Oshino Hakkai, Ninja village, and scorching spring with stunning Mt. Fuji view /Tokyo Journey Help. Benefit from the native experiences!

Oshino Hakkai is a novel spot within the Fuji 5 Lakes area. Right here you will discover the legendary eight ponds which can be full of the contemporary snowmelt from Mount Fuji. Nature lovers in Japan that wish to see a special facet of Japan will certainly be shocked (in a great way!) by the fantastic thing about Oshino Hakkai. In case you are looking for a refreshing day journey from Tokyo, learn on for extra details about Oshino Hakkai!

Tokyo Journey Help provides a car-based personal tour of Oshino Hakkai and Mt. Fuji.

About Oshino Hakkai（忍野八海）

Oshino Hakkai, actually “eight seas” in Japanese, is a set of eight ponds within the small village of Oshino within the Fuji 5 Lakes area. Located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, Oshino Hakkai was the location of a sixth lake that dried out many centuries in the past. The water within the eight ponds comes from the melted snow on Mount Fuji, which filters by porous volcanic rock. This course of takes a number of a long time which explains why the water within the ponds is so clear and pristine.

The eight ponds

The names of the eight ponds are Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagamiike, and Shobu-ike. The identify of every pond represents a sure characteristic of the pond. For instance, Deguchi-ike is the biggest of the eight ponds and is situated close to the exit (deguchi) of the village. Additionally, Kagami-ike is claimed to supply the clearest picture of Mount Fuji on the floor of the pond identical to a mirror (kagami).

You’ll find the ninth pond referred to as Naka-ike proper by the memento retailers at Oshino Hakkai. Not like the opposite ponds, Naka-ike is a man-made pond. The water is so clear and blue that you could see the very backside of the pond! Moreover, there’s a small fountain that appears like a waterfall on the walkway to Naka-ike. The legendary spring water of Oshino Hakkai comes out of this fountain. Strive sipping a few of this tremendous clear water, or buy an empty plastic bottle and take some for the highway.

Exploring Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai space is a extremely popular vacationer spot for each native Japanese individuals in addition to worldwide vacationers. The location provides guests the prospect to go to a number of eating places, memento retailers, and meals stands whereas touring the ponds. The eight ponds are all inside strolling distance from one another. So, you’ll be able to benefit from the sights and smells of the small village-like park whereas studying in regards to the eight ponds. Situated on web site is an open-air museum referred to as Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan（榛の木林資料館） the place you’ll be able to admire shows of previous farming instruments and samurai weapons. Entry to Sokonashi-ike, which provides one of the best views of Mount Fuji, can be discovered on this museum. The museum fees a small entrance charge and is open from 9 AM to five PM.

After touring the ponds and museum, why not cease at one of many meals stands? The small meals stands that line the streets promote native snacks like grilled sweetfish or mochi skewers referred to as dango. Not solely are these meals extremely scrumptious, however they’re photogenic too.

By the best way, you may discover that the constructing roofs round Oshino Hakkai look a bit totally different than common roofs. The buildings at Oshino Hakkai are made with conventional thatched roofs, which have been a typical sort of roof in rural Japan. Individuals in Japan constructed buildings with thatched roofs from the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) till the mid-Twentieth century. You’ll have seen some of these homes at Shirakawa-go in Gifu prefecture, which is likely to be the preferred place to view these conventional Japanese buildings. Nevertheless, Oshino Hakkai additionally provides the prospect to see these uncommon buildings with out the lengthy practice journey. Tokyo Journey Help coordinates a personal tour for Oshino Hakkai.

Oshino Hakkai space map

How you can get to Oshino Hakkai

To entry the Oshino Hakkai space from Tokyo, we advocate first heading to Kawaguchiko Station. Freeway buses depart from Shinjuku Station, Shinagawa Station, and Tokyo Station, and can take you straight to Kawaguchiko Station – no switch crucial! Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease a automobile and drive to Oshino Hakkai.

Through native bus

From Kawaguchiko Station, you’ll be able to take the bus that runs between Kawaguchiko and Gotemba Station. Many of the buses that run this route cease at Oshino Hakkai, normally one each hour. In case you are not sure if the bus will cease at Oshino Hakkai, test the bus timetable on the bus cease.

