It was a little more than an hour of driving from Fuji Safari Park. I'm not quite sure as I slept for most of it—I think the best part of being on a tour is having someone else drive as I am usually the driver in the family (and when I'm not the driver, I'm the navigator, so I have to stay awake). When we arrived at Oshino Hakkai, we were all sleeping, and I actually wanted to nap during this 1 1/2 hour block. I'm glad, though, I decided to pull us out of the bus and stroll around. Oshino Hakkai is such a quaint, little village.
Oshino Hakkai used to be part of Lake Utsu until Mt. Fuji erupted and the lava covered the north part of the lake and the south part of the lake became Lake Yamanaka. Eight ponds formed in the northern part, which is now known as Oshino Hakkai. The springs are fed by the melted snow from Mt. Fuji that filtered down the mountain's layer of lava. It takes 80 years for the water to trickle down making it very clear water!
Next to this pond, they had water spouts where you could place water bottles and drink the water. You could also dip your hand in the water, and it was really cold!
We couldn't see Mt. Fuji today.
He had a great time playing with the water.
The water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the river.
Flowers and watermill
We might not have a photo with Mt. Fuji in the background, but I do love this view with Oshino Village.
Our tour was almost over, so it was time for a treat! He enjoyed grape soft-served ice cream while I enjoyed the green tea soft-served ice cream. (I like to tell myself that it's a healthier choice. HA!)
There were quite a few souvenir, restaurants and snack shops around the village.
The water is so clear!
I love that I can easily see fish swimming in the pond.
Dried corn
Exterior view of the mill
Interior view of the mill
The dried strawberries were delicious! This was the first time I have ever tried them, but I did not want to pay ¥1,000 yen for less than a pound of dried strawberries. Ridiculous! Or maybe I'm just cheap.
I did, however, splurged ¥300 per peach for the kids. They ate them to the core. Delicious! Something about Japan and their fruit because they're some of the best that I've ever tasted! I took a bite of the peach, and I could see why the kids wasted nothing.
Oshino Hakkai
Location: Shinobugusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0511 Japan
Website: http://www.oshino.jp/
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