Oshino Hakkai is a reconstructed traditional village centred around eight naturally occurring ponds, fed by the snowmelt each spring. Bridges and paths lead between the ponds and past traditional thatch-roofed buildings – a beautiful setting from which to view Mount Fuji looming nearby. The ponds are strikingly clear with fish visibly moving beneath the surface.

The village is aimed at tourists with many restaurants, souvenirs stores and vendors selling their wares. An open-air museum provides some information about the traditional methods used to constructed the buildings along with artefacts of traditional life including tools, household items and weaponry.

Though intended for tourists and it can be crowded, Oshino Hakkai succeeds in its purpose of offering a glimpse of traditional Japan set against the stunning backdrop of Fuji. For information regarding other great places to view Fuji, please refer to our ‘Best Views of Mount Fuji’ page.