Oshino Hakkai Springs Sacred Site No. 4: Choshi Pond

This pond is one of the ponds which make of Oshino Hakkai Springs, which has been designated a Natural Monument, selected for inclusion in the Japanese Top 100 Famous Water list, and which is also included in the Fujisan World Heritage listing. The source of the pond is underground spring water from Mt. Fuji. The fourth of Oshino Hakkai Springs' sacred ponds, it is encircled by a fence and is located in an inconspicuous area thick with flowering plants. The bottom is sandy, and visitors can see the movements of the spring supplying the pond as its waters bubble up from underneath. According to legend, long ago a bride passed wind during her wedding ceremony; overcome with shame, she threw herself into the pond while grasping a decanter. In turn, today the pond is famous for bringing luck in finding love and marriage to those who visit.