Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group, Fukushima Prefecture – Complete Guide to Ryugasawa Spring Water, Selected as One of Japan’s 100 Best Waters, and Surrounding Spring Water Spots
The Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group, which spreads across Bandai Town in Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture, is the representative spring water area of the Aizu region, having been selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Waters” by the Environmental Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) in 1985. Along the foothills of Nekoma Peak, Umayatake Mountain, and Kojōga Peak, which form a chain on the west side of Mount Bandai, numerous spring waters that have supported people’s lives since ancient times are scattered throughout.
This article provides a detailed introduction to Ryugasawa Spring Water, the representative spring water of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group, as well as the characteristics of spring waters in this region, historical background, access methods, and surrounding tourist spots.
About the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
Why It Was Selected for Japan’s 100 Best Waters
The Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is a collective term for numerous springs that spring up at the foothills of Nekoma Mountain, Umayatake Mountain, and Kojōga Peak, which form Oguni Marsh. The spring waters in this area were selected for Japan’s 100 Best Waters due to their excellent water quality, abundant water volume, and the continuity of conservation activities by local residents.
Located at approximately 500 meters above sea level, Bandai Town is dotted with abundant spring water and historical sites, each with many stories to tell. The blessings of Mount Bandai, which is sung as a “mountain of treasure” in folk songs, continue to nurture the local area today as a precious treasure carefully preserved.
Geological Background of the Spring Water Group
The formation of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is deeply related to the activity of Nekoma Volcano. Lava flows (Hayama lava) ejected from Nekoma Volcano accumulate in multiple layers, and rainwater and snowmelt permeate through the spaces between these layers. The volcano naturally filters rainwater through multiple layers of lava from past eruptions, creating crystalline spring water over a long period of time.
Water that springs from cracks in lava and between rocks passes through volcanic geological layers, which removes impurities and creates soft water with well-balanced minerals. It is characterized by particularly pleasant drinking water that contains absolutely no iron, and is highly valued as potable water.
Ryugasawa Spring Water – The Representative of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
Characteristics of Ryugasawa Spring Water
The most well-known spring water in the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is “Ryugasawa Spring Water.” Located about 1 km from Keidai-ji Temple, a tourist attraction in Bandai Town, in the middle of a forest, this spring continuously gushes clear water from between large stones, captivating visitors.
Ryugasawa Spring Water yields approximately 2,000 tons of clear water per day and is said never to dry up even during droughts. This abundant and stable water supply has been a precious water source for local people since ancient times.
Water Quality Characteristics
Ryugasawa Spring Water has the following water quality characteristics:
- Soft water: Smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink
- Zero iron content: No metallic taste, refreshing quality
- Low temperature: Cold year-round, around 10 degrees even in summer
- High transparency: Natural filtration effect from volcanic geological layers
Due to this excellent water quality, not only is it used for the daily life of local residents, but many people from distant areas also visit to collect water.
Access and Viewing Information
Location: Fukushima Prefecture, Yama District, Bandai Town, Sarashina
Viewing Hours: Open for viewing year-round (however, may be inaccessible due to snow accumulation during winter)
How to Access:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Bandai Mountain Keidai-ji Temple ruins
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Bandai Kattō IC on the Bandai Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Bandai Station on the JR Bandai-Nishi Line
Parking: Parking spaces available near the spring water area (free)
Inquiries: Bandai Town Commerce and Tourism Division, Commerce and Tourism Group (Phone: 0242-74-1214)
History and Legends of Ryugasawa Spring Water
History as a Sacred Place for Rain Prayer Rituals
Ryugasawa Spring Water was a sacred place where rain-seeking rituals were performed repeatedly from the end of the ancient period until the end of World War II. According to tradition, the Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi Kukai performed rain-seeking prayers here during the Heian period.
During the Edo period, rain-seeking rituals were conducted on a large scale by order of the Aizu clan, on par with Mount Bandai and Keidai-ji Temple. Records remain in documents describing ceremonies at this location where five grains and “children fallen by the dragon” were offered while monks from Keidai-ji Temple chanted sutras, testament to the deep faith of that era.
Water Belief in the Aizu Region
In the Aizu region, water has been held sacred since ancient times, and spring water was revered as a place where the dragon deity dwelled. The name “Ryugasawa” (Dragon Valley Spring) is thought to derive from this water-centered belief system. It is said that during periods of prolonged drought, even the feudal lord himself would visit to pray, demonstrating how important this water source was to the region.
