Kazura no I (Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture) | A Historic Famous Spring of the Kasutika Springs Loved by Nagai Kafu
“Kazura no I (かづらのい),” which quietly stands in a residential area of Nishi-funa in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is a historic well known as a famous spring since the Kamakura period and beloved by literati and men of letters during the Edo period. Currently preserved as a Funabashi City Designated Cultural Property, it has become a precious historic site conveying the abundant water environment that was once called the “Kasutika Springs.”
What is Kazura no I?
Kazura no I is a historic well located approximately 5-7 minutes on foot from Keisei Nishi-funa Station. It is also formally called “Kasutika Myojin Otesarashi no I,” and was once used as the ritual ablution basin of Kasutika Myojin (the present-day Kasutika Shrine). It is preserved alongside a stone monument near a large Japanese hackberry tree, and currently takes the form of a small pond surrounded by concrete.
As Part of the Kasutika Springs
This area was once called “Kasutika” and was blessed with abundant groundwater springs. Kazura no I, as one of the representative famous springs of the Kasutika Springs, is an important historic site conveying the region’s water culture to the present day. It was developed in fiscal year 2002 under the Funabashi City Environment-Symbiotic Town Development Ordinance, and this historic spring has been preserved. Maintenance and management are handled by Kasutika Shrine and are carefully preserved as a historical asset of the region.
History and Origins of Kazura no I
A Famous Spring Since the Kamakura Period
Kazura no I has been known as a famous spring since the Kamakura period. The Kazura no I of the former Kurihara Hongo was located on the roadside of an old established path east of the former sacred site of Kasutika Myojin and was treated as a sacred place as the ritual ablation basin of the shrine.
The Legend of Taira no Tadatsune
A legend remains at Kazura no I that the ritual childbirth water for Taira no Tadasuke, the father of Taira no Tadatsune, a warrior from the Heian period, was drawn here. Taira no Tadatsune is considered to be the ancestor of the Boso Taira clan and is deeply connected to the history of this region. This legend demonstrates that Kazura no I had been an important water source for the region since ancient times and was treated as a sacred place.
As a Famous Site in the Edo Period
During the Edo period, Kazura no I was one of the famous sites in the area around present-day Nishi-funa. At that time, there was a legend that the water veins extended to Mount Fuji and the Dragon Palace realm, and it was said that the water would never dry up regardless of the weather. Additionally, there was a widespread belief that people who suffered from diseases such as malaria would surely be healed if they drank this water.
Such mysterious legends speak to the high quality of the water at Kazura no I and its abundant supply, indicating that it was a precious water source indispensable to the lives of local residents.
Ota Nanpo (Shokusanjin) and Kazura no I
The Inscription of Bunka 9
In Bunka 9 (1812), Ota Nanpo (おおたなんぼ), a representative literatus of the Edo period, using the name Shokusanjin (しょくさんじん), wrote the inscription “Kazura no I,” which was engraved on a stone monument. Ota Nanpo was also known as a kyoka poet and, while serving as an official of the shogunate, left behind many travel writings and essays as a cultural figure.
The Background of Ota Nanpo’s Visit
As a cultural figure of the late Edo period, Ota Nanpo traveled to various famous sites and historic places, recording his observations. Kazura no I was one of such sites, and we can understand that it was recognized as a place of high cultural value even at that time. The existence of the inscription by Ota Nanpo proves that Kazura no I was widely known not merely as a source of daily water but as a famous site with cultural and spiritual value.
To this day, this monument stands beside Kazura no I and serves as a precious historical record as a cultural heritage of the Edo period.
Nagai Kafu and “Kasutika Omiyage”
Rediscovery in the Post-War Period
What brought Kazura no I back to modern attention was its introduction by Nagai Kafu, a great literary figure representing the Showa period. In the post-war period, Nagai Kafu took up Kazura no I in his essay “Kasutika Omiyage” and described its history and charm in detail.
Nagai Kafu’s Feelings Toward Kasutika
Nagai Kafu had a deep interest in the downtown culture of Tokyo, particularly the scenery and history of the Kasutika region. “Kasutika Omiyage” is a record of visits to historic places and culture in the Kasutika region, in which Kazura no I occupies an important position.
Through Kafu’s writing, Kazura no I became known to the world again not merely as an old well but as a precious heritage embodying the region’s history and culture. To this day, it serves as one reason why Kafu enthusiasts and literature lovers visit Kazura no I.
