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A Spectacular Water Scene Created by the Blessings of Mount Fuji! Discover the Mystical World of Oshino Hakkai
Against the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji, you’ll find a mesmerizing sight of crystal-clear water, shining like jewels. In these ponds, it seems as though the fish are swimming through the air. This is neither a dream nor an illusion. This is the breathtaking spring water group known as “Oshino Hakkai,” located in Yamanashi Prefecture.
In this article, we will provide a thorough introduction to Oshino Hakkai, a place revered as a sacred site for Fuji worship and still brimming with a mystical atmosphere!
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a group of beautiful spring water ponds located in the foothills of Mount Fuji in the Yamanakako area of Yamanashi Prefecture. The name comes from the eight scattered ponds that comprise the area. Oshino Hakkai is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a National Natural Monument, and one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters, thanks to its unparalleled scenery created by the pure spring waters from Mount Fuji. It’s a popular tourist spot in the Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako areas of Yamanashi Prefecture, drawing crowds of visitors daily.
- Telephone number
- +081-555-84-4222
- Official site
- https://oshino - navi.com/archives/gallery_category/gallery_category1
- Parking
- There are many paid parking lots in the area (300 yen)
- How to visit
- Highway Bus: From Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Station), take the Chuo Expressway Bus [Fujigoko - bound] and get off at the "Oshino Hakkai" bus stop (approx. 140 minutes)
- By car: 6 minutes from Yamanakako IC
- Address
- 401 - 0511, Oshino - mura, Oshino, Minamitsuru - gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Oshino Hakkai Walking Map [PDF] - Oshino Village Tourism Association
- Oshino Hakkai Pilgrimage Guide [PDF] - Oshino Village Tourism Association
A Miracle! The “Too Beautiful to Be True” Water Town Created by Mount Fuji’s Spring Waters
The highlight of Oshino Hakkai is undoubtedly the pristine, crystal-clear water found in the eight ponds and streams. This water is the result of Mount Fuji’s snowmelt seeping into the ground, passing through underground lava layers, and being naturally filtered over about 20 years before emerging at Oshino Hakkai. This natural process removes impurities, resulting in incredibly clear water.
This is Nakai-ike pond. As you can see, the water is so clear that you can see the fish and the bottom of the pond.
Tourists are reflected perfectly on the pond’s surface as well, a testament to the water’s purity. You can witness this unique, mirror-like phenomenon, despite the water being transparent.
This is Wakuike pond, another spot where the clarity of the water is simply remarkable.
The water is so clear that you might experience the illusion that the fish are floating in mid-air.
Strolling Through a Stunning Water Town: Exploring the Scenic Walkways
In addition to its renowned ponds, Oshino Hakkai is also known for its clear streams, which flow along paths and walkways that visitors can explore.
The streams, just like the ponds, are fed by the pure spring water from Mount Fuji. The water is so clear that you can see the riverbed and the water plants growing there.
Ducks swim in the streams, searching for food. With such clear water, it must be easy to spot their next meal.
Walking along the pathways and visiting each pond, you can fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
In spring, the walkways are even more beautiful as they are lined with cherry blossom trees.
In the distance, you can see Mount Fuji.
The 8 Ponds that Represent Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai consists of eight ponds, each with its own name: Okama-ike, Oyu-ike, Sokonuke-ike, Choshi-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike, Shobu-ike, and Deguchi-ike.
While all the ponds share the same characteristic of incredibly clear water, each one has its own unique charm.
For example, Okama-ike.
At first glance, it appears to be a small pond, but there is one deep hole in the center.
The water is so clear that you can see right to the bottom. Gazing into the deep hole, can you imagine what kind of scene awaits you?
Be sure to see the bottom of this hole for yourself when you visit. It’s truly awe-inspiring. Just be careful not to fall in!
The Entire View of Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is made up of eight ponds, walking paths, and shops. You can stroll along the pathways, visit each pond, and stop by restaurants or souvenir shops. There are also rest areas.
Deguchi-ike is farther away, so be sure to allocate enough time if you plan to walk there.
Oshino Hakkai’s Souvenir Shops
As one of Yamanashi’s top tourist attractions, Oshino Hakkai boasts an array of souvenir shops, rest areas, and eateries.
Souvenir shops sell a variety of items, including local specialties, preserved foods like pickles, sweets, and handmade crafts.
Must-Try Delicacies at Oshino Hakkai! Grass Mochi Made with Famous Water
Grass mochi is a must-try when visiting Oshino Hakkai! Made using Mount Fuji’s spring water and 100% natural mugwort, this treat is packed with flavor.
With a subtle mugwort fragrance and not-too-sweet red bean filling, it’s a delightful treat with a gentle taste that keeps you coming back for more.
