Oshimizu (Fukui Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Access, and Highlights Explained
“Oshimizu (おしょうず)” located in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, is a historic spring water site that has been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment’s “100 Best Waters in Japan.” This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the charm of Oshimizu, including its history, access methods, and highlights for sightseeing.
What is Oshimizu? Overview of a Famous Spring in Ono City, Fukui
Oshimizu is a spring water site in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, locally known as “oshimizu.” Ono City has been certified as one of Japan’s “100 Towns of Water,” a region blessed with abundant water, and while the city has numerous spring water sites scattered throughout, Oshimizu is particularly famous among them.
Characteristics of Oshimizu
- Water Temperature: Constant throughout the year at approximately 12-13 degrees Celsius
- Water Quality: Clear and transparent, safe for drinking
- Spring Flow: Abundant and stable water source that never dries up
- History: Used as daily household water for local residents since the Edo period
Due to the basin’s distinctive topography, Ono City is structured so that groundwater easily collects from the surrounding mountains. This groundwater emerges throughout the city, and Oshimizu is one of these blessings that has been cherished for many years.
History and Cultural Background of Oshimizu
Water Source Since the Edo Period
The history of Oshimizu is ancient. During the Edo period, it served as an important water source for the Ono castle town. In Ono City, which flourished as a castle town of the Ono clan, spring water including Oshimizu was treasured as an indispensable water source for samurai mansions and townspeople’s lives.
Center of the Local Community
Residents have long used Oshimizu for washing vegetables and cooling food in summer, treating it as an essential place in their daily lives. Spring water sites were not merely places to draw water but also social gathering places where community members would meet and exchange information.
Selection as One of the 100 Best Waters
In 1985 (Showa 60), the Ministry of the Environment (then the Environmental Agency) selected Oshimizu as one of the “100 Best Waters in Japan.” This selection made Oshimizu known nationwide as a spring water spot, attracting many tourists.
Location and Access Methods to Oshimizu
Basic Information
- Location: Izumi-cho, Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours for free viewing (lighting is limited at night)
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Municipal parking nearby
Access by Train
- From JR Fukui Station
- Board the JR Echizen Kitasen Line
- Get off at Echizen-Ono Station (approximately 1 hour)
- 15-minute walk from the station, or about 5 minutes by taxi
Access by Car
- From Fukui City
- Drive east on National Route 158
- Approximately 30 km
- Travel time: About 40 minutes
- From Hokuriku Expressway
- Exit at Fukui IC
- Via National Route 158, approximately 40 minutes
- From Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
- Exit at Shiratori IC
- Via National Route 158, approximately 30 minutes
Parking Information
The following parking lots are available near Oshimizu:
- Yui Station Parking Lot: 5-minute walk to Oshimizu
- Ono City Municipal Parking Lots: Multiple locations throughout the city
- Free Parking Spaces for Tourists: May be crowded depending on the season
Highlights and How to Enjoy Oshimizu
Beautiful Scenery of the Spring Water Pond
The greatest charm of Oshimizu is the spring water pond itself with its high transparency. The crystal-clear water, where you can see the pond bottom, captivates all who visit. The area around the pond is well-maintained, allowing visitors to leisurely stroll and enjoy the beauty of the water.
Water-Drawing Experience
The water at Oshimizu is safe to drink and can be freely drawn. Many visitors bring plastic bottles or water bottles to take this famous water home with them.
Tips for Drawing Water:
- Bring a clean container
- Be considerate not to dirty the surroundings
- Remember to be considerate of other users
- Avoid occupying the area for long periods
Scenery Throughout the Four Seasons
Spring (March to May)
The season welcomes snowmelt, and plants around the area begin to bud. During cherry blossom season, you can enjoy beautiful scenery along with nearby cherry blossom lined streets.
Summer (June to August)
The cold spring water is particularly pleasant during this season. Water at 12-13 degrees Celsius remains cold even in hot summers, attracting those seeking cool relief.
Autumn (September to November)
The surrounding trees change color, creating beautiful contrast between autumn foliage and clear streams. The spring water viewed under crisp autumn skies is exceptionally beautiful.
Winter (December to February)
Oshimizu amid snowy landscape creates a mystical atmosphere. The spring water flows without freezing, emitting steam—a sight unique to winter.
Tourist Attractions Around Oshimizu
Goshimizu
Not to be confused with Oshimizu, there is another spring water site called “Goshimizu” in Ono City. This is also selected as one of the 100 Best Waters in Japan, and it is recommended to visit both together.
Shichiken-dori Street
A street with beautiful stone pavement within walking distance from Oshimizu. The streetscape retains the ambiance of the Edo-period castle town and is ideal for strolling.
Ono Castle (Echizen Ono Castle)
The symbol of Ono City, known as the “Castle in the Sky,” Ono Castle can sometimes appear as a mystical figure floating in sea clouds when conditions are right. It is approximately 10 minutes by car from Oshimizu.
Former Samurai Residence Uchiyama House
A historic samurai residence from the Edo period that is preserved and open to the public. You can learn about the lifestyle of that era, which helps understand the historical background of Oshimizu.
Heisei Ono-ya
A facility dealing in Ono City’s specialty products and souvenirs. You can purchase products made with local famous water and traditional crafts of Ono.
Other Famous Water Spots in Ono City
Ono City is known as the “Town of Water,” and the city has numerous spring water sites. It is recommended to visit them together with Oshimizu.
Hongan Shimizu
A spring water site said to have the most spring water in Ono City. It is still used as household water by local residents.
Shimizu
A spring water site nestled quietly in a residential area, beloved by local people.
Seriwkawa Water’s Edge
The area along the Serikawa River that flows through the city is also a spot where you can feel the beauty of water. You can stroll along the riverside path and enjoy the sound of the clear stream.
