Admiring Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai

At the time when I had the idea of writing this post, I thought I was going to be lamenting the lack of quality experience from my travel. After reading up more about the place and taking a moment to sit back, I decided to just be grateful for the opportunity to have any experience.

Five years ago during a tour in Tokyo, one of the tourist spots put on our itinerary was Oshino Hakkai. It was considered as our second destination after Nikko for enjoying Japan’s autumn scenery. Admiring autumn leaves and famous Mount Fuji have definitely been the highlights of my trip.

A sunny day in Oshino Hakkai with Mount Fuji in the backdrop

Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海) sits in a quaint little village, Oshino in the Fuji Five Lakes region. It is a collection of eight ponds revered as “springs of the gods”. These ponds are fed by snowmelt that flowed down the slopes of Mount Fuji and filtered over several decades to be pristine clear spring water. Oshino Hakkai was nationally recognised as a Natural Treasure in 1934, ranked among the National Top 100 Spring Waters in 1985, and included as an asset of Mount Fuji World Heritage Site in 2013.

A pond in the village centre. The water reflecting a mirror image of the surrounding elements.

I didn’t have much knowledge of the place prior visiting. The tour guide may have mentioned some facts about the place on the bus journey, but I really don’t remember. I only knew that we were going to get a view of Mount Fuji. When we arrived, there was a short distance to walk to the centre of the village.

Relaxed stroll

How exciting it was for me coming from an urban city in my home country to be walking through the streets of rural Japan! As we neared the village centre, we caught our first glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji was not shy to welcome us

Just kidding. We already had the first sighting of the mountain outside of the village. It didn’t make a very nice photo.

Now, I was not fully prepared for the enchanting scenery at Oshino.

The sun was bright, sky a cloudless blue, air an autumn chill. At proper intervals is a thatched roof building or a Japanese style one. A backdrop of Mount Fuji in all its glory. Serene ponds full of crystal clear water.

The village was teeming with people. Crowds walked the streets such that you cannot stand anywhere without getting into other people’s pictures or getting them into yours. Being such a tourist, I joined in.

Do you see what I mean?

A transparent pond reflecting the morning sky

If you look closer, a smartphone lies at the bottom of the pond, among other items.

Indeed, with the place buzzing with tourists, one cannot expect untouched nature. Still, the pure and fresh waters filled with aquatic life would mesmerise anyone there.

I have to make do with my overexposed photos. As a novice photographer and rookie tourist, it was quick snap snap snap all the way. Another regret I have from my short visit is that I didn't explore more of the place and identify all the ponds (being ignorant, I didn't know there were eight of them). I was too preoccupied with the mountain and one of the main ponds.

I said there would be no laments! What's to complain about when Mount Fuji is standing beautifully there?! Anyway, the mountain and the ponds weren’t the only attractions. The landscaping around the village also drew my fascination easily. Especially trees with autumn coloured leaves.

We left after spending two hours or so at Oshino. Too soon, I know! Despite the crowds and the anxiety from missing out on the other ponds, I enjoyed the visit. The beauty of nature and the thatched roof buildings were a very welcome change from the concrete jungle of Tokyo. Given the chance, I would return to feed my obsessive tourist need to take a look at the other ponds.

Oh man... No, it’s not always a good thing to have expectations. Might as well leave the ponds as a mystery and be grateful for the experience had.

Can’t stand straight and can’t pose. Shy and awkward is me.

PS It was so darn chilly that morning standing outside the hotel in this thin shirt. I shivered and wondered if I should change my top. I'm glad I didn't! The blue shirt was perfect for the destination surrounded by blue sky and blue waters.

PPS Don't wear blue against blue? Don’t care.