Yatsu Spring (Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of Access, Water Quality, and History
Yatsu Spring (谷津湧水), located in Shibusawa, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a precious water source nurtured by the abundant nature of the Tanzawa Mountains. As part of the Hadano Basin Spring Group, it was once utilized as an important water source for the region’s water supply. This article provides detailed explanations of Yatsu Spring’s characteristics, access methods, water quality information, and historical background.
What is Yatsu Spring?
Yatsu Spring is a spring water point located on the Shibusawa Hills in Shibusawa, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Hadano City is the only municipality in Kanagawa Prefecture with a basin-shaped topography and is known for abundant groundwater from the Tanzawa Mountains emerging at various locations throughout the city.
Geographic Characteristics
Yatsu Spring is located on the southern slope of the Shibusawa Hills and springs from an elevation of approximately 150 meters. Along with “Wakatake Spring,” this spring is one of the sources of the Konomegawa River, which flows toward Hiratsuka and into Sagami Bay, positioning it at the uppermost part of the water system flowing into Sagami Bay.
Rainwater that falls on the Tanzawa Mountains naturally filters through geological layers such as volcanic ash and gravel layers, becoming groundwater over many years. Due to the geological structure of the Hadano Basin, groundwater emerges at the basin’s perimeter, and Yatsu Spring is one such spring water location benefiting from this feature.
Etymology and Geographic Properties
The place name “Yatsu” has interesting characteristics. Typically, in Sagami Province and Musashi Province, valleys are called “Yato (谷戸).” Conversely, the term “Yatsu” (谷津) was primarily used in Shimosa Province (present-day northern Chiba Prefecture), with different regions in the Kanto area making distinctions in terminology.
In the case of Yatsu Spring, it is said to possess geographic features different from typical Yatsu-shaped terrain (Yato-shaped terrain). Yato-shaped terrain typically refers to valley-like formations created by erosion of hills, but this spring water location is positioned on a hill slope, suggesting different geographical properties. The origin of this name may have been determined through regional historical circumstances and development processes.
Hadano City’s Spring Water Culture and the Positioning of Yatsu Spring
About the Hadano Basin Spring Group
Hadano City is known as a “City of Fine Water,” and the “Hadano Basin Spring Group” was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as part of the “Heisei Top 100 Famous Waters.” Over 60 spring water points have been identified throughout the city, with an estimated 150,000 tons of groundwater emerging per day.
The Hadano Basin Spring Group includes the following well-known springs:
- Shungaku Spring (春嶽湧水)
- Kobo’s Clear Water (弘法の清水)
- Gomanaya Water (護摩屋敷の水)
- Imaizumi Spring Pool (今泉湧水池)
- Mikurube Water (みくるべの水)
- Wakatake Spring (若竹の泉)
- Yatsu Spring (谷津湧水)
- Touge Spring (峠の湧水)
While these springs emerge from different locations, they share a common water source in the Tanzawa Mountains groundwater system.
History as a Water Supply Source
Yatsu Spring once played an important role as a water supply source for Hadano City. Hadano City relies on groundwater as its primary water supply source, and currently supplies approximately 70% of its tap water with groundwater. This is a rare case nationally, demonstrating the abundance of Hadano City’s groundwater resources.
During the high economic growth period and beyond, there was a period when groundwater levels declined due to excessive groundwater extraction. However, through groundwater conservation efforts undertaken jointly by citizens and the administration, groundwater levels have shown recovery trends. Yatsu Spring is deeply connected to the region’s history of water resource conservation.
Water Quality Information for Yatsu Spring
Water Quality Survey by Hadano City
Hadano City conducts regular water quality surveys at major spring water points throughout the city. Yatsu Spring is included as one of ten spring water locations subject to Hadano City’s water quality surveys.
Spring water locations subject to survey:
- Shungaku Spring
- Mikurube Water
- Wakatake Spring
- Yatsu Spring
- Touge Spring
- Other major spring water locations
Survey Items and Standards
Regarding spring water locations used as water drawing places, the following 14 items are surveyed to understand the suitability for drinking:
Bacterial Items
- General bacterial count
- Presence of E. coli
- Presence of coliform bacteria
Chemical Items
- pH value
- Turbidity
- Odor
- Taste
- Color degree
- Nitrate nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen
- Chloride ion
- Organic matter (total organic carbon)
- Other water quality items
These surveys serve as important indicators for ensuring water quality standards and drinking water safety. Survey results are published on Hadano City’s website, ensuring an environment where users can safely draw water.
