Awasaki / Kami no Shomizu (Ishikawa Prefecture): History and Present of Famous Water Beloved by Kaga Domain Lords
“Kami no Shomizu” (上の清水), a spring water that continues to flow even today in Awasaki-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a historic spring with a history spanning from the Edo period. This clear water that springs near the Uchida sand dunes, facing the Sea of Japan, is known as a prestigious spring water that was once supplied for the drinking use of the Kaga domain lord.
Kami no Shomizu: Historic Spring Water of Awasaki
Kami no Shomizu is a natural spring water located in Awasaki-cho, Kanazawa City. The name “kami no shomizu” is a locally cherished traditional appellation, and “shomizu” (清水) is an archaic term meaning spring water.
Awasaki-cho is located in the northern part of Kanazawa City, facing the Sea of Japan, at the southern edge of the Uchida sand dunes. This geographical characteristic is an important factor in producing high-quality spring water. Rainwater that falls on the sand dune area permeates the ground, and through long years of natural filtration, it emerges as clear groundwater.
Characteristics of the Spring Water
The water quality of Kami no Shomizu is naturally filtered as it passes through the sand dune area, becoming clear and soft water with a pleasant taste. It maintains relatively stable water temperature throughout the year, feeling cold in summer and relatively warm in winter, possessing the characteristic properties unique to spring water.
Kaga Domain Lords and Kami no Shomizu: Historical Significance
One of the principal reasons Kami no Shomizu is noteworthy is its deep connection to the Kaga domain lords. During the Edo period, a tradition has been passed down that the domain lords of the Maeda family, who ruled over the million-koku domain of Kaga, used this spring water as their drinking water.
Spring Water Supplied for the Domain Lord’s Consumption
The Kaga domain is known to have been extremely strict about water quality management. For water to be selected as drinking water for the domain lord, not only excellent water quality was required, but also stable water flow and cleanliness were demanded. Kami no Shomizu in Awasaki was valued as a superior water source that met these conditions.
Although there was considerable distance from Kanazawa castle town to Awasaki, the fact that this spring water was selected speaks to the high quality of its water. It is believed that during that time, dedicated water-drawing attendants were stationed to regularly transport water to the castle town.
Water Source Supporting Community Life
Beyond serving as the domain lord’s drinking water, Kami no Shomizu played an important role in supporting the daily lives of the people of Awasaki. It was used not only for drinking but also for washing, vegetable cleaning, and agricultural purposes, serving as a central presence in the community.
Geography and Water Environment of Awasaki-cho
Understanding the geographical and geological characteristics of Awasaki-cho, where Kami no Shomizu springs forth, allows for a deeper appreciation of this spring water’s value.
Relationship with Uchida Sand Dunes
Awasaki-cho is located at the southern edge of the Uchida sand dunes, part of the sand dune area formed along the coastline. These sand dunes were formed by sand carried by winds blowing from the Sea of Japan and have created highly permeable geological layers.
Rainwater falling on the sand dune area permeates the ground while passing through sand layers. During this process, natural filtration occurs, removing impurities to create clear groundwater. Kami no Shomizu is the spring water that appears where this groundwater level intersects with the ground surface.
Kanazawa City’s Groundwater System
Viewed across Kanazawa City as a whole, abundant precipitation and complex geological structures have created numerous springs and groundwater sources. Multiple aquifers have formed beneath the Kanazawa Plain, supporting springs throughout the city.
Kami no Shomizu in Awasaki forms part of this groundwater system in Kanazawa City, and due to its proximity to the coast, possesses unique hydrogeological characteristics.
Present-Day Kami no Shomizu: Conservation and Challenges
The historic Kami no Shomizu faces several challenges in the modern era.
Changes in Spring Discharge Volume
In recent years, declining spring discharge volumes have been reported at many springs within Kanazawa City due to urbanization and increased groundwater usage. Kami no Shomizu is no exception, with suggestions that its discharge volume has decreased compared to the past.
The lowering of groundwater levels is believed to be caused by excessive groundwater pumping and reduced rainwater infiltration due to surface pavement.
Concerns About Saltwater Intrusion
As a spring water near the coast, Kami no Shomizu faces concerns about saltwater intrusion. When groundwater levels decline, seawater can enter the ground and mix with fresh groundwater, a phenomenon known as “salinization.”
If this phenomenon progresses, the spring water’s quality deteriorates, making it difficult to use for drinking and domestic purposes. For coastal springs, this is one of the most serious environmental problems.
Connection with Land Subsidence
Kanazawa City experienced problems with land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction in the past. Currently, groundwater extraction is regulated and the situation has improved, but continuous monitoring is necessary for groundwater environment conservation.
Land subsidence is closely related to lowering groundwater levels and is an important issue from the perspective of spring water conservation.
Comparison with Other Famous Waters in Ishikawa Prefecture
Many other famous waters exist within Ishikawa Prefecture besides Kami no Shomizu. Comparing the characteristics of different springs clarifies the uniqueness of Kami no Shomizu.
Hakkokutoku Water of Hakui City
Hakkokutoku water in Hakui City is also one of Ishikawa Prefecture’s representative famous waters. Located in mountainous areas, it boasts abundant spring discharge. Unlike Kami no Shomizu, which is spring water in a sand dune area, Hakkokutoku water is mountain spring water.
