Let us tell you a story that’ll make you want to pack your bags right now. Visit Oshino Hakkai, a tiny village that’s nature’s best-kept secret – and a must-see spot for anyone exploring beyond the busy streets of popular places to visit in Japan. The village is part of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture this: eight crystal-clear ponds so pure you could practically see a coin sparkling at the bottom. These aren’t just any water bodies – they’re magical springs birthed from Mount Fuji’s melting snow, each with its personality and charm. Local legends say these waters have been telling stories long before humans arrived. Discover Oshino Hakkai’s eight crystal-clear ponds, where Mount Fuji’s magic meets pristine waters in Japan’s most beautiful hidden village. It’s one of those things to do in Japan that you absolutely cannot miss.
If you’re planning an adventure, check out our incredible Japan Tour packages that include this hidden gem. Imagine walking through a landscape where traditional wooden houses peek out between lush greenery, and Mount Fuji looms majestically in the background like a protective guardian.
No fancy filters are needed. This is raw, untouched Japanese beauty that’ll make your travel stories legendary.
At the heart of Oshino Hakkai are its eight ponds, each with its unique beauty and significance. These ponds are fed by water from Mount Fuji, which filters through layers of volcanic rock over decades. The result is water so pure and clear that it has become a source of pride for the village. Let’s take a closer look at the ponds that make this village famous:
1. Deguchi Pond: Deguchi Pond is the largest of the eight ponds and serves as the “gateway” to Oshino Hakkai. Its calm surface reflects the surrounding nature, creating a postcard-perfect view of Mount Fuji on clear days. Historically, this pond marked the starting point for pilgrims heading to Mount Fuji. Its location and size made it an essential stop.
2. Okama Pond: Okama Pond, also called the “cauldron pond,” is one of the deepest ponds at Oshino Hakkai. Its circular shape gives it the appearance of a cauldron. The water in this pond is so pure that locals believe it has healing properties. In the past, pilgrims used it to cleanse themselves before their spiritual journey.
3. Sokonashi Pond: Sokonashi, meaning “bottomless pond,” gets its name from its incredible clarity, which makes it seem as though it has no bottom. In reality, the pond is several meters deep. This pond has an air of mystery, and its pristine waters are said to symbolize purity and renewal.
4. Choshi Pond: Choshi Pond is smaller but equally beautiful, known for its reflective surface. It is surrounded by stone lanterns and other traditional elements, adding a historical touch. The pond’s name, “choshi,” means “sake bottle,” referring to its shape. It is a reminder of the harmonious blend of nature and culture in Oshino Hakkai.
5. Waku Pond: Waku Pond is one of the most popular ponds at Oshino Hakkai, thanks to its lively surroundings and cultural significance. The name “waku” means “spring water,” emphasizing the pond’s natural origins. This pond is considered the purest of the eight, with water so clean it has been designated as one of Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters.”
6. Nigori Pond: Nigori Pond is slightly murkier compared to the other ponds, but it still has its beauty. The name “nigori” means “cloudy,” referring to its color. It is said that the cloudiness symbolizes the imperfections in human life, making it a place for reflection and contemplation.
7. Kagami Pond: Kagami, meaning “mirror pond,” is famous for its reflective properties. On clear days, it perfectly mirrors Mount Fuji, creating a picture-perfect scene that seems almost magical. This pond is a symbol of harmony and balance, as its reflections remind visitors of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
8. Shobu Pond: Shobu Pond is named after the iris plants that grow around its edges. These plants bloom beautifully during certain seasons, adding colorful colors to the pond’s surroundings. This pond is a favorite among artists and photographers for its rich, natural beauty. It’s also considered a symbol of perseverance and growth.
Suggested Read: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