Major Spring Water Spots in the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
Numerous spring water spots are scattered throughout the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group besides Ryugasawa Spring Water.
Daishimizu (Great Clear Water)
One of the spring water areas in Bandai Town with particularly abundant water volume. It has been utilized as a water source for local residents since ancient times, and many residents still visit to collect water. Water channels are maintained in the surrounding area and the water is also used for agricultural irrigation.
Hōshōjiri Shimizu
A spring water located near the center of Bandai Town, popular with tourists due to its good accessibility. There are maintained water collection points where visitors can collect water using plastic bottles or polycontainers. It is cherished locally as “Hōshōjiri Water.”
Sarugaku Marsh Clear Water
Clear water that springs up in the area around Sarugaku Marsh, enjoyed together with the spectacular view of Mount Bandai reflected in the marsh surface. Particularly during the fresh greenery season and autumn foliage period, many photography enthusiasts visit.
Conservation Efforts for the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
Environmental Maintenance by Local Residents
The selection of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group for Japan’s 100 Best Waters is backed by ongoing conservation efforts by local residents. Efforts include maintaining walking trails, cleaning activities, and water quality surveys, with conservation activities carried out community-wide.
Bandai Town positions environmental conservation around spring water as an important policy, working to maintain its value as a tourist resource while continuing efforts to pass this precious water resource on to future generations.
Water Environment Education Initiatives
Bandai Town is also focusing on water environment education in cooperation with local elementary and middle schools. By providing children opportunities to visit spring water areas, conduct water quality surveys, and observe ecosystems, the town offers chances for young people to learn the value of spring water, a local treasure.
Tourist Spots Around the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
Bandai Mountain Keidai-ji Museum
Located approximately 15 minutes on foot from Ryugasawa Spring Water, the Bandai Mountain Keidai-ji Museum is a facility where visitors can learn about the history of Keidai-ji Temple, which flourished as the center of Aizu Buddhist culture during the Heian period. Together with the Keidai-ji Temple ruins designated as a national historic site, visitors can experience Aizu’s history.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission Fee: General ¥500, High school students ¥400, Elementary and middle school students ¥300
Bandai Mountain Geopark
The Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is registered as one of the geosites of Bandai Mountain Geopark. While learning about the landforms and geology formed by Mount Bandai’s volcanic activity, visitors can understand how the spring waters, nature’s gift, came to be.
The geopark’s visitor center has detailed exhibits about Mount Bandai’s eruption history and the region’s natural environment, and visiting before seeing the spring water group allows for deeper understanding.
Oguni Marsh
Oguni Marsh, a crater lake of Nekoma Volcano, is a spectacular spot known for its extensive stands of Japanese false hellebore in early summer. Surrounded by mountains that are the water source for the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group, it is a place where visitors can truly appreciate the source of spring water blessings.
The Secret of Bandai Town’s Delicious Water
The Natural Filtration System Provided by Volcanoes
Bandai Town has created a leaflet titled “The Secret of Bandai Town’s Delicious Water,” which scientifically explains how spring water is formed. Along the southern foothills of Nekoma Volcano’s outer rim, spring waters point eastward and westward, with each spring water acquiring its unique water quality as it passes through geological layers formed by volcanic activity.
Volcanic geological layers are composed of multiple strata of varying grain size, which function as a natural filter. Rainwater and snowmelt slowly permeate underground over decades to centuries, and through this process, impurities are removed while appropriate minerals dissolve into the water.
Water Quality Data and Characteristics
The water quality of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is investigated regularly, confirming the following characteristics:
- pH Value: Slightly alkaline to neutral (approximately pH 6.5–7.5)
- Hardness: Soft water (approximately 30–50 mg/L)
- Water Temperature: Stable at 8–12 degrees year-round
- Dissolved Oxygen: Maintains high levels
Due to these characteristics, the water is valued not only as drinking water but also as suitable for food processing applications such as sake brewing and tofu production.
Points to Note When Visiting the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
Winter Visits
Bandai Town is a heavy snowfall area, and access roads to spring water areas may become impassable due to snow accumulation during winter (December to March). If planning a winter visit, it is recommended to confirm road conditions in advance with the Bandai Town Commerce and Tourism Division.