Precautions for Use
When consuming spring water, the following points require attention:
- Boiling Recommended: Even when natural spring water shows good water quality survey results, water quality may fluctuate due to weather conditions or changes in the surrounding environment. Boiling is recommended when consuming.
- Container Cleanliness: Use clean containers when drawing water. Using dirty containers can contaminate the clean spring water.
- Storage Method: Store drawn water in a cool, dark place and use it as soon as possible. Special caution is needed during summer when bacteria multiply easily.
- Weather Effects: Water quality may temporarily change after heavy rains. Avoid use during such periods or exercise particular caution.
Access Methods to Yatsu Spring
Location
Address: Yatsu, Shibusawa, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Yatsu Spring is located in the hilly terrain of the Shibusawa district of Hadano City. It is situated within an area called “Fureai no Sato,” where visitors can enjoy spring water in a natural-rich environment.
Access by Public Transportation
Train and Bus
- Odakyu Odawara Line “Shibusawa Station” is the nearest station
- From Shibusawa Station on foot, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes
- When using buses, board Kanagawa Chuo Bus from the north exit of Shibusawa Station, get off at the nearest bus stop, and access on foot
Access by Automobile
Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from Tomei Expressway “Hadano-Nakai Interchange”
- Accessible via prefectural roads from National Route 246
- Parking space is limited, so consider using public transportation
Surrounding Landmarks and Access Points
Yatsu Spring is located in an area where residential areas and nature mix. When visiting for the first time, note the following:
- Directional Signs: While directional signs may be posted near the spring location, some areas are confusing. It is recommended to confirm the location beforehand using map applications
- Road Conditions: Due to the hilly terrain, there are slopes and narrow roads. Exercise caution when driving
- Seasonal Changes: The surrounding landscape changes seasonally. Especially during rainy seasons and winter, the ground becomes slippery, so visiting with appropriate footwear is recommended
Nearby Spring Water Spots
When visiting Yatsu Spring, it is recommended to visit other nearby spring water sites.
Wakatake Spring
This is one of the sources of the Konomegawa River, similar to Yatsu Spring. Located at a relatively close distance from Yatsu Spring, visiting both allows you to experience the source area of the Konomegawa River system. Wakatake Spring is also subject to Hadano City’s water quality survey and is known as a high-quality spring.
Touge Spring
Another spring location in the Shibusawa district, subject to the same water quality survey as Yatsu Spring. Water emerging near a mountain pass in the hilly terrain is cherished by local residents.
Shungaku Spring
One of the representative springs of Hadano City, said to be associated with the Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi. It has a well-maintained water drawing area and is visited by many people. It is positioned relatively accessibly from Hadano Station.
Mikurube Water
Also called “Gogo no Mizu” (Offering Water), this spring was reportedly once used to purify offerings to shrines. It is known as a spring with historical background.
Enjoying Spring Water Tours Including Yatsu Spring
As a Hiking Course
The spring water group of Hadano City can also be enjoyed as a hiking course. The route from Hachikoku-mizen Mountain through Yatsu Spring, Wakatake Spring, and Touge Spring is a popular course allowing visitors to experience multiple springs while enjoying nature.
Standard course time is approximately 3-4 hours with moderate exercise. The experience of viewing Tanzawa Mountains while visiting clear springs is a valuable time not found in urban areas.
Water Drawing Etiquette
When visiting springs, follow these rules:
- Take Garbage With You: To protect the natural environment, always take your garbage with you
- Do Not Pollute Water Areas: Be careful not to pollute water drawing areas or spring locations
- Spirit of Consideration: Share facilities during crowded times
- Respect for Private Land: Some spring locations are adjacent to private property. Do not enter prohibited areas
- Respect for Nature: Spring water is a gift from nature. Use it with gratitude
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring: Fresh green foliage appears on surrounding mountains, allowing enjoyment of spring water in refreshing air. Bird songs can be heard.
Summer: Cool spring water provides relief from summer heat. Ideal for hydration during hiking.
Autumn: Beautiful autumn foliage season. Clear spring water can be savored with colorful mountains as backdrop.
