A tour of Kyushu's spring-fed areas! 10 power spots with crystal clear streams and famous water
Index
Mysterious and spectacular views of spring water in 7 prefectures in Kyushu recommended for summer! Travel to feel cooler
A trip to Kyushu is also a trip to experience the bounty of nature. Among these, the richness of the earth's bountyspringattracts visitors with its clarity and mysterious beauty.
In this article, we will look at some of the heart-warmingA spring with a spectacular viewThe following is a selection of the best of the best!
location thought to be flowing with mystical energyFrom mysterious springs, also known as "spring water," to spots where you can enjoy delicious gourmet food made from the famous water, there is no end to the attractions of spring water areas. Why not take a trip away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, experience the cool, clear water, and refresh your mind and body? A trip to spring water spots, where you can also expect negative ion effects, will surely heal your mind and give you an emotional impression. Let's go to Kyushu together!Water JourneyLet's leave for
Chonetsu Falls: Fukuoka, Japan
A healing spot that can be reached by car nearby!
Relax to the sound of waterfalls!
Chonon Falls Park is located in a valley that leads to the Geise River in the Chikugo River system, halfway up the Mino Mountain Range.
There are three waterfalls: "Chonon-no-taki Falls," "Uo-no-gatari Falls," and "Axebuchi Falls." The name "Chonon-no-taki Falls," which is also the name of the park, comes from the sound of the waterfalls as they flow down, as if they were making a musical sound.
It is a pleasant place with abundant greenery, selected as one of the "100 best water source forests" by the Forestry Agency, and is crowded with people enjoying not only the fresh greenery but also the autumn leaves in fall.
The annual opening of the waterfall is held in July, and during the summer season, the Somen-nagashi (instant noodle soup), which costs 600 yen per person, and the free running water pool that uses the abundant natural water are very popular. Local products such as tea, shiitake mushrooms, and konnyaku are also sold.
It is such a luxurious experience to enjoy the music of waterfalls in the midst of rich nature. The abundance of negative ions will surely refresh you.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Ukiha
| name | Chonon Falls Park |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 3184 Segawa, Ukiha-cho, Ukiha-shi, Fukuoka 839-1415 |
| admission fee | free |
| Phone number | |
| supplementary information | Parking lot available Somen-nagashi: 7/20 (Sun) - 8/24 (Sun) 10:00 - 17:00, irregular holidays, 600 yen per person |
Sewing Pond (Nunoike): Saga
Beautiful spring water restored
A true power spot!
Sutaino-ike Pond, a famous water spot with a history of more than 800 years, is a well-known "water power spot" because the spring water, once depleted, has been restored. It is also known as "Kinmyo-sui," or "Golden Mysterious Water," and is cherished by the local people.
The cause of the depletion was that during the drought of 1958, the groundwater was pumped up excessively to secure water for agriculture and drinking, and the spring water stopped flowing. Since the pond was an important source of water that supported the lives of nearby residents and was also a beloved symbol of the area, everyone was depressed that they would no longer be able to see the beautiful pond. However, in 2001, after more than 40 years, the water supply for agriculture was switched from groundwater to surface water, and the water began to gush out again.
This revival led to the establishment of the "Sutainoike Spring Association" to prevent the pond from drying up again, and local residents have been involved in conservation activities.
In summer, visitors can enjoy candlelight nights and fishing tournaments, and in autumn, they can enjoy tea ceremonies while admiring the colored trees.
It is one of the places with famous water that we would like to preserve for the future, and is registered as one of the "Saga Prefecture Heritage Sites to be Preserved in the 22nd Century. This is a place with a long history as a spring and a number of legends. Please visit and feel its power.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Shiroishi
| name | sewing pond |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 2463-1, Yuzaki, Shiraishi-machi, Kishima-gun, Saga 849-1115, Japan |
| admission fee | free |
| Phone number | 0952-84-7123 Tourism Section, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Shiraishi Town Hall |
| supplementary information | Free parking available |
Todoroki Stream (Todoroki Gorge): Nagasaki
Nagasaki's best nature valley
Autumn is a scenic season for foliage.
Todoroki Stream, one of the valleys originating from the Taradake mountain range on the border of Nagasaki and Saga prefectures, is a mountain stream with about 30 waterfalls of various sizes.
Yangyanagi Falls, the tallest of the Todoroki Streams, can be seen cascading down over a rainbow on a clear day.
Other unique waterfalls can also be seen here. The "Todoroki no Taki" Falls, with its thunderous sound of falling water, and the "Tairyu no Taki" Falls, with its large volume of water and dynamic flow, are just a few of the various waterfalls that can be seen.
The surrounding forest is designated as one of the "100 best water source forests" by the Forestry Agency.
The beauty of the landscape has also been highly evaluated, and it was ranked fifth in the "Great Water with Wonderful Landscape Category" in the "100 Election of Great Water" selection contest in 2008.
In particular, the fall foliage is spectacularly beautiful.
