Oshino Hakkai is a set of eight ponds that can be found in the small of Oshino. The village is situated between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka in an area that used to be the sixth lake until it dried up hundreds of years ago. The ponds get their water from the snow melting on Mount Fuji, which filters through porous layers of lava. This results in very clear spring water that is respected by the locals. The water from these ponds is ranked among the best in Japan. At one of the ponds, visitors can have a drink of the clear water. The area around the ponds has developed into tourist attractions and can become crowded. You can find restaurants, food vendors, and souvenir shops. Near the largest pond, out of the Oshino Hakkai, is a small open air museum called the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan. For an admission fee you can see a traditional thatched roof farmhouse, displays of various household items, farming tools, weapons, and samurai armor.
