Kowa Shimizu (Koriyama City, Nishida Town, Taniida, Hirakouuchi) Complete Guide | Visiting the Sacred Water of Sugaya Fudo Sonji
Kowa Shimizu (こわしみず), located in Nishida Town, Taniida, Hirakouuchi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a spring water spot that has been cherished by local people since ancient times. This clear water that springs forth from within the grounds of Sugaya Fudo Sonji is known as sacred water said to be effective for eye diseases, and many people continue to visit it today. In this article, we provide detailed information about Kowa Shimizu’s history, location, access methods, and precautions when collecting water.
What is Kowa Shimizu? | Famous Water of Nishida Town, Koriyama
Kowa Shimizu is a spring water located in Nishida Town, Taniida, Hirakouuchi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is situated within the grounds of Sugaya Fudo Sonji, a historically significant temple. From the base of a large tree, clear water springs forth abundantly, and due to its excellent water quality and abundant water volume, not only local residents but also visitors from distant places come to collect water without interruption.
The name “Kowa Shimizu” is said to be derived from the Yoro legend (养老传说) that exists throughout Japan. According to one theory, the name “kowa shimizu” (子和清水) came from the saying that parents have delicious sake and children have clear water, and similar spring waters with comparable legends are scattered throughout various regions under names such as “Kowa Shimizu,” “Kowa Shimizu,” or “Kosha Shimizu.”
The Kowa Shimizu in Koriyama City is said to have been flowing since before the Edo period, making it a precious spring water spot with a long history. In modern times, due to the deliciousness and clarity of its water, it has become a place where many people regularly visit to collect water for daily use.
History of Sugaya Fudo Sonji and Kowa Shimizu
Sugaya Fudo Sonji, from which Kowa Shimizu springs forth, is a temple with a long history serving as the center of regional faith. Within the temple grounds stands a magnificent large tree, from the base of which clear water springs forth—a scene that truly evokes a sense of nature’s mystery.
Since ancient times, this Kowa Shimizu has been transmitted as sacred water with medicinal efficacy for eye diseases. People suffering from eye ailments have visited seeking this water, and there is a history of receiving the benefits of water together with faith. Even in today’s world of advanced modern medicine, this tradition remains in the memories of local people, and the culture of valuing Kowa Shimizu as special water continues to be passed down.
The fact that the water springs forth from the sacred grounds of Sugaya Fudo Sonji further enhances the special value of this spring water. The experience of collecting water within the quiet and serene atmosphere of the temple provides a sense of spiritual fulfillment beyond mere water collection.
Location and Access Methods for Kowa Shimizu
Address
Address: Nishida Town, Taniida, Hirakouuchi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Kowa Shimizu is located to the west of central Koriyama in the Nishida Town Taniida district. Specifically, it is within the grounds of Sugaya Fudo Sonji, and it can be easily found by heading toward the temple.
Access by Car
When traveling by car, head west from central Koriyama via National Route 49 toward Nishida Town. Travel time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from around Koriyama Station. When using a car navigation system, search for “Sugaya Fudo Sonji” or “Nishida Town, Taniida, Koriyama City.”
A parking area is provided within the grounds of Sugaya Fudo Sonji for worshippers and those coming to collect water. However, space is limited, and congestion is possible, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Access by Public Transportation
When using public transportation, you will need to take a bus from JR Koriyama Station. However, as the Nishida Town Taniida district is located in a rural area, bus frequency is limited. It is recommended to check the Fukushima Bus timetable in advance and plan your visit carefully.
When accessing by foot from the bus stop, the local roads pass through a relatively quiet agricultural area, allowing you to enjoy pastoral scenery during your walk.
Combining with Nearby Spring Water Spots
Koriyama City has multiple spring water spots besides Kowa Shimizu. In particular, the Gohyakume Famous Water (Nakata Town, Koriyama) is approximately 30 minutes away by car from Kowa Shimizu and has become a popular route for those enjoying “spring water tours.” Visiting multiple springs in a day is a luxurious experience allowing you to experience the blessings of Fukushima’s nature.
Water Quality and Characteristics of Kowa Shimizu
The greatest characteristic of Kowa Shimizu is its clear and delicious water quality. Many people who have actually collected and drunk the water have shared their amazement at its deliciousness.
Spring Water Quality
Spring water is naturally filtered groundwater that springs forth, and generally contains an appropriate amount of mineral content with a mellow taste. Kowa Shimizu is no exception, with a soft mouthfeel and a clean aftertaste, earning high praise.
