Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a group of eight spring-fed ponds near the base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture. Each pond has its own name and displays water that emerges from the mountain's porous volcanic rock after traveling through underground layers.

The area was once part of a larger lake that dried up during medieval times, leaving behind the present springs. The ponds later gained recognition as sacred sites for mountain pilgrims and received protection status in the 20th century.

Pilgrims traveling to Mount Fuji once stopped at these springs for ritual washing before beginning their climb. Small shrines near several ponds still show how people use the water for blessings and prayer offerings.

Visitors arrive by bus from Kawaguchiko or by rental car following signposted roads to the village entrance. The springs sit within an open village setting with footpaths, souvenir shops, and a small museum explaining the geological process.

One of the ponds, Wakuike, measures over 8 meters deep despite appearing small from above. Scientists collected water samples from this pond in the 1980s for a space experiment aboard the Space Shuttle.

Location: Oshino

Part of: Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration, Selected 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of Japan

Address: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511, Japan

Phone: +81555844222

Website: http://oshino.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.46111,138.83333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:41