Kobo’s Clear Water (Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | The Charm and Access Information of a Spring Water Spot on Japan’s List of 100 Famous Waters
Kobo’s Clear Water, which springs up in the city center of Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a representative spring water spot of the Hadano Basin spring water group, which has been selected for Japan’s List of 100 Famous Waters. Despite its convenient location just a 5-minute walk from Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line, this clear water, with its abundant water volume and historical background, is beloved not only by local residents but also by many tourists.
This article provides comprehensive information you should know before visiting this famous water, including the charm of Kobo’s Clear Water, the characteristics of its water quality, access methods, nearby spring water spots, and precautions when visiting.
Kobo’s Clear Water | A Famous Water Spot Representing Hadano
The Hadano Basin Spring Water Group and Japan’s List of 100 Famous Waters
Hadano City is located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, forming a basin geography surrounded by the Tanzawa Mountains on the north and west, the Shibusawa Hills (part of the Oiso Hills) on the south, and Mount Kobo on the east. Due to this unique terrain, the Hadano Basin stores abundant groundwater, with a water volume said to exceed that of Lake Ashi.
In 1985 (Showa 60), the Hadano Basin spring water group was designated as one of “Japan’s 100 Famous Waters” by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment). Approximately 60 spring water points have been confirmed within Hadano City, and there is a history of utilization dating back to ancient times.
Kobo’s Clear Water is particularly famous among the Hadano Basin spring water group and is known as the drinkable spring water closest to Hadano Station, cherished by many people.
The Legend of Kobo Daishi and Its Origin
The name Kobo’s Clear Water derives from a legend concerning Kobo Daishi (Kukai). According to the legend, when Kobo Daishi was traveling through various provinces, he visited this area. Upon seeing a farmer in need of water, Kobo Daishi thrust the staff he was carrying into the ground, from which clear water began to spring forth.
While similar stories remain throughout Japan, Hadano’s Kobo’s Clear Water actually boasts abundant spring water volume and continues to flow without drying up to this day. Local people have long used this water as domestic water and have carefully preserved it.
Water Quality and Characteristics of Kobo’s Clear Water
Clear Water of Medium Hardness
The water quality of Kobo’s Clear Water is classified as medium-hard water with a hardness of approximately 120 mg/L. While most Japanese spring waters are soft water (hardness of 100 mg/L or less), Kobo’s Clear Water contains slightly more mineral content.
The water temperature remains stable year-round at approximately 15-17°C, feeling cold in summer and relatively warm in winter. This constant water temperature indicates that groundwater flows through deep underground layers before springing up.
The spring water volume is approximately 130 tons per day, which is extremely abundant, and currently maintains drinkable water quality. However, some visitors report “a slightly bitter aftertaste,” and taste preferences appear to vary individually.
Won First Place in the “Deliciousness” Category Nationwide
In the “List of 100 Famous Waters” selection election held by the Ministry of the Environment, Hadano City’s “Delicious Hadano Water ~ Tanzawa Drops ~” won first place in the “Deliciousness” category nationwide. This evaluation demonstrates the high water quality of the Hadano Basin spring water group as a whole.
Hadano’s spring water is born through a natural mechanism in which rain falling on the Tanzawa Mountains flows underground for many years while being filtered through geological layers, eventually springing up at the edge of the basin. Through this process, impurities are removed, and delicious water containing appropriate mineral content is created.
Access Methods to Kobo’s Clear Water
Access by Train
Kobo’s Clear Water is located in an extremely accessible spot, just a 5-minute walk from Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line.
Access Procedure:
- Exit from the south exit of Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line
- Walk straight south along the main street in front of the station
- Pass through the shopping street and enter a residential area
- Follow the directional signs
The path from Hadano Station to Kobo’s Clear Water offers scenery characteristic of Hadano, the city of water, with water channels flowing through the town and sculptures placed along the way. It’s also recommended to enjoy the walk while heading there.
Access by Car and Parking Information
By car, it takes approximately 15 minutes from the Hadano-Nakai IC on the Tomei Expressway, or approximately 10 minutes from the Hadano IC on the Odawara-Atsugi Road.
However, there is no dedicated parking lot for Kobo’s Clear Water. While there are several coin parking facilities in the vicinity, as they are located in a residential area, public transportation is recommended.
There is a municipal parking lot around Hadano Station, so parking there and visiting on foot is also a good option.
Address and Basic Information
- Address: 1 Oshiohadano-cho, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from the south exit of Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line
- Parking: None (coin parking available nearby)
- Admission: Free
- Visiting Hours: 24 hours (however, nighttime visits are not recommended)
Highlights and Ways to Enjoy Kobo’s Clear Water
Well-Maintained Water Facility
Kobo’s Clear Water is carefully maintained by local residents and Hadano City, and is kept in a very clean state. The area around the spring water source is well-maintained, with consideration given to making it easy for visitors to draw water.
A ladle is provided at the water facility, allowing visitors to taste the spring water on the spot. You can also bring home spring water using a thermos or plastic bottle. Local residents regularly visit to draw water, and it has become a spring water spot deeply rooted in daily life.