At just 150 yen, it’s an affordable snack to enjoy when you’re feeling peckish. The palm-sized grass mochi is perfect for a small bite during a break, and you can enjoy it at one of the nearby rest areas with benches and tables.
Parking at Oshino Hakkai
Parking at Oshino Hakkai is widely available, with several lots scattered throughout the area. Most parking spots are 300 yen per visit (for regular cars), so finding a place to park shouldn’t be an issue.
The parking lots are generally unattended, with payment boxes available. After parking, place your fee in the box and head off to explore Oshino Hakkai.
For those looking for a recommendation, one of the best parking lots is located near Kagami-ike pond.
This lot accommodates about 10 cars, and although it’s reserved for regular and light vehicles, it’s one of the closest parking areas to the heart of Oshino Hakkai. The parking fee here is 200 yen, making it a great choice.
The History of Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai has long been a sacred site deeply connected to Fuji worship. It was once known as “Oshino Moto-Hachiko,” a place where purification rituals were performed before climbing Mount Fuji.
In 1843, the Daiga sect, a branch of Fuji-ko revived Oshino Hakkai as a purification site, spreading its name throughout the Kanto region. The eight ponds became known as the “Fuji Mountain Root Hachiko Sacred Site,” later shortened to “Moto-Hachiko Sacred Site.”
However, after the Meiji government’s anti - Buddhist policy in 1868, Fuji worship declined, and the purification rituals at Oshino Hakkai gradually ceased. By the end of World War II, such practices had almost disappeared.
Oshino Hakkai began to gain attention as a tourist destination around 1965, and its selection as one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters in 1985 further boosted its popularity. Today, many visitors are drawn to the mystical landscapes created by Mount Fuji’s spring water and the site’s rich historical background.
- Fuji-ko and the Daiga Sect
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Fuji-ko was a popular religious group dedicated to Fuji worship, active during the Edo period. Its members undertook pilgrimages and spiritual practices centered around Mount Fuji.
The Daiga sect was one branch of Fuji-ko. The name 'Daiga' likely comes from the founder or a specific teaching, though the details are unclear.
In 1843, the Daiga sect revived Oshino Hakkai as a purification site. This suggests that the Daiga sect was one of the more active groups within Fuji-ko at the time.
Fuji-ko comprised many sects, each with its own teachings and practices. The Daiga sect, through its revival of Oshino Hakkai, played a role in the development of Fuji worship.
Why was Fuji worship, rooted in Shinto, affected by the anti-Buddhist policy?
Fuji worship is a traditional Japanese belief that regards Mount Fuji as a sacred peak and seeks to connect with nature and the gods through pilgrimages and prayers. It is also known as Fuji faith.
Despite being based on Shinto, Fuji worship was influenced by Buddhism and Shugendo, a syncretic faith combining Shinto and Buddhist elements.
Fuji worship developed alongside Japan’s ancient mountain beliefs and Shinto practices, incorporating Buddhist and Shugendo elements. In particular, Fuji-ko groups practiced Buddhist rituals and ascetic training, which were influenced by the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. Shugendo, which blends Shinto and Buddhism, revered mountains as sacred places and emphasized ascetic practices in the mountains. Mount Fuji, therefore, became a site for such practices.
When the anti-Buddhist policy was implemented, this fusion of Shinto and Buddhism within Fuji worship was disrupted. Buddhist rituals and practices associated with Fuji worship were abolished, and Fuji worship became solely focused on its Shinto aspects.
The purification rituals at Oshino Hakkai, which were part of Buddhist and Shugendo practices, also declined as a result of this policy. Fuji worship overall was impacted, as Buddhist elements were removed, leaving only Shinto practices.
Oshino Hakkai: A UNESCO World Heritage Site Where Mount Fuji’s Blessings and Japanese Tradition Endure
Oshino Hakkai is one of Yamanashi’s top tourist destinations, offering a chance to enjoy the incredibly clear spring water scenery created by Mount Fuji. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and designated as a National Natural Monument, Oshino Hakkai represents a perfect balance between nature conservation and tourism.
Visitors can not only enjoy the distinctive scenery of each of the eight ponds but also delve into the history of Fuji worship. As you stroll along the paths, you can observe the pure spring water, filtered over many years by Mount Fuji’s volcanic rock.
With its famous grass mochi, a variety of eateries, and souvenir shops, Oshino Hakkai also contributes to local tourism and economic development. Though there are no nearby train stations, Oshino Hakkai is accessible by express and local buses, and parking is available for those driving, making it an easy destination for tourists.
A remarkable fusion of nature, Japanese tradition, and modern tourism infrastructure, Oshino Hakkai is truly a “too beautiful to be true” water town.
Be sure to visit and experience its beauty for yourself.