Other Springs in Kanazawa City
Kanazawa City contains many water resources, including the meandering water of Kenroku Garden and irrigation channels scattered throughout the urban area. Among these, Kami no Shomizu holds particularly high historical value and occupies a special position in terms of its connection to the domain lord.
Access to Kami no Shomizu and Visiting
For those wishing to visit Kami no Shomizu, access information and viewing precautions are summarized below.
Location and Access
Location: Awasaki-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access Methods:
- By car: Head north on National Route 159 from central Kanazawa, approximately 20 minutes
- Public transportation: Get off at “Awasaki” bus stop on Hokuriku Railway Bus, a few minutes walk
Awasaki-cho is located within a residential area, and Kami no Shomizu is part of the local living space. When visiting, be mindful of the residents’ daily lives.
Precautions When Visiting
- Consideration for Private Land: The area surrounding the spring is residents’ living space. Do not trespass on property without permission.
- Water Quality Conservation: To maintain the cleanliness of the spring water, avoid discarding trash or contaminating the water.
- Water Collection: If consuming the water, confirm water quality beforehand and proceed at your own responsibility. Boiling before drinking is recommended.
- Maintaining Quiet Environment: Be conscious that this is a residential area and avoid making noise.
Efforts Toward Spring Water Conservation
To preserve historically and culturally valuable springs like Kami no Shomizu for future generations, conservation activities involving the entire community are essential.
Conservation Activities by Local Residents
In the Awasaki area, local residents primarily conduct cleaning activities and environmental improvements around the spring area. The awareness of protecting the spring as community treasure is passed down across generations.
Role of Local Government
Kanazawa City is advancing efforts to conserve springs and groundwater within the city. Through groundwater level monitoring, groundwater extraction regulations, and public awareness activities, it aims for sustainable water resource management.
What We Can Do
Spring water conservation is not solely the responsibility of local government or residents. Each visitor can protect these precious water resources through environmental consideration.
- Avoid contaminating springs and surrounding environments
- Refrain from excessive water collection
- Follow community rules
- Learn about the value of springs and share this knowledge with others
The accumulation of these small actions contributes to preserving Kami no Shomizu for future generations.
Cultural Value of Kami no Shomizu
Kami no Shomizu is not merely a spring but a symbol of the region’s history and culture.
Core of Regional Identity
For Awasaki-cho, Kami no Shomizu is an important element of regional identity. The pride of being “the town with clear water supplied to the Kaga domain lord” strengthens resident unity and serves as the community’s core.
Educational Value
Awasaki Elementary School uses Kami no Shomizu as a material for local learning. It serves as valuable educational material for children to learn about the region’s history and natural environment, playing a role in fostering love for their hometown.
Potential as a Tourism Resource
Kanazawa City attracts many domestic and international tourists. In addition to major tourist attractions such as Kenroku Garden and Kanazawa Castle, historic springs like Kami no Shomizu hold potential to become tourism resources conveying Kanazawa’s charm.
However, careful consideration is necessary for tourism development. Balance is required to protect residents’ living environment while appropriately communicating the spring’s value.
Kami no Shomizu from a Hydrogeological Perspective
Analyzing Kami no Shomizu from a specialized viewpoint clarifies its uniqueness.
Spring Water Mechanisms in Sand Dune Areas
Spring water in coastal sand dune areas like the Uchida sand dunes is formed through special hydrogeological mechanisms. The high permeability of sand dunes allows precipitation to quickly permeate underground, forming a groundwater table above an impermeable layer beneath the sand.
When this groundwater level intersects with the ground surface at lower topographical areas, it appears as spring water. Kami no Shomizu is considered a typical sand dune spring formed through this mechanism.
Water Quality Characteristics
Groundwater that has passed through sand dune areas typically possesses the following characteristics:
- Soft water with low hardness: Low mineral content such as calcium and magnesium
- High clarity: Little turbidity due to sand filtration
- pH value near neutral: Unaffected by special geological influences
- Stable water temperature: Characteristic temperature stability of groundwater
These characteristics make Kami no Shomizu suitable as high-quality drinking water.
Sustainability Challenges
Sand dune spring water is vulnerable to impacts from urbanization and climate change. When surface pavement or development reduces rainwater infiltration, the groundwater recharge volume decreases, leading to reduced spring discharge.
Additionally, its proximity to the coast carries risks of salinization due to sea level rise and groundwater level decline. Addressing these challenges requires long-term water resource management perspective.
Conclusion: The Future of Kami no Shomizu
Kami no Shomizu in Awasaki-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture is a precious spring water with a history spanning from the Edo period, deep connections to Kaga domain lords, and cultural value rooted in the community.
This clear spring water, born from the unique geographical environment of sand dune terrain, has supported the lives of local people over long years and continues to flow even today. However, the impacts of urbanization and environmental changes cannot be ignored, making sustainable conservation a pressing issue.
To preserve Kami no Shomizu for the future, local residents, government, and visitors must cooperate to cherish and protect this precious water resource. Passing this historic spring water on to future generations is an important responsibility entrusted to us.
When visiting Kanazawa, look beyond famous tourist attractions like Kenroku Garden and Kanazawa Castle to community-rooted historical resources like Awasaki’s Kami no Shomizu. There, the story of the million-koku domain of Kaga and the rich water environment that supported it continues to flow quietly.
