What is Chishaku养水? A Thorough Explanation of the Mie Prefecture Water Source Often Confused with Aichi Prefecture in Yokkaichi City
Overview and Location Information of Chishaku养水
Chishaku养水(ちしゃくようすい) is an irrigation canal spanning 1,784 meters in total length that flows from Komono Town in Mie County to Chishaku Town in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture. Many people search for “Chishaku養水 Aichi Prefecture,” but it is actually located in Mie Prefecture. This confusion likely arises because it is known as a famous water source in the Tokai region.
In 1985 (Showa 60), Chishaku養水was designated as one of the “Hundred Select Waters” by the Ministry of Environment (formerly the Environment Agency). It is cherished by local residents for its clear water quality and beautiful scenery. Today, it has also gained attention as a tourist destination and has become a representative waterside attraction in Yokkaichi City.
Geographic Location of Chishaku養水
Chishaku養水originates from the spring-fed pond “Kani Pond” in Komono Town and flows into the Yagō River (矢合川) after passing through Chishaku Town in Yokkaichi City. It is within walking distance from Sakura Station on the Kintetsu Yumeno-Yama Line, with the area around Saikokuji Temple Gate being particularly noted for its scenic beauty.
The official address is Chishaku Town, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, and there is no irrigation canal with the same name in Aichi Prefecture. Although it is widely known as a famous water source in the Tokai region, it is sometimes mistaken for being in Aichi Prefecture, but it is in fact a valuable water resource in Mie Prefecture.
History and Origins of Chishaku养水
Beginning as an Irrigation Canal
Chishaku養水has a long history, having been excavated as an irrigation canal to support agriculture in the region. Using the abundant spring water from Komono Town as its source, it has played an important role in supplying water to rice paddies in the Chishaku district. With a history dating back to the Edo period, this irrigation canal has significantly contributed to agricultural development in the region.
The place name “Chishaku” is said to mean “to accumulate wisdom,” and it was a region where learning and culture flourished from ancient times. The irrigation canal itself is a precious water conservation facility maintained through the wisdom and efforts of ancestors.
Use as Domestic Water
Until the mid-Showa period, the clear water of Chishaku養水was used not only for irrigation but also as domestic water for local residents. The water was of such high quality that it was used for cooking and laundry, and had a reputation as “clean water.” Residents carefully managed the canal and made efforts to preserve water quality.
Even after the development of water supply systems during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the clear flow of Chishaku養水has been maintained, continuing to be loved by residents as a symbol of the community.
Designation as One of the Hundred Select Waters
In 1985 (Showa 60), the Ministry of Environment (formerly the Environment Agency) selected Chishaku養水 in the “Hundred Select Waters” project, which designates outstanding springs and rivers throughout the country. In Mie Prefecture, it was selected along with the “Miyagawa River” and “Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls.”
The designation as one of the Hundred Select Waters gave Chishaku養水national recognition and increased its value as a tourism resource. This result can be attributed to the long-term efforts of local residents to preserve water quality.
Features and Highlights of Chishaku養水
Beautiful Waterway with Swimming Carp
The most distinctive feature of Chishaku養水is the sight of colorful carp swimming gracefully in the canal. The carp, carefully raised by local residents, also serve as evidence of the clear water quality. Various types of carp, including nishikigoi (ornamental carp) and common carp, have been released, and their appearance coloring the water surface captivates visitors.
The sight of carp swimming in what is merely an irrigation canal, not in someone’s home or a park, is a rare landscape in Japan. It demonstrates residents’ deep attachment to their water environment and their high level of environmental conservation awareness.
Scenic Charm Around Saikokuji Temple Gate
Among the areas in Chishaku Town, the vicinity around Saikokuji Temple Gate is particularly known for having the most beautiful scenery of Chishaku養水. The harmonious blend of old town architecture and clear flowing water creates a refined atmosphere that is popular as a photography spot.
Along the irrigation canal stand stone walls and old wooden houses, allowing visitors to experience the traditional Japanese landscape. The waterside scenery shows different faces throughout the seasons, revealing different charms depending on the time of year.
Clear Water Quality
The water quality of Chishaku養水, which was designated as one of the Hundred Select Waters, remains in good condition today. The spring water from Kani Pond, the water source, is groundwater from the Suzuka Mountains and is rich in minerals.
The water temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year, and the clarity is so high that the riverbed is visible. This good water quality enables the cultivation of carp and maintains a beautiful waterside environment.
Access and Tourist Information for Chishaku養水
Transportation Access
By Public Transportation:
- About 15 minutes on foot from Sakura Station on the Kintetsu Yumeno-Yama Line
- About 10 minutes by taxi from Komono Station on the Kintetsu Yumeno-Yama Line
- By bus from Yokkaichi Station (JR/Kintetsu) toward the Chishaku area
By Car:
- About 20 minutes from Yokkaichi IC on the Tomei-Kobe Expressway
- About 15 minutes from Komono IC on the Shin-Meishin Expressway
There is limited parking space around Saikokuji Temple, so the use of public transportation is recommended.