Why don't you visit the best nature spot in Nagasaki?
Isahaya City may take measures such as prohibiting entry to the Todoroki Gorge area in consideration of weather conditions, etc., to ensure safety. For details, please check the Isahaya City website.
https://www.city.isahaya.nagasaki.jp/soshiki/49/1609.html
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Nagasaki Kaido Suzuda Pass, ,Roadside Station Tara
| name | Roaring Stream |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | Oyama, Zenjyuji, Takarai-cho, Isahaya City, Nagasaki 859-0125, Japan |
| admission fee | free |
| Phone number | 0957-22-1500 Isahaya City Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division |
| supplementary information | Parking: 280 cars Charged on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and summer vacation period from the opening of the mountain to September. Some areas may be off-limits due to weather conditions. For details, please visit the Isahaya City Web site. |
Shimabara Spring: Shimabara City, Nagasaki
You can enjoy the emotional atmosphere of the city!
Shimabara Spring Group in Shimabara City, the City of Water
Shimabara City in Nagasaki Prefecture has long been known as the "City of Water.
In Shimabara, there are more than 50 springs in the city, which are called "Shimabara Springs.
The Shinmachi area is especially popular among tourists for its castle town atmosphere. The town is also famous as "the town where carp swim," as carp swim in the clear streams of the town.
At Shimei-so, a spring garden built in the Meiji era, visitors can enjoy a relaxing moment while gazing at the beautiful garden with carp swimming in it.
At the Shimabara Mizumatsuri held every August, visitors can enjoy seasonal summer events such as the main Bangasa objet d'art, lighting up bamboo lanterns, and a Yukata (summer kimono) contest.
The climate that enlivens the spring throughout the city can be said to be unique to Shimabara, the city of water.
| name | Shimabara spring water |
|---|---|
| Phone number | 0957-62-8012 Shimabara City Hall Policy Planning Division |
Shirakawa Water Source: Kumamoto
Up close and personal with a spring water flow of up to 60 tons per minute!
A rare sight, "foot water," perfect for the hot summer
Shirakawa Suigen is a famous water source that boasts a spring flow of 60 tons per minute, and has been selected as one of the "100 best waters" by the Ministry of the Environment and "100 best waters in Kumamoto" by Kumamoto Prefecture.
You can see water gushing out of the ground up close, and feel the mysterious life force of the place.
Water can be drunk freely or taken home, and plastic bottles can be purchased on site for fetching.
There is also an area where visitors can enjoy footbaths, not footbaths, and the water temperature is quite cool at 14 degrees Celsius, making it a good spot to visit in the summer when it is too hot.
Shirakawa Yoshimi Shrine, located next to the water source, enshrines a water deity called "Mitsu no Hamegami," who is the guardian deity of the spring water, and has been cherished by the local people along with the water source since ancient times.
Suigenchaya, located across the red bridge just to the right of the Shirakawa Suigen toll booth, is proud of its dark soy sauce made with water from the Shirakawa Suigen. In addition to soy sauce, the store also offers white dashi, vinegar, and other seasonings and specialty products, so be sure to stop by when you visit.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Asobo no Sato Kugini, ,Roadside Station Aso
| name | Shirakawa water source |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 2040 Shirakawa, Minamiaso-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-1502, Japan |
| admission fee | Environmental conservation cooperation fee: 100 yen for high school students and older, free for junior high school students and younger |
| Phone number | 0967-67-1112 Minamiaso Village Planning and Tourism Division |
| supplementary information | Parking lot available |
Ikeyama Water Source: Kumamoto
It is like the world of "Princess Mononoke!
Ikeyama water source where you can enjoy nature as it is
The lush forest looks like something out of "Princess Mononoke.
The water source, which exists in a mysterious place watched over by trees over 200 years old and a water god, is a blessing from the foot of Mount Hisazumi.
The water filtered by the 1,500-meter mountains eventually pours into Beppu Bay in the distance.
Rice tastes better when cooked! Coffee and Japanese tea taste even better! The water used for shochu must be from here! There is a dedicated water fetching station near the free parking lot, where visitors can bring home mineral-rich water that is 13.5°C year-round. Of course, you can drink the water on the spot!
The waterside springing up in the forest offers the fantastic light of fireflies in summer and brilliantly colored autumn leaves in fall.
It is a healing spot where you can feel the breath of nature with your whole body.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Namino, ,Roadside Station Aso, ,Roadside Station Oguni
| name | Ikeyama Water Source |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 14-1 Tajiri, Sanzan-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-2704, Japan |
| admission fee | free |
| Phone number | 0967-25-2211 Planning and Promotion Division, Sanzan Village Office |
| supplementary information | Free parking available (30 spaces) |
Takeda Spring : Oita, Japan
Free river pool for families to enjoy!
Be sure to try the famous "enoha" dish!
Surrounded by famous mountains such as Kujyu Mountain Range, Mt. Grandmother, Mt. Kakeyama, and Mt. Aso Outer Rim, Taketa City in Oita Prefecture is known as the "Takeda Spring Group," where water from the mountains gushes out from all parts of the city.