The water springing from the base of the large tree maintains relatively stable water temperature throughout the year, feeling cold in summer and relatively warm in winter. This is due to the characteristics of groundwater, and conditions are in place for comfortable water collection regardless of season.
Water Volume and Stability
Kowa Shimizu is renowned for its abundant water volume, maintaining a constant state of water flowing forth. This stable water volume is evidence of healthy groundwater veins and is also the reason why it has functioned as a water source for the region over the long term.
The water collection facility is well-maintained, allowing water to be collected directly from faucets or pipes. When multiple collection points are provided, it is possible to collect water relatively smoothly even during congested times.
Etiquette and Precautions When Collecting Water
When visiting Kowa Shimizu, several important rules of etiquette and precautions must be observed. These are basic rules to preserve the spring water for the long term and allow many people to use it.
Contribution Fees
At Kowa Shimizu, contribution fees are requested for the maintenance and management of the spring water. These contributions are used for the upkeep of water collection facilities, cleaning, and preservation of the surrounding environment. The amount is voluntary, but it is recommended to express gratitude for water’s blessings and contribute an appropriate amount.
A contribution box is placed near the water collection area and can be filled either before or after collecting water. This system is based on community goodwill and mutual trust, with each visitor’s cooperation contributing to the preservation of the spring water.
Basic Etiquette When Collecting Water
- Avoid occupying the space for extended periods: Other users may be waiting, so please yield the space promptly after collecting the needed amount.
- Use clean containers: Using soiled or inappropriate containers for water collection can cause water contamination. Use clean food-grade plastic bottles or polyethylene tanks.
- Keep the water area clean: After collecting water, do not leave spilled water around the area; maintain the space as cleanly as possible.
- Take all trash with you: As a matter of course, do not leave any trash behind and take everything with you.
- Avoid making noise: Be mindful that this is a sacred place at Sugaya Fudo Sonji and act quietly.
Precautions When Drinking
※For greater safety, natural spring water should be boiled before drinking.
While Kowa Shimizu is spring water cherished by local people over many years, as natural water, its quality may fluctuate due to environmental changes and weather conditions. Please pay particular attention to the following points:
- Drinking untreated water is at your own risk: Spring water quality may not be regularly tested. Especially for those with weakened immunity, infants, and elderly people, it is strongly recommended to boil the water before drinking.
- Be cautious after heavy rain: After heavy rain or typhoons, water quality may temporarily change. During such periods, refrain from collecting water or be sure to boil it before use.
- Storage method: Store collected water in a refrigerator and use it as soon as possible (within 2 to 3 days).
Safety Management at the Water’s Edge
※Please be sufficiently cautious of water hazards and dangerous creatures at the water’s edge.
As the Kowa Shimizu area is situated in a nature-rich environment, the following safety considerations are necessary:
- Watch your footing: The area around the water source is wet and slippery. Exercise particular caution against falls during rainy weather or winter.
- Don’t take your eyes off children: If accompanied by small children, a guardian should always attend to prevent water-related accidents.
- Measures against insect bites: Particularly from spring through autumn, mosquitoes and horse flies may be numerous. Take appropriate measures such as using insect repellent spray.
- Watch out for Japanese hornets: From summer through autumn is the season of hornet activity. Avoid wearing black clothing and refrain from wearing strong fragrances such as perfume.
Points of Interest Around Kowa Shimizu
When visiting Kowa Shimizu, you can also enjoy nearby tourist spots and natural scenery.
Worship at Sugaya Fudo Sonji
Sugaya Fudo Sonji itself, from which Kowa Shimizu springs forth, is a historic point of interest worth visiting. The temple grounds feature an impressive main hall and stone Buddhist statues, allowing visitors to worship in a quiet atmosphere. Worshipping before or after collecting water and taking time to calm your mind is also a good option.
Rest at the Gazebo
Near Kowa Shimizu, a gazebo (azumaya) is installed where you can rest leisurely after collecting water. Many people sit on benches and brew freshly collected water into coffee or tea, making this one of the pleasures of visiting spring waters.
Especially on fine days, you can experience the luxury of spending time leisurely in nature.
Natural Scenery of Nishida Town
Nishida Town in Koriyama is a region where pastoral countryside scenery spreads. On the way to and around Kowa Shimizu, you can enjoy beautiful nature that changes with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers, summer brings lush green paddies, autumn brings golden rice sheaves and autumn leaves, and winter brings snowy landscapes—the area displays different faces depending on the season of your visit.
Other Spring Water Spots in Koriyama
Besides Kowa Shimizu, Koriyama City has several spring water spots worth visiting.
