Complete Guide to Katsushika Shrine Pond (Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture): History of Spring Water and Access Information
The Katsushika Shrine Pond, located in Nishi-funa, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is a historic site that preserves valuable spring water to this day despite the progress of urbanization. This article provides detailed information about the attractions of Katsushika Shrine Pond, its historical background, current conditions, and how to visit.
What is Katsushika Shrine Pond?
Katsushika Shrine Pond is a spring water pond located in Nishi-funa 4-chome, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, and is known as one of the Katsushika spring water groups that once dotted Funabashi City. Positioned on a downward slope on the south side of National Route 14, it is a valuable location where natural spring water remains despite being in an urban area, and is protected by Funabashi City.
Historical Background of the Katsushika Spring Water Group
The former Katsushika Town area of Funabashi City was once located in the eastern part of Katsushika Field, with a coastline in front, and the Kozaku tributary (Katsushika River) cutting into the central part. Due to this geographical feature, spring water ponds such as “Kazura no Ido” existed here and there, and ponds like “Katsumada Pond,” which collected the flowing water, were seen in various locations.
Katsushika Shrine is positioned on a western plateau of Katsumada Pond (now Katsumada Park). Katsumada Pond was named after the Katsumada Pond that existed near Toudai-ji Temple and Yakushi-ji Temple in Yamato Province’s western capital, as mentioned in the Man’yōshū and other collections. The name appears in “Katsushika Ki” published in 1749 (Kannen 2) and came to be counted as one of the renowned places in Shimousa poetry.
Characteristics of Spring Water Pond and Current Appearance
Former Appearance of Spring Water
Katsushika Shrine Pond was originally a clear spring with natural spring water flowing abundantly. The sight of groundwater naturally welling up moved visitors and was cherished as a precious oasis remaining in an urban area.
Current State of the Pond
The current Katsushika Shrine Pond, unlike its past as a complete spring water pond, has been developed as a pond where aquatic plants grow and carp swim. When visitors clap their hands, large carp lined up neatly emerge from beyond the bamboo groves and water plants as if they were messengers of the gods, providing an enjoyable experience for visitors.
With the wave of modernization, it has become difficult to maintain the pond in its completely natural spring water state, yet this pond remains preserved as an important place for conveying Funabashi City’s history and nature.
Pond Protection and Significance
Funabashi City has formally named this spring water pond “Katsushika Shrine Pond” and provides protection for it. Such spring water is not merely an oasis remaining in town, but also a precious cultural asset through which we can understand the lives of people in the past.
The lives of people in the region continuing from the Edo period were closely tied to these spring waters. Spring water served as an important resource supporting people’s livelihoods as drinking water, domestic water, and agricultural water. The fact that this pond remains today speaks to the history of the wisdom of our ancestors and coexistence with nature.
About Katsushika Shrine
Overview of the Shrine
Katsushika Shrine (Katsushika Jinja) is a shrine enshrined at 834, Nishi-funa 4-chome, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture. It enshrines Ninigi no Mikoto, Hikohohodeimi no Mikoto, and Kumano Daijin as its principal deities.
Original Shrine and Kazura no Ido
Near the original shrine of Katsushika Shrine stands “Kazura no Ido” (also called “Temizu no Ido”), a well connected to spring water. This well is also a historic site related to spring water, demonstrating the deep connection between the shrine and spring water.
Historical Position of the Shrine
Katsushika Shrine has long served as the tutelary shrine of the area, gathering the faith of local residents. The western plateau where the shrine is positioned is an important location that conveys the former topography to the present, and together with the surrounding spring water groups, it forms the historical landscape of this region.
Nearby Spring Water Spots
Other Spring Water Locations in Funabashi City
Besides Katsushika Shrine Pond, several historic spring water spots remain in Funabashi City.
Natural Water at Funabashi Daijingu
Natural water wells at Funabashi Daijingu (Obi Shrine) located in Miyamoto, Funabashi City. This is also known as a valuable water source for the region.
Pond at Kuri Kara Fudo
There is also a pond at Kuri Kara Fudo in Iiyamamitsu-cho, Funabashi City, a location where spring water was once observed.
Spring Water Spots in Neighboring Cities
Sacred Water of Katsushika Hachimangu (Ichikawa City)
“Katsushika Hachimangu,” an ancient shrine founded in the Heian period, has sacred water, and regular water quality inspections are conducted. It is a famous shrine that has gathered devoted faith from samurai to commoners alike, and continues to attract many worshippers today.
Sacred Water of Matsudo Shrine (Matsudo City)
Matsudo Shrine located in Matsudo, Matsudo City, also has sacred water that serves as an object of local faith.
Access Information
Location
Address: Nishi-funa 4-chome, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture (approximately 400m north from the rear entrance of Katsushika Shrine)
Access by Train
Using Keisei Main Line
From Keisei Nishi-funa Station, head southwest on foot for about 5 minutes to reach Katsushika Shrine. From there, exit via the rear entrance and proceed north for approximately 400m to reach the pond.
Using JR/Subway
From Nishi-funabashi Station (JR Sobu/Musashino Line or Tokyo Metro Tozai Line), head northwest on foot for about 6 minutes to reach Katsushika Shrine. From there, proceed similarly by exiting via the rear entrance and heading north.
Access by Car
The location is on the corner of a downward slope on the south side of National Route 14. However, there is no dedicated parking lot, so please use nearby coin parking.
