There exists in the lovely village of Oshino in Yamanashi, Japan, a magical place famously known as Oshino Hakkai. This place has eight beautiful ponds filled with crystal-clear water from the snow of Fuji Mountain. Every pond is unique and has a history behind it. Apart from the beauty, these ponds are also surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and Japanese-style houses that look like they are straight out of fairy tale novels. The reason why people love to visit Oshino Hakkai is that the place is quiet and beautiful, an ideal place to spend some hours with nature.
Oshino Hakkai is a place where you can feed colorful fish, take amazing pictures, and taste the water that ordinary people consider special. Imagine yourself walking along peaceful paths, hearing the gentle splash of water nearby, and breathing fresh mountain air. This can be a great adventure for people who love nature, want to discover something new, or just want to escape to a peaceful and beautiful area.
Hence, whether you are a tourist with an interest in nature, just curious to explore, or maybe you like history, Oshino Hakkai in Oshino Yamanashi, Japan, is waiting to enchant you with its magical vibes.
Memorable Journey to Oshino Hakkai
1. Geographical Information of Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a magically beautiful place located in the village of Oshino in Yamanashi, Japan. It is close to the famous mountain; in Japanese, it is called ‘Fuji-san,’ and in English, it is called ‘Mount Fuji.’
- Location: Oshino Hakkai is in the Arctic region of the Earth at about 35. 455° N latitude and 138.836° E longitude. It is between two lakes, Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, which are among the Fuji Five Lakes.
- Height: It is about 940 meters (3083 feet) above sea level; it has relatively colder weather and is mostly designed with many greens.
- Mount Fuji is approximately 10 km (6 miles) away. The ponds are filled with water from its melted snow.
- Eight Ponds: There are eight clear ponds: Deguchi, Okama, Sokonashi, Choshi, Waku, Nigori, Kagami, and Shobu. Each pond is different, but the water in all of them is very clean.
- Weather: The weather is a little cooler here than in many other places. Summer is mild, and winter can be cold. It rains a lot, which helps the area maintain a green color and the ponds are well-filled.
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2. Distance of Oshino Hakkai From Major Cities
| Major Cities | Distances |
| Tokyo | ~110 km (68 miles) |
| Yokohama | ~230 km (143 miles) |
| Nagoya | ~400 km (249 miles) |
| Kyoto | ~450 km (280 miles) |
| Osaka | ~450 kms (280 miles) |
3. How To Reach Oshino Hakkai
Here are detailed directions:
From Tokyo
Option 1: By Train and Bus
- Train:
From Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, travel by JR Chuo Line (about 70 minutes).
From Otsuki Station to Fujisan Station, take the Fujikyu Railway (about 45 minutes).
- Bus:
You can get to Oshino Hakkai by bus, and after reaching Fujisan Station, it will only take approximately 20 minutes to get there.
Option 2: Direct Bus
From Shinjuku Station to Oshino Hakkai, by bus, it will take approximately 2 hours.
From Mount Fuji Area
By Bus: However, if you are already close to Mount Fuji, such as in the Fuji Five Lakes area, especially in Kawaguchiko, take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Oshino Hakkai, which will take approximately 25 minutes.
From Narita Airport
Option 1: By Train and Bus:
- Train: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station, which will take approximately 1. 5 hours.
- Follow: From Shinjuku Station, follow either Option 1 or Option 2 from Tokyo mentioned above.
Option 2: By Car
From Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway. This drive takes approximately 2 hours and offers wonderful scenery along the way.
4. Tips for Travelers
- Plan: Check the schedules of buses and trains, especially during peak tourist seasons,
- Passes: If you visit the Mount Fuji area frequently, you may buy the Fuji Hakone Pass. This pass provides free access to some buses, trains, and points of interest.
- Footwear: Oshino Hakkai is a place where you will walk a lot, so you should wear comfortable shoes.
5. Cost Range of Transportation
| From Tokyo | By Train and Bus | From Shinjuku to Otsuki, by JR Chuo Line: $23-$27 (one way)From Otsuki to Fujisan, by Fujikyu Railway: $11-$14 (one way)From Fujisan to Oshino Hakkai, by Bus: $5-$7 (one way) |
| Direct By Bus | From Shinjuku to Oshino Hakkai: $18-$23 (one way) | |
| From Near Mount Fuji | By Bus | $5 – $7 (one way) |
| From Narita Airport | By Train and Bus | Car Rental: $45-$90 per day Highway Tolls: $23-$27 (one way) Gasoline: $14-$18 |
| By Car | Car Rental: $45-$90 per day Highway Tolls: $23-$27 (one way) Gasoline: $14-$18 | |
| Additional Tips | Fuji Hakone Pass | $41 for 2 days or $51 for 3 days (for unlimited travel on certain buses and trains in the area) |
| Food and tokens | $18 – $27 per person |
6. Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Hoshino Hakkai is discussed below.
Spring (March to May)
- Cherry Blossoms: When pretty pink flowers start blooming on trees, it makes everything look so beautiful.
- Mild Weather: It is neither hot nor cold, it’s good weather for a walk.
- Green Scenery: There are many green plants and trees; the area appears fresh and has many colors.
Winter (December to February)
- Snow-Capped Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is covered with snow and looks like a giant white mountain.
- Fewer Crowds: Few people go there, so it has a peaceful environment compared to other places with many people.
- Clear Views: The air is rather fresh there, so you can even see Mount Fuji, the ponds, and the lake.
It is advisable to visit Oshino Hakkai in Spring due to the cherry blossom trees and in winter because Mt. Fuji is snow-covered. The climate is mild in spring and calm and bright in winter.
7. Top Attractions To Visit In Oshino Hakkai
Eight Ponds
- Crystal-Clear Waters: You can see fish swimming on the water’s surface.