Gohyakume Famous Water (Nakata Town)
The Gohyakume Famous Water in Nakata Town, Koriyama, is a popular spring water spot comparable to Kowa Shimizu. Located approximately 30 minutes away by car from Kowa Shimizu, many people enjoy spring water tours visiting both spots in a single day.
Gohyakume Famous Water is also renowned for its abundant water volume and excellent water quality, having been cherished by the local people for a long time.
Other Spring Waters in Koriyama
Koriyama is sometimes called the “City of Water,” blessed with abundant groundwater. Various spring water spots, large and small, are scattered throughout the city, each with its own characteristics and history.
Spring water tours are not merely about collecting water but also provide opportunities to learn about the region’s history, culture, and natural environment. By visiting each spring water spot, you can develop a sense of Fukushima Prefecture’s abundant water resources and the efforts of people who have protected them.
Conservation and Future of Kowa Shimizu
Natural spring waters like Kowa Shimizu risk being lost without proper conservation.
Conservation Activities by the Community
Kowa Shimizu has been carefully protected by local residents and those affiliated with Sugaya Fudo Sonji. Regular cleaning activities and facility maintenance are supported by such community efforts.
The contribution fees paid by visitors serve as important funding sources for these conservation activities and are utilized to pass the spring water on to future generations in a sustainable manner.
Response to Environmental Changes
In recent years, due to climate change and urban development, spring waters in various locations have faced impacts. Many spring waters are confronting various challenges including decreases in water volume and changes in water quality.
To protect Kowa Shimizu and other spring waters in Koriyama, conservation of the surrounding environment, appropriate land use, and sustainable management of groundwater are important. When each visitor demonstrates environmental consideration and follows proper etiquette, it becomes part of significant conservation efforts.
What We as Visitors Can Do
Things we can do when visiting Kowa Shimizu include the following actions:
- Observe proper etiquette: Strictly follow the water collection etiquette mentioned earlier and show consideration for other users and the environment.
- Contribute: Support the costs necessary for maintenance and management of the spring water.
- Share information: Communicate the wonder of Kowa Shimizu to those around you while also conveying the importance of its conservation.
- Environmental consideration: Minimize environmental impact by actions such as avoiding vehicle idling and taking trash with you.
- Support the local economy: When visiting, use local shops and restaurants where possible to support the community as a whole.
How to Enjoy Your Visit to Kowa Shimizu
Here are some ideas for making your visit to Kowa Shimizu more fulfilling.
Enjoy Coffee or Cooking with Spring Water
Freshly collected delicious water is ideal for brewing coffee or tea. Enjoying a cup of coffee brewed with Kowa Shimizu water while resting at the gazebo is one of the great pleasures of your visit.
Additionally, the water you take home can also be used in cooking. Using it to cook rice, make miso soup, or boil vegetables allows you to experience Kowa Shimizu’s deliciousness daily.
Photography
The area around Kowa Shimizu is nature-rich and suitable for photography. There are many subjects to photograph, including the flowing spring water, the base of the large tree, the gazebo, and surrounding scenery.
Recording the landscape of each season allows you to preserve memories of your visit. However, be considerate of other users’ comfort and pay careful attention to privacy.
Visiting by Season
Kowa Shimizu can be visited year-round, but each season offers different attractions.
- Spring: New greenery is beautiful, and the pleasant climate makes it ideal for visiting.
- Summer: The cold spring water feels particularly refreshing. However, insect protection measures are essential.
- Autumn: Autumn foliage is beautiful, and the cool weather allows for comfortable water collection.
- Winter: Spring water surrounded by snowy landscapes is magical, but caution is needed regarding frozen roads and snow accumulation.
Conclusion: Experience Fukushima’s Water Blessings at Kowa Shimizu
Kowa Shimizu, located in Nishida Town, Taniida, Hirakouuchi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a precious spring water spot supported by long history and the affection of local people. The clear water springing forth from within the grounds of Sugaya Fudo Sonji has been cherished by many people since ancient times both as sacred water said to be effective for eye diseases and as delicious water indispensable to daily life.
When visiting Kowa Shimizu, observe proper etiquette and contribute fees to support the conservation of this valuable natural resource. It is safer to boil spring water before drinking, and do not forget to exercise adequate caution at the water’s edge.
Kowa Shimizu, symbolizing Koriyama’s abundant water resources, is a precious place to step away from urban bustle and confront nature’s blessings. Through the act of collecting spring water, you can reacquaint yourself with the importance of water, the significance of the natural environment, and the value of local culture.
Please visit Kowa Shimizu at least once and experience Fukushima Prefecture’s blessings of clear water firsthand. And let us all begin doing what we can to ensure this wonderful spring water is passed on to future generations.
