Third column in a series.
This time, let's go to Yamanashi's popular tourist spot "Oshino Hakkai"!
Stroll around Oshino Hakkai.

Isn't it a place that people in Yamanashi Prefecture think of, ``I went there when I was little'' or ``It was a date spot in my youth''? Recently, it has become popular as an inbound tourist destination.

That's no wonder... Oshino Hakkai is an excellent spot where you can not only see the crystal clear spring water, but also eat while walking around.
Let's go with nao-chan right away ♡

Oshino Hakkai is a group of eight water sources (Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Sotonuki Pond, Choshi Pond, Waku Pond, Nigori Pond, Kagami Pond, and Shobu Pond) that use underground water from Mt. Fuji. It is said to be the collective name for eight spring water ponds that were formed after the eruption of Mt. Fuji, when melted snow water passed through underground lava over several decades and filtered spring water flowed into it.
The water in Oshino Hakkai is so clear and beautiful!
The collaboration with Mt. Fuji is also wonderful♪

The highlight is not only the spring water pond, but also the retro-looking buildings and the take-out menu that is sold there!
Let's start with mugwort grass mochi and skewered dango from Watanabe Foods, which you should definitely check out when you visit here♡

The secret to its popularity is that it has been in business for over 40 years, and the taste has remained unchanged since its founding. The freshly baked sweet and fluffy mugwort grass mochi is packed with red bean paste, and although it is small, it is very filling.

After the dango skewers are grilled, they are finished with a light coating of soy sauce. You can't help but be captivated by its shiny appearance as the sunlight shines through it♪
It's no wonder this is so popular both inside and outside the prefecture.

Next up is Teyakido, a shop specializing in hand-baked rice crackers.
Here, you can get large, round rice crackers and cute heart-shaped rice crackers, which has become a hot topic on social media.

The rice crackers are dipped in a soy sauce sauce blended to match the rice crackers, baked on the spot, wrapped in seaweed, and handed directly to you.

With the retro scenery of Oshino Hakkai in the background, you can take photos that look great on SNS!

Oshino Hakkai Ikemoto is a souvenir shop located on the shore of a pond overlooking Mt. Fuji.
There are many exciting things to try, such as tofu made with the famous Mt. Fuji underground water, carefully selected pickles, and rich soft-serve ice cream.

Among them, ``Isoage Maruten'' is said to be very popular in Oshino Hakkai.
Nao-chan chose the "ebi mayo tempura" which contains her favorite whole shrimp! Nao-chan is captivated by the immoral taste of the mayo mixed in...
My momo is ``Shirasuten''.
The unique seafood aroma of whitebait is combined with the spicy shichimi accent and the richness of the cheese, making it delicious!
Nerimono fills your stomach, so it's perfect for eating while walking around♪

Lastly, we headed to Hikobei Udon, a Yoshida udon specialty store.
Located a few minutes walk from Oshino Hakkai, this restaurant serves freshly made Yoshida udon noodles made with Fuji's famous water.
Nao-chan and I have high expectations as the restaurant continues to be loved not only by tourists but also by locals!
The famous "Hikobei Udon" is recommended here, so we both ordered it!

This big chikuwa tempura is an eye-catching, hearty dish!!
In addition to chikuwa tempura, it was topped with meat, kinpira, raw eggs, and green onions, and our stomachs were already at their peak after eating them all... (lol)
I ate a lot, so I decided to go back to Oshino Hakkai and walk to burn off some calories!

Next time, we will move around the area all at once and take a walk around Nirasaki City!