Fujikko vacationer bus（ふじっ湖号）

The Fujikko vacationer buses or the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop buses are the right decisions for many who need to see all that the Mount Fuji space has to supply. These loop buses present a simple transportation technique round the primary sightseeing spots within the Fuji 5 Lakes space, together with Oshino Hakkai. The Fujikko vacationer buses depart Kawaguchiko station each hour and go in a circle round Lake Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida, Oshino Hakkai and Lake Yamanakako. There’s a 2-day limitless move for the Fujikko vacationer bus out there for 1500 yen, which we advocate for many who plan to remain in a single day within the Fuji 5 Lakes space. You’re going to get off the bus on the “Oshino Hakkai” bus cease.

Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop bus（富士山世界遺産ループバス）

Alternatively, the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop bus departs each 90 minutes from Kawaguchiko station. This bus goes from Kawaguchiko and round Chureito Pagoda and Oshino Hakkai. There may be additionally a 2-day limitless bus move for the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop bus out there for 1050 yen, which we advocate for these staying in a single day and planning to go to Chureito Pagoda along with Oshino Hakkai. Just like the Fujikko bus, please get off the bus on the “Oshino Hakkai” bus cease.

By automobile

For many who plan to go to Oshino Hakkai by automobile please word that there’s paid parking across the park. In the course of the weekends and holidays one of the best spots refill quick, so please hold that in thoughts! Additionally, you need to have a sound worldwide driver’s license to drive a automobile in Japan. Please inquire together with your native embassy for extra details about the license necessities.

Different sights to see

Shinobi no Sato（しのびの里）

Have you ever ever wished to check your Ninja expertise? Or perhaps you intend on visiting Oshino Hakkai with your loved ones and need a memorable expertise for the youngsters. Both method, Shinobi no Sato is for you!

Shinobi no Sato is a ninja-themed village situated close to Oshino Hakkai. Guests can remodel into ninjas whereas having fun with the view of Mount Fuji within the background. There are various actions and shows that might absolutely entertain anybody inquisitive about Japanese ninjas. For the youngsters, the Shuriken throwing problem is an ideal method to attempt being a ninja. Hit the targets and also you may even win a prize! To study extra about ninjas, watch one of many ninja performances. Intense acrobatics and ninja expertise are tremendous thrilling to observe.

Additionally, make sure to make a cease on the Karakuri home. This home is full of booby traps, secret rooms, and extra. Ninjas used to reside in homes like Karakuri home use to guard themselves from unwelcome guests. See should you can spot the tough traps or get caught in them!

Moreover the ninja actions, there’s a tea home that serves genuine Japanese matcha with a Shinobi no Sato authentic snack. After an extended day of strolling, soak your drained toes within the public foot tub (ashiyu). The foot baths are particularly enjoyable within the winter months! In case you are hungry, sit down and luxuriate in an genuine Japanese meal on the restaurant. Tokyo Journey Help coordinates a personal tour for Shinobi no Sato.

Tackle: 2845 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi（Map）
Tel: 0555-84-1122
Hours: Hours differ every season, please test the web site right here

Kaneyama Waterfall（鐘山の滝）

Kaneyama waterfall is a phenomenal waterfall close to Oshino Hakkai. From Oshino Hakkai, you’ll be able to attain the falls in about 15 by bus or 8 minutes by automobile.

The autumn flows from the Katsura River in Yamanashi and will get water from Lake Yamanakako and Oshino Hakkai. Kaneyama waterfall has a drop of 10 meters with two streams. You possibly can benefit from the surroundings year-round as the realm is cool in the summertime, has stunning azalea flowers in spring, and brilliant inexperienced vegetation throughout in summer season. Nevertheless, the preferred season to make the journey to Kaneyama Waterfall is autumn. The brilliant crimson and orange leaves in autumn body Kaneyama waterfall. Whether or not you’re taking a photograph in your smartphone or DSLR digicam, you might be sure to seize a tremendous shot!

Tackle: Kamiyoshidahigashi, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi（Map）

Benifuji no Yu（紅富士の湯）

Benifuji no Yu is an onsen (scorching spring) situated only a few blocks away from the shore of Lake Yamanaka, the biggest of the Fuji 5 Lakes. The outside baths provide unbelievable views of “Benifuji”. “Benifuji”, or crimson Fuji, occurs when the snow on Mount Fuji seems to have a rosy pink hue, particularly in winter mornings.

Benifuji no Yu is an actual Japanese onsen expertise. Strip all the way down to your birthday go well with and wash up earlier than coming into the baths. The quite a few baths present a special expertise. Take pleasure in every distinctive tub whereas basking in the fantastic thing about Mount Fuji. The surroundings is barely totally different throughout every season, with snow throughout within the winter and brilliant greenery in the summertime. After your fill of the baths, you’ll be able to loosen up within the lounge space. To make your go to additional memorable, you must cease by the cafeteria for some contemporary native dishes.

