Besides, for those who want to purchase some souvenirs themed Mt. Fuji or Japan, do not miss the shops on the street, most of which are unique and exquisite.

View of Oshino Hakkai Village

Local Food

Why Is Oshino Hakkai Springs Worth Visiting?

Both Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai Springs are famous spots to visit Mt. Fuji. Then, is Oshino Hakkai Springs still worth visiting after finishing a trip to Lake Kawaguchi? Of course, it is. What the wide and quiet Lake Kawaguchi provides is the unobstructed panoramic view of the magnificent Mount Fuji. Even the reflection of the mountain in the water is relatively complete. In other words, Lake Kawaguchi shows you the natural beauty of Mt. Fuji itself. However, standing at Oshino Hakkai Springs, you will feel that Mt. Fuji merges seamlessly with the nearby Japanese village, creating a unified scene full of humanistic charm.

Opening Hours and Admission

Most areas of Oshino Hakkai Springs are open 24 hours for free.

However, the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan Museum and the Observation Deck and the Sokonashi Pond inside are open from 9:00 to 17:00, with an admission of JPY300 (USD1.9) in total. Shops and restaurants are generally open from around 9:00 to 17:00 as well.

Best Time to Visit Oshino Hakkai Springs

For most tourists, they visit Oshino Hakkai Springs with the aim of seeing snow-capped Mt. Fuji together with the clear and beautiful ponds. Accordingly, the most recommended visiting time is winter from December to February, when the visibility is at the highest and the snow cover of the mountain is at the largest throughout the year. If you are also interested in Japan’s Sakura or autumn foliage, April and November may also be good choices. Though, as a reminder, the chances of seeing Mt. Fuji in these two months are not as high as in winter months.

Sakura Viewing in Oshino Hakkai Village

No matter which month you finally choose to visit, try to plan your trip to Oshino Hakkai Springs for a sunny day: Only on sunny days can Mount Fuji be seen clearly and will the water of the Oshino Hakkai Spring appear crystal clear.

How to Get to Oshino Hakkai Springs

From Lake Kawaguchi

At Kawaguchiko Station, you can take lines A1, A2, and F1 of Fujikyu Bus to get to Oshino Hakkai Springs in about 30 minutes. Generally speaking, from 6:50 to 18:30, there are about two departures per hour.

From Tokyo

Option 1: Highway buses can take you directly from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Oshino Hakkai Springs. The whole journey takes about 2 hours. There are only 4 departures per day, at 8:15, 10:15, 17:15, and 19:15, respectively.

Option 2: You can also take trains of JR Chuo Line to travel from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station first. Then, transfer to trains of Fujikyu Railway to get to Mt. Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station. Finally, take the Fujikyu Bus mentioned above at either Mt. Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station to reach Oshino Hakkai Springs. The entire trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Trains of JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway run frequently, with the last departure at around 23:00. But the Fujikyu Bus runs only from 6:50 to 18:30, with about two departures per hour.