Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water: Higashikawa Town’s Pride – A Heisei Water Hundred Selection and Life in a Town Without Municipal Water Supply
The “Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water” that springs forth in Higashikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, is a famous water created by the rich nature of Daisetsu Mountain National Park over hundreds of years. Selected as one of the “Heisei Water Hundred Selection” by the Ministry of the Environment, this water ranked 3rd in the “Outstanding Deliciousness Water Category” and has become a precious natural resource supporting life in Higashikawa Town – a nation-wide rarity with no municipal water supply system.
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water: The Mystical Spring Water Nurtured by Daisetsu Mountain
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is clear, pure water that springs forth after snow and rain falling on the Daisetsu Mountain Range, including Mt. Asahidake, seeps through thick layers of underground soil over long periods and is naturally filtered. This spring water created by the rich natural environment of Daisetsu Mountain National Park wells up powerfully from within a water source conservation forest and flows into the Chuubetsu River.
From the water source located at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level on Mt. Asahidake, it takes an enormously long time – estimated at hundreds of years – to travel through the deep underground before springing forth. Through this long permeation process, impurities are removed from the water by natural filters, while simultaneously mineral components are dissolved from the geological layers.
The spring discharge is abundant throughout the year, and even in the height of summer, the water temperature remains constant at approximately 6-7 degrees Celsius. This stable water temperature and abundant discharge volume form the foundation supporting the lives of Higashikawa’s residents.
Water Quality Characteristics of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water: Moderately Hard Water Rare in Japan
While most spring water in Japan is classified as soft water, Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is classified as moderately hard water, which is rare domestically. It has a hardness of approximately 125 mg/L and a slightly alkaline pH value of around 7.2.
Natural Water with Excellent Mineral Balance
The greatest characteristic of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is that mineral content is richly and well-balanced. The balance between calcium and magnesium is particularly good, imparting depth to the water’s taste.
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone and tooth formation, while magnesium is an important mineral that aids enzyme functions in the body. The natural, well-balanced presence of these minerals is one reason why Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is evaluated as “delicious water.”
Moderately hard water provides substance to the palate for Japanese people accustomed to soft water, while lacking the difficulty of drinking associated with hard water, offering an ideal taste. This exquisite balance is why this water has been cherished by Higashikawa residents for many years.
Value of Regional Collective Trademark Registration
“Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water” was the first drinking water in the nation to obtain regional collective trademark registration. This indicates that this water is not merely spring water, but a cultural resource deeply connected to the regional identity of Higashikawa Town.
Through trademark registration, the brand value of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is protected, and its status as a specialty product of Higashikawa Town is established. This recognition evaluates not only the water’s excellent quality but also its connection to the region and sustainable management systems.
Higashikawa Town: A Town Rare Nationally for Having No Municipal Water Supply
Higashikawa Town possesses characteristics that are extremely rare, even within Hokkaido and nationally. That characteristic is being “a town without municipal water supply.” Higashikawa Town is known as Hokkaido’s only municipality, and one of very few nationally, without municipal water supply facilities.
Why There Is No Municipal Water Supply
This does not mean Higashikawa Town has neglected to develop water infrastructure. Rather, because the town is blessed with abundant and high-quality groundwater from Daisetsu Mountain, each household and facility has chosen to maintain private wells and directly utilize groundwater.
Since high-quality groundwater is abundantly present throughout the town, drilling wells at individual homes is more economical and rational than laying municipal water pipes. Through this method, Higashikawa residents can directly drink fresh, delicious groundwater simply by turning a tap.
Life Supported by Groundwater
Higashikawa residents sustain all aspects of daily life through groundwater. Beyond drinking water, all cooking, laundry, and bathing are sourced from the groundwater – the blessing of Daisetsu Mountain. Many residents take pride in the deliciousness and abundance of this water, with “Higashikawa water” forming the core of the town’s identity.
Each household regularly conducts water quality testing to ensure safety. The town also centers its efforts on the Daisetsu Water Resources Conservation Center, engaging in activities to preserve water source areas and manage water quality, continuing efforts to pass this precious natural resource to future generations.
Restaurants in Higashikawa serve dishes, coffee, and sake that leverage this high-quality water, successfully establishing branding as a “water town.”
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Park: A Renowned Site Where Anyone Can Freely Draw Water
The place where one can actually experience Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is “Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Park.” This park is a facility developed to allow anyone to freely draw spring water sourced from the snowmelt of Mt. Asahidake.
Park Characteristics and Facilities
The park features a well-maintained parking lot and an impressive water-drawing station. Multiple taps are installed at the water-drawing station, taking advantage of the abundant water volume to allow many people to draw water simultaneously.