Tackle: 2845 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi（Map）
Tel: 0555-84-1122
Hours: 11 AM ~ 8 PM

Sakana Park（さかな公園）

Sakana Park is a water and forest-themed park in Oshino Village. You possibly can study vegetation and animals that reside collectively round Mount Fuji. Situated within the park are two major amenities: Fuji Yusui no Sato Aquarium (Fuji Spring Water Village Aquarium) and Mori no Gakushukan (Oshino Village Forest Studying Heart).

Fuji Yusui no Sato Aquarium（富士湧水の里水族館）

You possibly can see many sorts of freshwater fish swimming round within the indoor and outside swimming pools at Fuji no Yusui no Sato Aquarium. Do you know that there are round 3000 sorts of freshwater fish within the waters that come from Mount Fuji? Quite a few them reside on the Fuji Yusui no Sato Aquarium. Fish feeding classes and particular exhibitions are additionally held right here on an irregular foundation.

Mori no Gakushukan（森の学習館）

At Mori no Gakushukan, study totally different vegetation and animals that reside within the forests round Oshino Village and Japan. One of many highlights of Mori no Gakushukan is the shows of native vegetation and animals. Additionally, there may be an space to study medicinal vegetation. For the youngsters and any of the younger at coronary heart, attempt fishing for conifer cone “fish” in a sea of wooden shavings. Alternatively, attempt your hand at some crafts with pure supplies sourced round Oshino Village.

At Sakana Park, there may be additionally a playground space for kids that’s made from wooden. In the summertime, guests can play within the “Jabujabu pond” to chill down from the sweltering summer season warmth.

Tackle: 3098-1 Shibokusa, Minamitsurugun Oshinomura, Yamanashi（Map）
Tel: 0555-84-7261
Hours: 9 AM ~ 5 PM

Native Delicacies

Eating places and meals stands fill the streets round Oshino Hakkai. You possibly can attempt native Yamanashi delicacies at one of many retailers. Preserve studying to see our suggestions for scrumptious native delicacies.

Tenshoan（天祥庵）

Tenshoan is a soba restaurant discovered close to Shinobi no Sato. Soba noodles are made with buckwheat, in contrast to ramen or udon that are normally made with flour. The restaurant itself will take you again to previous Japan with the thatched roof and conventional inside, full with tatami mats. The buckwheat noodles made contemporary every day are so in style with the various vacationers that go to.

Tackle: 2848-2 Shinobiku, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi（Map）
Tel: 0555-84-4119
Hours: 11 AM ~ 2:30 PM

Maruten（丸天）

Maruten is a restaurant that focuses on native Yamanashi delicacies. Probably the most well-known dish at Maruten is actually houtou, a noodle soup that originates from Yamanashi prefecture. There are a number of city legends as to how houtou originated in Yamanashi. One such legend credit the dearth of rice harvest within the area for the creation of houtou. Alternatively, some individuals say that warlord Takeda Shingen created houtou by slicing noodles along with his treasured sword, referred to as a houtou in Japan.

Houtou is made by boiling noodles with Japanese pumpkin, inexperienced onion, pork, or different greens in a miso-based broth. The noodles in houtou are noticeably brief and flat in distinction to the opposite well-known sorts of noodles in Japan like soumen or ramen that are normally skinny and lengthy. Houtou is a must-try dish for anybody visiting Oshino Hakkai and the encompassing space.

Tackle: 114 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi（Map）
Tel: 0555-84-2109
Hours: 11 AM ~ 4 PM *Closed each Wednesday

Historical past of Oshino Hakkai

Within the olden days, Oshino Hakkai was referred to as Fujisan Nemoto Hakko Sacred Grounds, or the Moto-Hakko. Eight is a vital quantity in Buddhism because of the Eightfold Path. With Buddhism being a big faith in Japan, Japanese individuals in earlier eras included the circuit of the eight ponds as an necessary a part of the pilgrimage to Mount Fuji. Spiritual teams would purify themselves within the springs of Oshino Hakkai earlier than making the trek up Mount Fuji. Attributable to its historic and cultural significance, Oshino Hakkai was designated a Pure Monument of Japan in 1934 and has been a part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Sight since 2013.

You most likely need to go to Oshino Hakkai now that you just realized in regards to the superb eight ponds and different close by sights. If you happen to require a pleasant Japanese information that will help you get round Oshino Hakkai, look no additional! The guides right here at Tokyo Journey Help are right here to assist. Get in contact with us right this moment and tell us what you intend to do on a visit to Oshino Hakkai!