Points to Note When Visiting
- As the pond is located in a residential area, please observe quiet viewing with consideration for noise
- Please refrain from feeding the carp out of consideration for the surrounding environment
- For the protection of spring water, please avoid entering the pond or contaminating the water
- Photography is permitted, but please be considerate of nearby residents’ privacy
How to Enjoy Katsushika Shrine Pond
Historical Exploration Course
When visiting Katsushika Shrine Pond, we recommend touring it together with nearby historic sites.
- Katsushika Shrine Worship: First pay your respects at the main hall and learn about the history of the shrine
- Katsushika Shrine Pond Viewing: Walk north from the rear entrance and observe the spring water pond
- Katsumada Park Exploration: Visit the former site of Katsumada Pond and feel the region’s history
- Exploration of Surrounding Old Streetscapes: Stroll through the historic streets of the Nishi-funa area
Natural Observation Points
The pond has aquatic plants planted throughout, presenting different appearances depending on the season. Bamboo groves also surround the pond, creating a precious space where nature can be felt despite being in an urban area.
The carp often approach when they sense human presence, and the sight of them appearing in neat rows especially when visitors clap their hands is one of the highlights. These carp have been raised in this pond for many years and are loved by local residents.
Photography Spots
- Combination of Pond and Bamboo Grove: You can capture images with a sense of Japanese aesthetics
- School of Carp: The sight of carp gathering on the water’s surface makes for a picturesque image
- Spring Water Appearance: Capture the transparency of the clear water
- Seasonal Changes: Record the different appearances of aquatic plants throughout the seasons
Value of Katsushika Shrine Pond in the Region
As an Environmental Education Venue
Katsushika Shrine Pond serves as a valuable environmental education venue for Funabashi City’s children. Amid advancing urbanization, it is a living teaching material through which one can learn how natural spring water originates and how it has supported people’s livelihoods.
Symbol of Regional Community
This pond is a place of affection for local residents and an existence that symbolizes the region’s history and identity. The memory of spring water passed down across generations plays a role in strengthening the bonds of the regional community.
Model for Nature Conservation in Urban Areas
The fact that Funabashi City continues to protect Katsushika Shrine Pond is one endeavor aimed at achieving both urban development and nature conservation. While maintaining a completely natural state is difficult, the attitude of retaining historic spring water in possible forms is an exemplary case for other cities.
Attractions of Funabashi City’s Nishi-funa Area
Historical Background
The Nishi-funa area, located in the eastern part of the former Katsushika Field, is a historic region where people have lived since ancient times. During the Edo period, agriculture utilizing spring water thrived, and rich paddy fields spread throughout the area.
Modern Nishi-funa
Today, Nishi-funa has developed into a residential and commercial area centered around JR Nishi-funabashi Station, but with historic spots such as Katsushika Shrine and spring water ponds scattered throughout, it is an area with a unique atmosphere where past and present coexist.
Nearby Attractions
When visiting Katsushika Shrine Pond, we recommend also visiting the following spots.
Katsumada Park
A park developed on the former site of Katsumada Pond, serving as a place of relaxation for the community.
Nishi-funabashi Station Area Shopping Streets
In the bustling shopping streets, you can purchase local foods and products.
Old Streetscapes
The Nishi-funa area retains old buildings and alleyways with a Showa-era atmosphere, making for enjoyable exploration.
Protecting Spring Water
What Citizens Can Do
To pass on precious spring water like that at Katsushika Shrine Pond to future generations, the awareness and actions of each individual citizen are important.
- Cooperation in Water Quality Preservation: Do not discard trash near the pond or its surroundings; do not contaminate
- Groundwater Conservation: Avoid excessive groundwater pumping
- Protection of Green Spaces: Cooperate in the preservation of green spaces and forests that recharge spring water
- Transmission of History: Pass on the history and value of spring water to future generations
Funabashi City’s Efforts
Funabashi City is working to protect the spring water groups including Katsushika Shrine Pond. The city continues efforts to preserve this precious natural heritage through multiple approaches including regular water quality surveys, surrounding environmental improvements, and publicizing historical value.
Conclusion: The Appeal of Katsushika Shrine Pond
Katsushika Shrine Pond in Nishi-funa, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is a precious location that conveys the once-abundant spring water culture to the present day amid advancing urbanization. While the pond’s appearance as completely natural spring water is diminishing, the fact that this pond remains speaks to the region’s history, culture, and wisdom of coexistence with nature.
Located just off National Route 14 in a quiet setting, this pond is an urban oasis where one can escape the busy daily life and reflect on history and nature. Why not visit it along with a pilgrimage to Katsushika Shrine?
The sight of carp appearing when visitors clap their hands, the serene atmosphere surrounded by bamboo groves, and the history of spring water that has supported people’s livelihoods for centuries—Katsushika Shrine Pond contains much for those of us living in modern times to learn.
We hope that this precious spring water pond will continue to be protected for generations to come and will be loved by many people. When visiting Funabashi City, be sure to visit Katsushika Shrine Pond and experience both the blessings of nature remaining in the city and the weight of history.
Contact Information
For detailed information about Katsushika Shrine Pond and protection activities, please contact the following.
Funabashi City Hall
The environmental conservation inquiry desk provides information about the protection status of the spring water pond and matters related to visiting.
Katsushika Shrine
For inquiries about the shrine, please contact Katsushika Shrine directly.
Confirming the latest information before your visit enables a more fulfilling viewing experience. Since the pond’s appearance changes with seasons and weather, advance confirmation is recommended.