Within the water source conservation forest, a wooden walkway of approximately 300 meters is laid out. Walking this wooden path allows one to view the spectacular gushing of source water up close. The scene woven by the murmur of clear streams and the green moss covering the surroundings is fantastical, captivating visitors.
How to Use the Water-Drawing Station
Water can be drawn free of charge and anyone may do so. However, to protect the natural environment, certain etiquette rules are requested.
When drawing water into containers one has brought, care must be taken not to soil the surroundings. When drawing large quantities, consideration for other users is important. Particularly during weekends and tourist seasons when many people visit, a spirit of consideration becomes vital.
Even in the height of summer, refreshing cold water springs forth, and one can drink it on the spot. The crisp, cool taste soothes fatigue on hot days.
Access Information
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Park is located along Road 213 heading toward the Asahidake Hot Spring area. It is approximately 50 minutes by car from Asahikawa City and about 15 minutes from the Asahidake Ropeway.
The address is Nokannan, Higashikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, and a parking lot is available, making car access convenient. Many people stop by on the way back from Asahidake sightseeing, and it is recommended to incorporate it into a sightseeing route.
Heisei Water Hundred Selection and Environmental Conservation Efforts
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water was selected as one of the “Heisei Water Hundred Selection” by the Ministry of the Environment in 2008. Furthermore, in the “Water Hundred Selection Playoff Election” conducted in 2015, it received a high evaluation of 3rd place nationally in the “Outstanding Deliciousness Water Category.”
Significance of Selection for Water Hundred Selection
The Heisei Water Hundred Selection identifies clear water environments where sustainable water environment conservation activities conducted by residents are integrated into regional life. The selection of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water can be said to result from evaluation not only of water quality excellence but also of long-term conservation activities by Higashikawa residents.
Through this selection, the recognition of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water expanded nationally, and many tourists began visiting. Simultaneously, residents’ awareness of water environment conservation increased further, and efforts toward sustainable water resource management were strengthened.
Role of the Daisetsu Water Resources Conservation Center
Higashikawa Town conducts water source conservation and water quality management centered on the Daisetsu Water Resources Conservation Center. The center conducts regular water quality testing to ensure safety, while also managing water source conservation forests and conducting environmental education activities.
Environmental learning programs developed in collaboration with community residents and schools convey to children the importance of water and the significance of water source conservation. These educational activities to pass beautiful water environments to the next generation form the foundation for sustainable regional development.
Challenges and Efforts in Water Source Conservation
The environment surrounding water sources is changing, with climate change causing variations in snowfall and increased environmental burden from growing tourism. Higashikawa Town is advancing scientific monitoring and construction of appropriate management systems to address these challenges.
The town addresses water source conservation through multiple approaches: appropriate management of water source conservation forests, environmental improvements around water-drawing areas, and raising awareness about proper etiquette among users.
Regional Culture and Industry Utilizing Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water
Higashikawa Town has developed unique regional culture and industry that take advantage of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water, a precious natural resource.
Food Culture Utilizing Water
High-quality water is fundamental to delicious cuisine. Restaurants in Higashikawa serve dishes that leverage this water. Particularly coffee and black tea, whose flavor directly reflects water quality, as well as sake, are popular products that maximize the characteristics of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water.
The sake breweries within the town use this water as brewing water for sake production, and the unique flavor created by the mineral-balanced moderately hard water is highly evaluated.
Branding as a “Town of Water and Photography”
Higashikawa is also known as a “photography town,” but the “water town” aspect is equally important to its identity. Landscapes of beautiful nature and clear water attract many photographers and serve as important elements in publicizing the town’s charm.
The fantastical scenery woven by clear streams and moss at Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Park has become a popular photo spot on social media, and its value as a tourism resource is increasing.
Migration Promotion and Regional Revitalization
In recent years, the number of people seeking to move to Higashikawa Town in pursuit of a high-quality water environment has increased. A living environment where water from the tap is directly delicious drinking water has become a major attraction for people relocating from urban areas.
The town positions this water environment as an important element for migration promotion, proposing “lifestyles utilizing the blessing of water.” Among those who have actually relocated, many report that water quality enhances their quality of daily life.
The Four Seasons’ Charm of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water and its surrounding environment display different characteristics throughout the four seasons.
Spring: Season of Snowmelt and Fresh Greenery
As spring arrives, snowmelt from Daisetsu Mountain accelerates in earnest, further increasing discharge volume. In the water source conservation forest, fresh greenery sprouts, and the forest, quiet during winter, transforms into a space filled with vitality. The water during this period is especially clear and pure, evoking the arrival of spring.
