What Is Oshino Hakkai Famous For? How To Visit It And More
BY Sibashree Mar 31, 2026
Everyone knows that you cannot complete exploring Japan in a day. And I had no choice but to miss Oshino Hakkai on the first trip. However, on the next trip, I made sure to plan a visit. Of course, an image on Instagram was my major drive behind being so passionate about a trip to Oshino Hakkai. I saw a series of houses with thatched roofs along the shore of a pond. The magnificent and snow-covered Mount Fuji stood behind, strong and unshakable, as the eternal truth. Born and raised in the land of spirituality and the Himalayas, I had to visit Oshino Hakkai. However, as I have explained in my narrative from Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip, you have to time your trip really well and have to be extremely lucky to see the snow-capped Mount Fuji. Also, if you are planning a trip in summer, you will only get to see Mount Fuji partially or fully covered by clouds. Nevertheless, as Mount Fuji continues to act elusive, here is why Oshino Hakkai will win your heart. Oshino Hakkai: Why Is Visiting The Eight Springs Of Oshino So Special? As I stood at the center of where both Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako meet in the small village of Oshino, I was able to look at the eight sacred ponds of Oshino Hakkai. These sparkling, clear water springs are all that is left from a long-lost sixth lake that existed hundreds of years ago. It's as if time stood still when you visit these sacred areas. When I looked into the water, I didn't see just water, and I saw history. The springs were used by pilgrims (Fuji-ko) during Japan's Edo period to cleanse their bodies and souls before climbing Mt. Fuji. What a magical process the water goes through! From snow accumulation on the summit of Mt. Rainier, through melting and filtration through approximately 80 years' worth of porous lava before it actually emerges at this location, its absolute perfection. Moreover, it was crystal clear and pure. Also, as I walked through the "Natural Monuments," I had an intense feeling of appreciation for the many years of waiting, so that each would have such serenity. How To Reach Oshino Hakkai? The journey to the stunning waters of Oshino Hakkai is as much a part of the experience as the location itself. Here’s my recommendation for how to get to Oshino Hakkai, depending on whether you want a more convenient (train) or an adventurous (rental car) way of doing so. 1. Reaching Oshino Hakkai From Tokyo When travelling from Tokyo, you have several options available. Highway bus lines go to Oshino Hakkai directly. If you plan to take the train, either Fujisan Station (the nearest station) or Kawaguchiko on the Fuji Kyuko Line is your best option. Once at Fujisan or Kawaguchiko, catch a local bus to get to the village. You may take the Fujikko-go (tourist buses), Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop, or Uchino or Hirano routes via local bus from Fujisan Station. Generally, there are 1-2 buses/hour on these routes. At Kawaguchiko Station, there are 11 Fuji-Q buses each day that leave for Lake Yamanaka Oriental side, and the 11 Fuji-Q buses that leave for Gotemba and also the Oshino springs. Just watch out for the Oshino Hakkai or Oshino Hakkai-Iriguchi as their stops. 2. Driving And Village Logistics I rented a car, and it is the most convenient way to visit the nearby Five Lakes region. Parking here is convenient, and there are many public and private parking spaces. After parking the car, you can explore the nearby villages. However, you will need 300 JPY to enter the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan Museum. You can visit the museum from 9 AM to 5 PM every day for a deep understanding of the local history. Moreover, you will find signage in Japanese and English for every pond. My Trip To Oshino Hakkai I felt a bit out of place when I got to Oshino Hakkai. I thought it would be a nice, quiet area for reflection and meditation, free of other people. However, I found a busy and fully built-out village of people, shops selling food, and many shoppers and visitors to the area, as well as people engaging with local merchants about the items that were being sold. There were also a lot of people around Wakuike Pond, and they were excited to see how clear the water of the pond was and the fish that were swimming in the pond. 1. Finding Solitude And Peace Within The City Although I typically search for the peace of solitude, I did not mind being in a populated environment. I became curious after wandering among the crowds to find out where my curiosity would take me. I found a quiet, undeveloped area just minutes from the main road, where I could hear the water from the pond, see ducks on the water, and watch an old man with two little boys quietly fishing right next to me. 2. Folklore And Galactic History The folklore & Galactic history of the 8 springs were fascinating to explore. Especially, that water from Wakuike Pond traveled on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 for a snow-making experiment in space! 3. My Personal Highlight The highlight for me was the open-air museum at the Hanoki Bayashi Shiryokan. It was a true escape from contemporary living, immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of the area. 4. Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan: The Main Attraction Of The Trip To tell the truth, I went to Oshino Hakkai because of Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan. One of the most amazing sights I've seen in the Five Lakes region was the thatched-roof farmhouses against a colorful garden and the imposing backdrop of Mount Fuji. I became engrossed in the displays of antique household items and rustic farming implements inside the traditional farmhouse. The tour was brief, but I stayed by the big pond long after I was done because of the subtle beauty of the architecture. I couldn't resist making another lap because the landscaping was so welcoming. 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