Water-Drawing Manners and Precautions
When visiting Kobo’s Clear Water, please observe the following manners:
- Use clean containers: Use clean containers when drawing water
- Spirit of consideration: This is a place regularly used by local residents. Yield to others during busy times
- Take trash with you: Be careful not to litter in the surrounding area
- Do not contaminate the water facility: Refrain from washing containers or dishes
- Drink at your own risk: While water quality checks are conducted, drinking is at your own risk
Enjoy the Surrounding Scenery
While Kobo’s Clear Water is surrounded by a residential area, it has the charm characteristic of Hadano, the city of water. It’s recommended to take a walk along the water channel flowing from the spring, or rest in a nearby park.
Especially on pleasant spring and autumn days, many tourists can be seen enjoying a tour of Hadano’s spring waters starting from Kobo’s Clear Water.
Spring Water Tour in Hadano City | Recommended Spots
If you visit Kobo’s Clear Water, try visiting other spring water spots in Hadano City as well. Hadano City has established spring water touring hiking courses, allowing you to efficiently visit multiple spring water sites.
Spring Water Spots Around Hadano Station
There are several other spring water spots on courses you can walk around the Hadano Station area. As multiple spring waters can be visited on foot from the station, it’s ideal for half-day sightseeing.
Information boards are installed at each spring water site, providing information about the history and water quality of that location.
Courses to Learn About Legends and History
Many spring water sites in Hadano City have legends or histories like Kobo’s Clear Water. By visiting these spring waters, you can experience the region’s history and culture.
The Hadano City Tourism Association provides maps and guidebooks for spring water tours, allowing you to visit spring water spots efficiently.
Best Seasons for Spring Water Tours
Hadano’s spring water tours can be enjoyed year-round, but the particularly recommended seasons are as follows:
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather ideal for sightseeing. Fresh greenery is beautiful, and bird watching can also be enjoyed
- Autumn (September-November): Cool and easy-to-walk weather. Can be enjoyed together with fall foliage
- Summer (June-August): Cold spring water feels pleasant. However, heat stroke precautions are necessary
- Winter (December-February): Relatively warm spring water warms the body. Clear air offers beautiful scenery
Hadano’s Water Culture and Community Initiatives
Water Use Continuing from Ancient Times
Spring waters in Hadano City have been closely connected to people’s lives since ancient times. As agricultural water, domestic water, and industrial water, spring waters have supported the region’s development.
Particularly during the Edo period, tobacco cultivation using Hadano’s spring water was thriving, and “Hadano tobacco” became widely known throughout the country. High-quality water contributed to improving tobacco quality.
Spring Water Conservation Efforts
Hadano City implements various conservation activities to protect this valuable spring water resource.
- Regular water quality testing: Spring water quality is regularly tested to confirm safety
- Cleaning activities: Regular cleaning activities at spring water sites are conducted by community residents and volunteers
- Groundwater protection ordinance: Regulations restrict excessive pumping of groundwater to maintain spring water volume
- Awareness activities: Awareness activities are conducted for citizens and tourists about the importance of spring water
The “Delicious Hadano Water” Brand
Hadano City has developed a brand called “Delicious Hadano Water ~ Tanzawa Drops ~” utilizing spring water. This initiative has received high praise, including winning first place in the “Deliciousness” category of the List of 100 Famous Waters selection election nationwide.
An increasing number of restaurants in Hadano City serve dishes and coffee made with this spring water, which has become a new charm of Hadano, the city of water.
Practical Information When Visiting Kobo’s Clear Water
Convenient Items to Bring
The following items are convenient to bring when visiting Kobo’s Clear Water:
- Thermos or plastic bottle: If you want to take spring water home
- Towel: To wipe wet hands when drawing water
- Camera: To photograph the spring water and surrounding scenery
- Map or guidebook: If you want to visit other spring water spots
- Comfortable walking shoes: If you plan to explore the surrounding area
Nearby Tourist Spots
When visiting Kobo’s Clear Water, it’s recommended to visit other tourist spots in Hadano City as well:
- Hadano Station shopping district: Enjoy local cuisine and specialty products
- Mount Kobo Park: Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Hiking courses are also available
- Hadano City Sakuradote Ancient Tomb Exhibition Hall: A facility to learn about regional history
- Tsurugashima Hot Spring: A hot spring area a few minutes by train from Hadano Station
Event Information in Hadano City
Hadano City hosts various events throughout the year. Events related to spring water and events where you can experience regional culture are particularly common.
The official website of the Hadano City Tourism Association is regularly updated with the latest event information, so it’s recommended to check before your visit.
Conclusion | Kobo’s Clear Water is a Treasure of Hadano
Kobo’s Clear Water is a representative spring water spot of the Hadano Basin spring water group, which has been selected for Japan’s List of 100 Famous Waters. It is a place with a long history, with the legend of Kobo Daishi remaining, while currently boasting abundant water volume and being closely connected to the lives of local people.
Its major attraction is that it can be easily visited from a convenient location just a 5-minute walk from Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line. You can taste clear water springing from the Tanzawa Mountains at a well-maintained water facility.
With approximately 60 spring water points throughout Hadano City, spring water touring hikes are popular. Why not fully enjoy the charm of Hadano, the city of water, starting from Kobo’s Clear Water?
When visiting, show respect for the spring water resource that local people have carefully protected, and use it while observing proper manners. It is our responsibility as visitors to pass this valuable blessing of nature on to future generations.
Kobo’s Clear Water is truly a treasure of Hadano City, filled with the blessings of nature, history, and the thoughts of the people in the community.