Notes and Etiquette When Visiting Oshimizu
Consideration for Environmental Conservation
Oshimizu is a precious water resource for the region. Please note the following when visiting:
- Always take trash with you
- Do not pollute the water quality (use of detergents and chemicals strictly prohibited)
- Do not damage plants
- Do not make loud noise (as it is adjacent to residential areas)
Water-Drawing Etiquette
- Avoid long-term occupation and be considerate of other users
- When drawing large amounts of water, avoid peak times
- Clean the area after use
- Understand that this is also drinking water for local residents
Photography Etiquette
- Do not enter private property
- Respect the privacy of local residents
- When using tripods, be careful not to obstruct traffic
Safety Precautions
- Be careful as the water’s edge is slippery
- Do not take your eyes off small children
- Pay special attention to your footing in winter (possibility of frost)
Food Culture Using Water from Oshimizu
Famous Water Tofu
Tofu made from Ono City’s clear water is renowned for its excellence. Tofu shops in the city produce tofu using spring water including Oshimizu.
Local Sake
Fukui Prefecture is a famous sake-producing region, and there are several breweries around Ono City. Clear water is an essential element in sake brewing.
Regional Cuisine
Local cuisine in Ono City takes advantage of this abundant water. Soba and pickles showcase flavors made possible by this famous water.
Model Courses for Oshimizu Tourism
Half-Day Course (approximately 3 hours)
- Arrival at Echizen-Ono Station (9:00 AM)
- Oshimizu Viewing and Water Drawing (9:15 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Stroll Through Shichiken-dori Street (10:00 AM – 10:45 AM)
- Souvenir Shopping at Heisei Ono-ya (10:45 AM – 11:15 AM)
- Lunch in the City (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Full-Day Course (approximately 6 hours)
- Arrival at Echizen-Ono Station (9:00 AM)
- Oshimizu Viewing (9:15 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Tour of Other Spring Water Sites in the City (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Ono Castle Viewing (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
- Former Samurai Residence Uchiyama House Viewing (2:45 PM – 3:30 PM)
- Stroll Through Shichiken-dori Street and Souvenir Shopping (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Accommodation Facilities Convenient for Accessing Oshimizu
There are several accommodation facilities in and around Ono City that are convenient for sightseeing.
Accommodations in Ono City
- Inns and Hotels: Multiple options near Echizen-Ono Station
- Minshuku: Enjoy dishes prepared with local ingredients
- Guest Houses: Budget-friendly accommodations
Accommodations in Surrounding Areas
- Katsuyama City Accommodations: Convenient when visiting together with the Dinosaur Museum
- Hotels in Fukui City: Excellent transportation access, ideal as a sightseeing base
Trivia About Oshimizu
Why Is It Called “Oshimizu”?
The “o” in “Oshimizu” is a prefix indicating respect and affection, telling how much local people have treasured this spring water. “Shimizu” (清水) is a dialect word meaning spring water.
Reason for Constant Water Temperature
The reason Oshimizu maintains a constant temperature of approximately 12-13 degrees Celsius year-round is because it is groundwater emerging from deep underground. Groundwater is less affected by temperature fluctuations on the surface and maintains stable temperature throughout the year.
Spring Water Mechanism
The Ono Basin is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and rainwater and snowmelt seep into the ground, gradually filtered over many years to become groundwater. This groundwater emerges in the low-lying areas of the basin, such as Oshimizu.
Events Themed on Water in Ono City
Echizen Ono Water School
Ono City regularly holds experiential events to teach the importance of water. The content includes spring water site tours and water quality surveys that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Festivals in Ono City
Various festivals are held throughout the year in Ono City. The “Echizen Ono Castle Festival” in summer, in particular, attracts many tourists.
Environmental Conservation Activities and Community Initiatives
Cleaning Activities by Local Residents
Local residents in Ono City regularly clean spring water sites including Oshimizu. These efforts maintain the beauty of the spring water sites.
Water Quality Conservation Efforts
The city conducts regular water quality inspections to manage the water quality of the spring. Various environmental measures are also implemented to conserve groundwater.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
While promoting its appeal as a tourist destination, the city also makes efforts to raise awareness of proper visitor etiquette to protect this precious local water resource.
Best Seasons to Visit Oshimizu
Spring (April to May)
The weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing. During cherry blossom season, the scenery is especially beautiful.
Early Summer (June)
Fresh greenery is beautiful, and on clear days between rainy season periods is particularly recommended.
Autumn (October to November)
Peak autumn foliage season, with magnificent contrast between the spring water and autumn leaves. Temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing.
Winter (January to February)
Oshimizu amid snow creates a mystical atmosphere, but be cautious of heavy snow and icy road conditions. Make sure to prepare with proper winter gear.
Conclusion: Experience Fukui’s Water Culture at Oshimizu
Oshimizu is a famous spring water spot that Fukui Prefecture’s Ono City takes pride in. For over 400 years, this spring water has supported the lives of local people and continues to flow pure and clear today.
Crystal-clear beautiful water, the historic ambiance of a castle town, and the warmth of local people. By visiting Oshimizu, you can experience Fukui’s rich water culture with all five senses.
When visiting Ono City, be sure to stop by Oshimizu and enjoy this precious gift of nature. There are many ways to enjoy it—drawing water, strolling around the area, or savoring local cuisine made with famous water.
The etiquette of each visitor is important to preserve this beautiful spring water site for future generations while being mindful of environmental conservation. Let’s enjoy the charm of Oshimizu to the fullest while carefully protecting this precious water resource.
Why not embark on a journey to meet Japan’s beautiful water culture at Oshimizu in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture?