- Stunning Reflections: Take stunning pictures of the ponds, Mount Fuji, and the surrounding view; it is like a mirror, indeed.
- Unique Features: Every pond has its charm, attraction, and beauty.
Interesting World’s Iconic Peak
- Big Mountain: Explore Japan’s most famous mountain known as Mount Fuji.
- Great for Photos: Iconic for taking photographs of the mountain and some ponds.
Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (Traditional Farmhouse Museum)
- See Old Houses: Take a tour through the traditional Japanese farmhouses of old ages.
- Cultural Experience: Introduce kids to the basic things people once used to do when cultivating the land, such as how people used to live and play with old-fashioned tools.
Oshino Ninja Village
- Fun for Families: Experience watching ninja shows and other interesting fun activities.
- Ninja Skills: Learn some of the ninja activities, including throwing stars, as well as other games.
Hakkai Shrine
- Peaceful Place: One must go to a beautiful and calm shrine where one can have a peaceful time.
- Make Wishes: A good place to make a wish and be in solitude, of course, following the customs of the Japanese Shinto religion.
Traditional Japanese Tea Houses
- Try Japanese Tea: I recommend spending a few hours in a tea house, having a cup of tea, and enjoying lovely sweets.
- Relax: Take a sit and relax and look at the wonderful sights around the ponds.
Local Food and Memorable: Taste interesting local food and go shopping to remember your visit.
Nature Walks and Trails: Stroll around the ponds; they should spend some time and enjoy the environment.
8. Hotel Accommodations In Oshino Hakkai
| Hotels | Location | Rating | Price/night |
| Hotel Mt. Fuji | Yamanakako (6.2km from Oshino) | 4.5+ | $317-$385 |
| Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato | Fujikawaguchiko (12.1 km from Oshino) | 4.5+ | $287-$318 |
| Almeria Hotel | Yamanakako (7.8km from Oshino) | 4.5+ | $248-$275 |
| Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel | Fujikawaguchiko (11.5km from Oshino) | 4.5+ | $297-$330 |
| Coosu Coosu | Fujikawaguchiko (14.9km from Oshino) | 4.5+ | $152-$170 |
| Resort Inn Fuyo | Fujiyoshida (6.9km from Oshino) | 4+ | $127-$140 |
| Hotel Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort | Fujiyoshida (9.3km from Oshino) | 4+ | $204-$230 |
| Fuji Matsuzono Hotel | Yamanakako (5.9km from Oshino) | 4+ | $268-$297 |
| Tagaogi | Yamanakako (5.7km from Oshino) | 4+ | $314-$345 |
| Yamagisi Ryokan | Fujikawaguchiko (11.1km from Oshino) | 4+ | $136-$152 |
| Hotel Regina Kawaguchiko | Fujikawaguchiko (10.7km from Oshino) | 4+ | $147-$180 |
| Fuji Premium Resort | Fujikawaguchiko (12.9km from Oshino) | 3.5+ | $232-$255 |
| Yamanakako Shuzanso | Yamanakako (7.9km from Oshino) | 3.5+ | $178-$200 |
| Village Kagetsuen | Yamanakako (8.8km from Oshino) | 3.5+ | $182-$200 |
| Manor House | Yamanakako (11.9km from Oshino) | 3.5+ | $150-$170 |
| Lake House Tribe | Fujikawaguchiko (12.9km from Oshino) | 3.5+ | $140-$155 |
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People may ask
1. What exactly makes Oshino Hakkai a popular destination in Japan?
Oshino Hakkai is famous for its eight ponds filled with water from the snow of Mount Fuji. This area is green, and the traditional Japanese houses offer a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
2. What are some of the best ways by which I can get to Oshino Hakkai from Tokyo?
Shinjuku station to Otsuki (70 mins) by Quintus, Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki to Fujisan station (45 mins), and a 20-minute bus ride to Oshino Hakkai. Another faster way is taking the direct bus from Shinjuku, which really will take about two hours.
3. What are eight ponds, and what’s so special about these ponds?
Eight types of ponds exist: Deguchiike, Okamaike, Sokonashiike, Choshiike, Wakuike, Nigoriike, Kagamiike, and Shobuike. Their clear water and unique views provide a serene environment for visitors.
4. What is Oshino Hakkai’s best time to visit?
Oshino Hakkai is best recommended during the springtime, March to May, because of the cherry blossom trees or during winter, December to February, when Mount Fuji is capped with snow.
5. What must-visit sights and things to do in Oshino Hakkai?
The eight ponds, Fuji View, Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, a traditional farmhouse museum, Oshino Ninja Village, Hakkai Shrine, traditional tea houses, and natural trails in and around the eight ponds are points of interest.
Bottom lines
Oshino Hakkai is a magical place in Japan where you can find eight beautiful ponds filled with water that are so clear that you can see the bottom. The water of these ponds comes from Mount Fuji’s snow. The ponds are located in the middle of lush greenery, colorful flowers, and traditional Japanese houses that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. In Oshino Hakkai, you can feed the colorful fish in the pond, take stunning pictures, and even try tasting the water from these ponds– it’s clear and delicious! It’s really a quiet and peaceful place where you can enjoy nature.
There are many ways to get there from Tokyo, such as by train from Shinjuku station to Otsuki (70 mins) by Quintus, Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki to Fujisan station (45 mins) and a 20-minute bus ride to Oshino Hakkai. Another faster way is taking the direct bus from Shinjuku, which really will take about two hours. And at this time of the year, there are also fewer tourists visiting Oshino Hakkai. Besides visiting the pond, you can also enter old farmhouses to see how people lived in ancient Japan, watch ninja shows for entertainment, visit and learn more about Japanese culture, and enjoy!