Points for Sightseeing
Chishaku養水is an irrigation canal approximately 1.8 kilometers long, but the main attractions are concentrated in a section of about 500 meters within Chishaku Town. Walking paths have been developed both upstream and downstream from Saikokuji Temple.
The best times to visit are the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, but the fresh greenery of summer and the quiet of winter also have their charm. Early morning and evening hours have fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Chishaku養水, it is recommended to tour nearby tourist attractions as well.
Komono Town Area:
- Yumeno-Yama Onsen: A historic hot spring resort at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains
- Gozaisho Ropeway: Access to Mount Gozaisho at 1,212 meters elevation
- Aqua Ignis: A hot spring resort complex
Yokkaichi City Area:
- Yokkaichi Port Building: Observation exhibition room “Umiterasu 14”
- Yokkaichi Municipal Museum: A facility where you can learn about local history and culture
- Isaka Dam Cycle Park: A natural recreation area
Community Preservation Activities
Resident-Led Maintenance and Management
The beautiful scenery and clear water quality of Chishaku養水are maintained through the dedicated conservation efforts of local residents. The residents of Chishaku Town voluntarily conduct regular cleaning activities, water quality management, and carp care.
Preservation groups organized by neighborhood associations and local volunteers carry out detailed management work such as grass cutting along the irrigation canal, litter collection, and embankment repairs. Since the designation as one of the Hundred Select Waters, even with the increase in tourists, residents have continued to protect Chishaku養水as a local treasure.
Carp Cultivation and Management
The carp swimming in the canal are carefully raised by local residents. Many carp have grown from fingerlings, and residents manage their feeding and health while observing their growth.
Carp also serve as indicator organisms of water quality, and their health status indicates the quality of the water environment. By observing the carp, residents become sensitive to changes in water quality and respond accordingly.
Transmission to the Next Generation
Children also participate in the conservation activities of Chishaku養水. Environmental education programs about Chishaku養水are conducted in local elementary schools, providing opportunities for children to participate in actual water quality surveys and cleaning activities.
Through these efforts, the spirit of caring for Chishaku養水is passed on to the next generation, enabling sustainable conservation activities.
Kani Pond: The Water Source of Chishaku養水
Kani Pond, the water source of Chishaku養水, is a spring-fed pond located in Komono Town. It is a natural pond where groundwater from the Suzuka Mountains emerges, boasting a abundant water supply throughout the year.
The origin of the name “Kani Pond” is subject to various theories, but it is said to have been named after the many crabs that once inhabited the area. Currently, a natural environment is maintained, and it plays an important role as a water source.
The intake point from Kani Pond to Chishaku養水is properly managed, providing a stable water supply to the irrigation canal. This abundant spring water supports the clear flow of Chishaku養水.
Chishaku養水and Yokkaichi City’s Water Environment
Yokkaichi City developed as an industrial city during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth and faced pollution problems such as air and water pollution. However, through the efforts of citizens and businesses, environmental improvements have been made, and the city is now known as an environmentally advanced city.
Chishaku養水is also a symbolic embodiment of Yokkaichi City’s environmental recovery. In Chishaku Town, away from the industrial zone, the natural environment of old has been preserved, and the clear stream designated as one of the Hundred Select Waters continues to flow.
In addition to Chishaku養水, clear streams such as the Asake River and Mitaki River flow through the city, with efforts focused on preserving the waterside environment. The conservation activities of Chishaku養水also contribute to raising environmental awareness throughout Yokkaichi City.
About the Hundred Select Waters
The “Hundred Select Waters” designated by the Ministry of Environment (formerly the Environment Agency) in 1985 is a project aimed at conserving outstanding springs and rivers throughout the country and raising public interest in water environments. Chishaku養水was selected as one of these hundred honored waters.
The Hundred Select Waters includes various types of water sources such as springs, rivers, and groundwater, each of which is a carefully preserved water environment in its respective region. Selection criteria consider good water quality, abundant water volume, regional importance, and conservation efforts.
In Mie Prefecture, in addition to Chishaku養水, the “Miyagawa River (Odai Town)” and “Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls (Nabari City)” were selected for the Hundred Select Waters, demonstrating the prefecture’s rich water environment.
In 2008, the “Heisei Hundred Select Waters” were also designated, with a total of 200 famous waters now certified throughout the country. These famous waters have become precious water resources that should be inherited by future generations as part of Japan’s valuable heritage.
The Four Seasons of Chishaku養水
Spring: Season of Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Greenery
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom profusely along Chishaku養水. The sight of cherry blossoms reflected in the irrigation canal and carp swimming on the water’s surface creates a scenically refined view characteristic of spring in Japan. The area around Sakura Station on the Kintetsu Yumeno-Yama Line is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms together with Chishaku養水.