Winter: Crystal clear air allows viewing of distant mountains. Spring water temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year and do not freeze even in winter.
Hadano City’s Groundwater Conservation Efforts
Importance of Groundwater Recharge
Hadano City focuses on groundwater recharge to pass abundant springs to future generations. Groundwater recharge refers to efforts to increase groundwater by allowing rainwater to permeate underground.
Specific efforts:
- Promotion of rain infiltration box installation
- Adoption of permeable pavement
- Preservation of rice fields and forests
- Management of groundwater extraction volume
Citizen-Participatory Conservation Activities
Hadano City implements activities where citizens and administration cooperate to protect springs and groundwater. Water quality monitoring and spring cleaning activities, undertaken through community-wide efforts, contribute to conservation of spring water groups including Yatsu Spring.
Scientific Aspects of Yatsu Spring
Geological Structure and Spring Water Mechanism
The Hadano Basin was formed by volcanic activity and river deposition in the Quaternary period. Underground, highly permeable gravel layers alternate with water-resistant clay layers, forming this geological structure into a “groundwater basin” that stores abundant groundwater.
Rainwater falling on the Tanzawa Mountains becomes spring water through the following process:
- Infiltration: Rainwater infiltrates underground through forest soil
- Filtration: Naturally filtered by passing through multiple geological layers
- Storage: Stored in groundwater basin (residence time said to be several decades)
- Emergence: Emerges on the surface at the basin’s periphery due to geological structure
Yatsu Spring is created through such natural mechanisms.
Water Quality Characteristics
Spring water sourced from the Tanzawa Mountains generally possesses the following characteristics:
- Soft Water: Tendency toward soft water with low calcium and magnesium content
- Low Temperature: Stable water temperature year-round (approximately 15-17 degrees Celsius)
- Clear: High transparency due to filtering over many years
- Minerals: Contains appropriate mineral content
Due to these characteristics, it is suitable not only for drinking but also for making tea and coffee.
Yatsu Spring and Regional Culture
History as Life Water
Yatsu Spring has been utilized as residential water for local residents since before modern water systems were established. It served important roles not only as drinking water but also as agricultural and domestic wastewater.
Even today, residents can be seen drawing water, and springs continue to be utilized as part of daily life.
As an Environmental Education Site
Hadano City’s spring water group also serves as an environmental education venue. School field trips and environmental learning activities visit springs, providing opportunities to learn about the water cycle, groundwater mechanisms, and the importance of environmental conservation.
Yatsu Spring is visited as part of such educational activities, playing a role in conveying the importance of water resources to future generations.
Pre-Visit Checklist
Items beneficial to bring when visiting Yatsu Spring:
Essential Items
- Clean containers for drawing water (plastic bottles, polytan containers, etc.)
- Comfortable walking shoes (hilly terrain)
- Map or smartphone (with GPS function)
Convenient to Have
- Towel (for water spills)
- Plastic bags (for wet items)
- Insect repellent spray (seasonal)
- Hat (sun protection)
- Drinking water (when combining with hiking)
- Camera (to record beautiful nature)
Conclusion: Charm and Value of Yatsu Spring
Yatsu Spring in Shibusawa, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a precious water resource nurtured by the abundant nature of the Tanzawa Mountains. As one of the sources of the Konomegawa River, it plays an important part in the region’s water cycle system.
Regular water quality surveys by Hadano City confirm its safety, and it is cherished not only by local residents but also by many visitors. It has a history of being used as a water supply source and continues to be utilized as residential water and a water drawing location.
Accessible from Shibusawa Station, with other spring water spots such as Wakatake Spring and Touge Spring nearby, visitors can experience Hadano City’s rich water culture by visiting multiple springs as a hiking course.
In modern times of advancing urbanization, the ability to feel such natural blessings as spring water nearby is extremely valuable. Visiting Yatsu Spring allows learning about water’s importance, the significance of the natural environment, and regional history and culture.
The spring water group of Hadano City is also a result of conservation efforts undertaken through citizen and administrative cooperation. When visiting, forget not respect for nature and good manners, and enjoy the clear spring water with awareness of passing this precious water resource to future generations.
Yatsu Spring is one of the locations symbolizing the richness of Kanagawa’s nature. Please enjoy the experience of feeling nature’s blessings with all five senses at Hadano City, easily accessible from urban centers.
