Get in touch with the pure spring water nurtured by Mother Nature at Mt. Fuji.
Oshino Hakkai Springs are collections of 8 springs that came from the underground water of Mt. Fuji which is located in Oshino Village in southeastern Yamanashi Prefecture at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Long ago, the entirety of the village was a huge lake known as Lake Utsu. However, due to a giant eruption of Mt. Fuji in 800 AD, the lake was split into two due to a lava flow. From this event, Lake Oshino and Lake Yamanaka were born. Over the centuries, Lake Oshino dried up but an area of springs arose from the mountain’s underground water which still survives. This notable area is known as Oshino Hakkai. The snowmelt from Mt. Fuji took 20 years to filter through the layers of lava and up into the 8 springs that were formed. In 1934, Oshino Hakkai was nationally designated as a Natural Monument according to its shape, water quality and quantity, conservation status, landscape and Buddhist thought (worship of Mt. Fuji). Furthermore, the area was also recognized as partial assets of the World Heritage site of Mt. Fuji.
Enjoy the view of the 8 springs which differ in atmosphere and color.
Oshino Hakkai Springs are made up of 8 springs: Deguchi, Okama, Sokonashi, Choshi, Waku, Nigori, Kagami and Shobu. The most famous one is Waku which has a rich amount of spring water and it is well-known for its clarity so that you can see the lava rock at the bottom of the pond. On the other hand, Kagami’s water is cloudy although the reflection of Mt. Fuji on the surface is lovely enough so that it can be worshiped. Deguchi, which is the only spring that is isolated from the rest, is the largest in area. It is the spring where there are no stores in the surrounding vicinity and so visitors are few which makes the area the most natural to view. Also, there is a story that states that if you carry water from Deguchi on your climb up Mt. Fuji, you will be able to do so safely. You cannot drink any of the water from Oshino Hakkai Springs directly, but it is possible to gather water into plastic bottles from the pumping station. The water from Mt. Fuji’s snowmelt is rich in minerals so it has been selected as one of the Top 100 Sources of Water in the country.