Summer: Charm as a Summer Retreat
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water, maintaining a temperature of approximately 6-7 degrees Celsius even in high summer, functions like a natural refrigerator. The exhilaration of drinking cold spring water on hot days is extraordinary. Walking the wooden path, the coolness of the waterside is pleasant, and one can fully savor its appeal as a summer retreat.
Autumn: Contrast of Autumn Foliage and Clear Streams
As autumn arrives, trees in the water source conservation forest change color, creating beautiful scenery through contrast with the clear stream. This season holds particular appeal for photography enthusiasts. In clear autumn air, the landscape woven by autumn foliage and clear streams is truly nature’s artwork.
Winter: The Mystical World of Snow and Ice
During winter, Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Park is covered in deep snow, yet the spring water continues to flow unfrozen. The sight of flowing water contrasting with surrounding ice is mystical, possessing a beauty unique to winter. However, in winter, heavy snow may make the wooden path difficult to access, so it is recommended to confirm conditions before visiting.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water
When visiting Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water and enjoying this precious natural resource, it is important to observe several precautions and rules of etiquette.
Consideration for Environmental Conservation
Water sources are delicate places where natural environments are well-preserved. Be sure to take any trash with you, and be careful not to damage plants or trespass in areas outside designated zones. Stepping off the wooden path can trample precious plant life.
Etiquette When Drawing Water
At the water-drawing station, considering that many people use it, avoid monopolizing the area for extended periods. Especially during busy times, after drawing the necessary amount, courteously yield the space to the next person. Careful attention to hygiene, such as not placing containers directly against the tap, is also important.
Safety Precautions
Wooden paths become slippery when wet, so careful attention to foot placement is necessary when walking. Particularly in rainy weather or winter, one must walk more carefully. When accompanying small children, avoid taking your eyes off them to prevent water-related accidents.
Seasonal Preparations
Even in summer, the water temperature is low, so prolonged contact with water can chill hands. Bringing a towel is convenient. In winter, adequate cold-weather preparation is necessary, and attention to frozen surfaces is required. Also, if bear sightings are reported, appropriate measures should be taken.
The Future of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water and Higashikawa Town
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is an important resource connecting Higashikawa Town’s past, present, and future. Protecting and utilizing this precious natural resource while advancing sustainable regional development represents both a major challenge and possibility for Higashikawa Town.
Sustainable Water Resource Management
Climate change may cause future changes in snowfall and precipitation patterns. Higashikawa Town takes the approach of long-term monitoring of water resource conditions and strengthening conservation measures as necessary.
The town develops more effective conservation activities by combining scientifically-based management with the experiential knowledge of residents.
Balancing Tourism Resource Utilization with Conservation
As the recognition of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water increases and the number of visitors grows, this benefits the regional economy but simultaneously carries the risk of increased environmental burden. Higashikawa Town aims to create sustainable tourism development while balancing tourism promotion and environmental conservation.
Efforts continue through appropriate facility development and raising awareness about proper etiquette among users, maintaining an environment where many people can benefit from the blessing of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water.
Passing It On to Future Generations
To pass down Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water – this precious resource – to future generations, Higashikawa Town places emphasis on environmental education for children. Collaborating with regional schools through water source site visits and water quality survey experiences, the town conveys the importance of water and regional pride.
Through these educational activities, children are expected to maintain awareness of water environment conservation as they mature.
Conclusion: The Value That Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Symbolizes
Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water is not merely spring water. It is a masterpiece created by Daisetsu Mountain’s rich nature over hundreds of years – the very identity of Higashikawa Town as a region.
As a rare nationally town without municipal water supply, Higashikawa residents benefit daily from this natural resource in their daily lives. Delicious groundwater flowing from a tap represents a luxury difficult to obtain in urban areas and is an important element enhancing quality of life.
The selection as one of the Heisei Water Hundred Selection and its ranking as 3rd nationally in the “Outstanding Deliciousness Water Category” attests to widespread recognition of this water’s value. Its rare moderately hard water quality characteristics and abundant, well-balanced mineral content captivate many people.
At Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water Park, anyone can freely draw this famous water and witness the source gushing forth up close. The fantastical scenery woven by clear streams and moss conveys to visitors the beauty of nature and the importance of water.
The people of Higashikawa have protected this precious resource while developing unique culture and industry that leverage it. Food culture utilizing water, migration promotion, tourism development – Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water forms the core of regional development.
Going forward, continuing sustainable water resource management and environmental conservation while passing this precious natural resource to future generations remains an important mission for Higashikawa Town. Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water will continue to be cherished by many people as a symbol of ideal coexistence between nature and humanity.
When visiting Hokkaido, be sure to visit Higashikawa Town and experience the crystalline taste of Daisetsu Asahidake Source Water and the rich regional culture it nourishes. The mystical water created by the blessing of Daisetsu Mountain will surely provide you with special memories.