Kawauda Spring has the largest volume of water in the Takeda Spring Group and is a popular spot for tourists to draw water.
In summer, visitors can enjoy the luxury of playing pool using spring water at the adjacent Nakajima Park River Pool.
Parking is charged, but there is no fee to use the pool. It is great for families!
Takeda City is also famous for its cuisine using "enoha.
Enoha is a Kyushu dialect word for landlocked salmon or amago.
Near Kawauda Springfamous gardenAt the "Enoha" restaurant, you can enjoy excellent Enoha cuisine.
It is said that they are able to raise high quality fish because the quality, quantity, and temperature of the water does not change throughout the year.
We recommend deep frying. If you fry a whole fish, the crispy texture, plumpness of the meat, and slight sweetness make it an irresistible dish. After enjoying nature to the fullest, you can fill up on Enoha cuisine, a specialty of the area! We also recommend this course.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Takeda, ,Roadside Station Harajiri Waterfall, ,Roadside Station Sugo
| name | Takeda Spring |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 19 Irita, Takeda City, Oita Prefecture, 878-0033 (Kawauda Spring), etc. |
| admission fee | free |
| Phone number | 0974-63-4807 Takeda City Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division |
Otokoike Spring : Oita, Japan
A beautiful, clear blue spring can be seen!
Take a walk in the forest, cool even in summer!
The pond glows cobalt blue in the light.
The Otokoike Spring Group in Oita Prefecture offers beautiful, clear blue water that gushes from the virgin forests of Mt.
The entire area is a virgin forest where large zelkova and beech trees grow as they please.
A well-maintained promenade allows visitors to enjoy forest bathing and strolling while experiencing the nature of the four seasons.
In the forest, the air is cool even in summer, so much so that one can feel the cool, cool air.
The scenery changes with the seasons, and you can spend a peaceful time listening to the chirping of birds and the murmuring of the river.
The spring water is of course delicious even when drunk as it is, but you can also enjoy a cup of coffee made from the famous water at Kurodake Coffee near the entrance to Otokoike Spring Group.
Delicious water and delicious air. This is a famous water spot that will surely satisfy your mind and body with the great nature.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Nagayu Onsen, ,Roadside Station Tsutsumaru
| name | Otokoike Spring |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 2965-3 Asono, Shonai-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5423, Japan (Otokoike Tsumesho) |
| admission fee | Cleaning fee 100 yen (junior high school students and older) |
| Phone number | 097-582-1113 Shonai Area Promotion Division, Yufu City |
Jin no Ike: Miyazaki
Two fantastic ponds are beautiful!
Recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
It is said that "Jin no Ike" was named after the Ito family's encampment during a battle between the Shimazu and Ito families in the Warring States Period.
There are two ponds, one large and one small, in such a place rich in history.
A single path stretching along the rice paddies and waterways leads to the "big pond" on the far right, and the "little pond" on the far left.
The Great Pond is deep, and depending on the angle of view, time of day, and weather, the water changes to various shades of emerald green and blue.
The small pond, on the other hand, is shallow and so clear that even the bottom of the water can be seen.
Many are surprised at the clarity of the water.
The quiet atmosphere makes it a great spot for those who want to enjoy a serene atmosphere.
In spring, the cherry blossoms around the pond are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a magnificent sight.
After passing between villages from Prefectural Road 53, the road is a single narrow road, making it difficult to separate from each other, so care should be taken when driving.
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Ebino
| name | Battle Pond |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 2439-3, Suenaga, Ebino, Miyazaki, 889-4302 Japan |
| Phone number | 0984-37-2663 Ebino City Tourist Association |
Maruike Spring: Kagoshima, Japan
A beautiful pond that attracts both people and nature.
Annual light-up, to be held again this year
The "Maruike Spring" is where rainwater that has fallen on Mount Kurinodake in the Kirishima Mountain Range has been filtered and gushed out over 35 years. The large, beautiful pond gushes 60,000 tons of highly transparent spring water every day.
A promenade is maintained around the pond, allowing visitors to take a walk while admiring the beautiful scenery of the pond.
In early summer, you can also view naturally occurring fireflies, evidence of the beautiful waterfront.
The "Meisui Maruike Appreciation Evening" is a major event held once a year at the Maruike Spring.
When the bamboo lanterns lined up all around the area are lit up, a fantastic atmosphere is instantly created.
This year's event, the 29th, will be held on Saturday, September 6, from 6:00 p.m.
There will also be a music stage by local students and night stalls.
For more information, check the official Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DM99Nt3TYxf/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Ebino, ,Roadside Station Kirishima
| name | Maruike Spring |
|---|---|
| address (e.g. of house) | 589 Kiba, Yushimizu-cho, Aira-gun, Kagoshima 899-6201 |
| admission fee | free |
| Phone number | 0995-74-3111 Yushimizu Town Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division |