Water Collection
Water collection is generally free, but please note the following:
- Even though the spring water is designated as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters by the Environmental Ministry, this does not guarantee suitability for drinking
- If drinking, it is recommended to boil it first or check with Bandai Town about water quality
- When collecting large quantities of water, please be considerate of other users
- Always take trash with you and cooperate in conserving the spring water environment
Etiquette and Rules
Spring water areas are precious water resources for the region and objects of worship. When visiting, please observe the following etiquette:
- Refrain from smoking around spring water areas
- Avoid raising your voice and disturbing the quiet
- Strictly prohibit activities that could contaminate water sources (washing clothes, washing dishes, etc.)
- Do not trespass on private property without permission
- Avoid entering areas outside designated walking trails
Local Products Using Bandai Town’s Water
Japanese Sake
The Aizu region surrounding Bandai Town is known as a sake production area, and the crystalline water of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is also utilized for sake brewing. Sake breweries in Aizu use water from this region as brewing water, producing crisp, dry Japanese sake.
Tofu and Miso
High-quality water is essential for traditional food processing such as tofu and miso production. In Bandai Town and surrounding areas, tofu and miso made with spring water are manufactured and can be purchased at local roadside stations and direct sales shops.
Mineral Water
The water of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is also commercialized as bottled mineral water. It is also selected as a return gift for Bandai Town’s hometown tax donations, allowing people throughout the country to enjoy Bandai’s famous water.
The Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group Through the Four Seasons
Spring (March–May)
With the arrival of the snowmelt season, spring water volume increases further. The vigorous gushing of snowmelt from between rocks in the midst of forest greenery is awe-inspiring. At the Bandai Mountain Keidai-ji Temple ruins, cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed, and tourism combining spring water viewing with flower viewing is popular.
Summer (June–August)
Spring water maintained at around 10 degrees even in summer is visited by many people as a cool respite spot during hot weather. The cool space created by forest shade and cold spring water provides a natural air-conditioning effect. Interaction with local residents who visit to collect water is also enjoyable.
Autumn (September–November)
The area around the spring water is painted in beautiful autumn colors, with Mount Bandai in colorful fall foliage in the background. Against the clear autumn air, the contrast between trees turned crimson and crystalline spring water creates a spectacular view. Autumn harvest festivals are also held as events, allowing visitors to fully experience the region’s charm.
Winter (December–February)
While access to spring water areas becomes difficult due to snow accumulation, visitors can experience the life force of water that continues to spring forth without freezing amid the snowy silence. However, winter visits require adequate equipment and advance information gathering.
The Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group and Regional Revitalization
Utilization as a Tourism Resource
Bandai Town positions the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group as an important tourism resource and undertakes various initiatives. Environmental improvements include maintaining walking courses around the springs, multilingual signage, and enhanced tourist information, creating a comfortable environment for visitors to enjoy the spring water.
Bandai Town Hometown Tax Donations
Bandai Town’s hometown tax donation program offers return gifts featuring local specialty products using spring water and experiences showcasing the region’s charm. Efforts are underway to deliver Bandai’s blessings nationwide, including rice grown with spring water, sake made with spring water, and local agricultural products.
Utilization for Migration Promotion
In efforts to promote relocation to “Bandai Town,” the environment with spring water designated as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters serves as a major selling point. An increasing number of people from urban areas considering relocation are attracted by the clear water and abundant natural environment.
Conclusion: The Charm of the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group
The Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group is a precious resource reflecting nature’s blessings brought by Nekoma Volcano and carrying forward the history and culture continuing from the Heian period to the present. The numerous springs, represented by Ryugasawa Spring Water, continue to gush forth 2,000 tons of clear water daily, supporting the lives of local residents.
This spring water group, designated as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters, is protected by excellent water quality, abundant water volume, and the dedicated conservation efforts of local residents. Touring combined with historical sites such as the Bandai Mountain Keidai-ji Museum and spring water viewing while enjoying nature’s seasonal changes provide visitors with profound emotional experiences.
When visiting Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to visit the Bandai West Foothills Spring Water Group in Bandai Town and experience the crystalline spring water created by volcanic activity and the livelihoods of people who have continued to preserve it. Escaping the bustle of the city and contemplating natural blessings and history, you can spend a luxurious time you will cherish.