During the season of fresh greenery, the surrounding trees turn a vibrant green, creating a beautiful contrast with the clear stream.
Summer: Seeking Coolness
In summer, Chishaku養水becomes a place of refuge for those seeking coolness. The sound of the clear flowing water and the coolness of the shade provide exceptional comfort on hot summer days. The carp swim actively about, providing endless visual interest.
An early morning walk is especially recommended, with the water’s surface sparkling in the morning sunlight creating a magical scene.
Autumn: Colored Foliage
In autumn, the trees surrounding Chishaku養水turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful scene as these colors are reflected in the water. Fallen leaves drifting on the water’s surface have a special charm, allowing you to experience the distinct emotion of autumn.
As temperatures begin to drop in autumn, the water appears even clearer, and the carp can be observed more distinctly.
Winter: Beauty in Silence
Chishaku養水in winter is enveloped in silence, with few visitors. If snow falls, the contrast between the white world and the clear stream is beautiful, offering a landscape like an ink painting.
Even in winter, the water temperature remains relatively stable, and the carp continue to swim energetically. Viewing Chishaku養水on a clear winter day, surrounded by crisp winter air, has a different charm than other seasons.
Precautions and Etiquette for Visiting Chishaku養水
Cooperation in Environmental Conservation
Chishaku養水is a precious water environment carefully protected by local residents. When visiting, please note the following:
- Always take your trash with you
- Do not throw objects into the irrigation canal
- Do not feed the carp without permission (this causes water quality deterioration)
- Do not enter the irrigation canal
- Enjoy the scenery quietly without raising your voice
- Do not trespass on private property
- Do not collect plants
Photography Etiquette
While Chishaku養水is a popular photography spot, the surrounding area is residential. Please be considerate when photographing:
- Show respect for residents’ privacy
- Do not occupy the same location for extended periods
- When using a tripod, ensure it does not obstruct passage
- Obtain permission in advance for commercial photography
- Avoid early morning and nighttime photography
Safety Precautions
- The path along the irrigation canal is narrow in places, so watch your footing
- The ground is slippery in rainy weather or after rain, so be careful
- Do not take your eyes off small children
- Remember heat stroke prevention measures in summer
Chishaku養水and Local Community
Chishaku養水is not merely an irrigation canal but has become a central part of the local community. Through conservation activities, residents interact with one another, and community bonds are strengthened.
The cleaning activities and carp care conducted throughout the year have become a place of interaction across generations, with participants ranging from the elderly to children. Such activities are valuable opportunities for transmitting regional traditions and culture to the next generation.
The effort to protect Chishaku養水is a source of local pride and identity and has created an effect of raising residents’ environmental awareness. The designation as one of the Hundred Select Waters is a public evaluation of residents’ efforts and has heightened their motivation for further conservation.
Future Prospects for Chishaku養水
Chishaku養水is expected to receive further attention as a good example of balancing environmental conservation with tourism promotion. Yokkaichi City and Mie Prefecture have positioned Chishaku養水as a valuable tourism resource and are considering appropriate conservation and utilization strategies.
In the future, there are plans to comprehensively conserve the waterside environment extending from Komono Town to Yokkaichi City, including Chishaku養水, and develop it as a hub for ecotourism. The goal is to continue community-led conservation activities while developing it as a model case of sustainable tourism.
At the same time, important issues include adapting to environmental changes such as climate change and urban development, as well as strengthening water source conservation and water quality management. Efforts are ongoing with cooperation among local residents, government, and experts to pass on the clear flow of Chishaku養水to future generations.
Summary: Chishaku養水is a Treasure of Mie Prefecture
Chishaku養水is an irrigation canal designated as one of the Hundred Select Waters located in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, not in Aichi Prefecture. Colorful carp swim in this 1,784-meter-long clear stream, carefully protected by local residents.
Originating from Kani Pond in Komono Town and flowing into the Yagō River through Chishaku Town, this irrigation canal has long supported both agriculture and life in the region. Since its designation as one of the Hundred Select Waters in 1985, it has attracted attention as a tourist destination, with many people enjoying its beautiful waterside scenery.
The harmonious blend of the charming old town architecture around Saikokuji Temple Gate and the clear stream creates a valuable landscape that evokes the traditional Japanese countryside. Chishaku養水, displaying different faces with each season, continues to bring healing and emotion to its visitors.
Maintained through the dedicated conservation efforts of local residents, Chishaku養水is an excellent example of environmental conservation and community building. When visiting, please respect the etiquette for protecting this precious water environment and show respect to the local residents as you enjoy the scenery.
Chishaku養水, one of Mie Prefecture’s Hundred Select Waters—sometimes confused with Aichi Prefecture—is unquestionably a treasure of Mie Prefecture and a valuable water culture heritage of Japan. Please visit at least once and experience firsthand this clear flowing water and the beautiful scenery of swimming carp.
