Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
September 15, 2026
If you're planning a trip around Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai is a must-see popular spot. Located in Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Oshino Hakkai is a group of springs registered as one of the assets that make up the World Cultural Heritage site "Mount Fuji - Object of Worship and Source of Artistic Inspiration." You can enjoy a quintessential Japanese landscape where crystal-clear ponds, the beautiful Mount Fuji, and traditional thatched-roof villages harmonize. This article will provide you with detailed information on how to access Oshino Hakkai, its highlights, seasonal scenery, recommended restaurants, nearby sightseeing, and even luxury accommodations.
table of contents
Oshino Hakkai, as its name suggests, is a scenic spot consisting of eight spring-fed ponds. The water in the ponds is natural water that has been filtered underground for decades from rain and snowmelt that fell on Mount Fuji before emerging as springs. The water is surprisingly clear, so much so that you can clearly see the aquatic plants at the bottom and the fish swimming in it. The deepest pond is about 8 meters deep, but even there you can see to the bottom. It has long been known as a sacred site for the worship of Mount Fuji, and climbers would purify themselves with this spring water before ascending Mount Fuji. In 2013, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of "Mount Fuji - Object of Worship and Source of Artistic Inspiration."
Many people in the Mt. Fuji area stay in Kawaguchiko and combine their visit with sightseeing at Oshino Hakkai. It's about a 20-25 minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Bus. If you plan to tour the Fuji Five Lakes area, you can save on transportation costs by using a pass such as the "Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes Pass."
If you're visiting from Tokyo on a day trip, take a highway bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station or Fujisan Station (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours), then transfer to another bus. There are also highway buses that go directly to Oshino Hakkai, but they are infrequent, so it's recommended to leave early in the morning.
There are several parking lots around Oshino Hakkai. Some are paid, some are free, and some are available to customers who use the shops in the area. It tends to get crowded during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
The entire village of Oshino Hakkai is open to the public free of charge; there is no entrance fee. There are no gates or opening hours, and you can freely stroll around 24 hours a day. The eight ponds are scattered throughout the village, so you can take your time and explore them on foot. Please note that the surrounding shops and museums are only open during the daytime. There is a paid facility called the "Hanzeki Forest Museum" where you can learn more about the history and culture of Oshino Hakkai.
At Oshino Hakkai, local cuisine made with spring water from Mount Fuji is also popular.
The cherry blossoms are at their best from mid- to late April. The scenery created by the cherry blossoms, the clear pond, and Mount Fuji is truly breathtaking.
In summer, the spring water becomes even clearer, and Mount Fuji is beautifully reflected on its surface. It's a season to be soothed by the refreshing air and tranquil scenery.
The autumn foliage is at its peak from late October to November. The thatched roofs and the surface of the pond are adorned with the colors of the autumn leaves, allowing visitors to enjoy a quintessentially Japanese landscape.
When snow falls, the thatched roofs are covered in white, and the pond continues to flow without freezing. The view of the snow-covered Mount Fuji is a breathtaking winter scene that many photography enthusiasts dream of seeing.
It is about a 20-minute drive from Oshino Hakkai and includes attractions such as Oishi Park, Kawaguchiko Panorama Ropeway, and Kawaguchiko Museum of Music and Forest.
This is a popular spot where you can photograph the Chureito Pagoda, the five-story pagoda, cherry blossoms, and Mount Fuji all together.
This amusement park is popular for its thrilling rides. It also features "Thomas Land" and "Lisa and Gaspard Town," making it a popular choice for families.
It is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. It is also known as a spot where you can see the "inverted Mt. Fuji."
This luxurious accommodation features private hot spring baths in every unit, allowing guests to fully enjoy a relaxing time amidst nature. Each unit includes a private dining area, hot spring bath, and separate toilet. Meals include French-style red wine hot pot, Koshu beef sirloin steak, aged sirloin steak, and herb-grilled salmon BBQ, creating unforgettable memories of your trip.
This popular glamping facility is easily accessible from Oshino Hakkai. Guest rooms are equipped with high-concentration vanadium natural hot spring baths and saunas. Some villas also have private pools, and guests can enjoy free drinks and campfires. For dinner, guests can savor local Yamanashi ingredients such as Koshu beef steak and Koshu Shingen pork loin.
Oshino Hakkai itself can be visited freely 24 hours a day. However, the shops and museum are only open during the daytime and gradually close in the evening.
Generally, a visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you want to take photos and enjoy the food, about 2 hours would be more relaxing.
It's about a 20-25 minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Bus. It's also easily accessible by rental car, but the parking lot gets crowded on weekends and during peak tourist season.
If you're planning a visit to Oshino Hakkai, early morning is highly recommended. There will be fewer people, and you'll have a better chance of capturing the beautiful "inverted Fuji" reflection of Mount Fuji in the ponds. Furthermore, if you stay at a luxurious accommodation near Mount Fuji, you can spend your days exploring World Heritage sites and your nights gazing at a sky full of stars. If you're planning a trip to Mount Fuji, be sure to include a visit to Oshino Hakkai as well.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