Value as a Funabashi City Designated Cultural Property
Designation in Showa 40
Kazura no I was designated as a Funabashi City Designated Cultural Property (Historic Site) in Showa 40 (1965). Through this designation, its historical and cultural value was officially recognized and it became subject to preservation and protection.
Significance as a Cultural Property
Kazura no I as a Funabashi City Designated Cultural Property holds the following multifaceted values:
- Historical Value: History as a famous spring continuing from the Kamakura period
- Folkloric Value: Conveys the region’s water beliefs and living culture
- Literary Value: Connection with literati such as Ota Nanpo and Nagai Kafu
- Environmental Value: A natural heritage conveying the remains of the Kasutika Springs
- Urban Historical Value: Shows the developmental history of the Nishi-funa area of Funabashi City
Development Project in Fiscal Year 2002
In fiscal year 2002 (Heisei 14), development was carried out based on the “Funabashi City Environment-Symbiotic Town Development Ordinance.” Through this development, while remaining in a residential area, the landscape as a historic spring has been preserved and maintained to the present day.
Kazura no I Today
Location and Environment
The present-day Kazura no I is located at 6-chome 4-5 Nishi-funa, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture. While conveniently located about 5-7 minutes on foot from Keisei Nishi-funa Station, it stands quietly in a residential area.
A large Japanese hackberry tree serves as a landmark, and beside it stands a stone monument with an explanatory plaque and an inscription by Ota Nanpo. The well itself takes the form of a small pond surrounded by concrete, retaining vestiges of the former groundwater spring.
Management and Preservation
Maintenance and management of Kazura no I are handled by Kasutika Shrine. As a historical asset of the region, appropriate preservation activities continue, and an environment has been maintained where visitors can feel history.
The explanatory plaque contains detailed explanations of the history, origins, and cultural value of Kazura no I, with consideration given to help visitors deepen their understanding.
Access to Kazura no I
Transportation Information
Access by Train
- 5-7 minutes on foot from Keisei Main Line “Keisei Nishi-funa Station”
- About 15 minutes on foot from JR Sobu Line “Nishi-funabashi Station”
Location
- 6-chome 4-5 Nishi-funa, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture
Notes for Visitors
Kazura no I is a historic site in a residential area. Please note the following when visiting:
- Show consideration for the living environment of local residents and view quietly
- Do not damage the explanatory plaque or stone monument
- Be sure to take your trash with you
- Photography is permitted, but please be considerate of the privacy of nearby homes
Tourism Spots Near Kazura no I
Kasutika Shrine
Kasutika Shrine, which has deep connections with Kazura no I, is located within walking distance. As the former Kasutika Myojin, it was the central figure in the history and culture of this region. When visiting Kazura no I, we recommend paying respects here as well.
Historic Walks Around Nishi-funabashi
In the Nishi-funabashi area, in addition to Kazura no I, historic sites and shrines and temples are scattered throughout. Following the paths walked by Nagai Kafu, you can enjoy a historic walking tour of the region.
Walks Toward Hokke-ji Area
From Funabashi City extending into Ichikawa City, there are many historic temples, including Hokke-ji. You can enjoy a historic walking tour of the Kasutika region starting from Kazura no I.
Water Culture Conveyed by Kazura no I
History of the Kasutika Springs
The area once called Kasutika was blessed with abundant groundwater springs. Kazura no I, as its representative, conveys the region’s water culture to the present day. During the Edo period, this abundant water resource supported the region’s livelihood and played an important role in agriculture and daily water supply.
Water Beliefs and Popular Religion
The legend of Kazura no I that “malaria can be healed” demonstrates a belief in water. Clear water is the source of life and was believed to have the power to heal illness. Additionally, the legend that “water veins extend to Mount Fuji and the Dragon Palace realm” expresses reverence for water and belief in the mysteriousness of nature.
Such water beliefs are common to famous springs and sacred fountains found throughout Japan, and Kazura no I, as one of them, is a precious existence conveying the history of Japanese water culture.
Contemporary Significance
In Funabashi City, where modernization has advanced, historic groundwater springs like Kazura no I are precious. While they remind us of the once abundant water environment, they also serve as an impetus for considering the importance of environmental conservation.
Preservation Activities as a Cultural Property
Regional Preservation Efforts
The preservation of Kazura no I is inseparable from the efforts of Kasutika Shrine and related parties in the region. Funabashi City, local residents, and the shrine cooperate to continue activities to pass this precious cultural property to the next generation.
As Part of Environment-Symbiotic Town Development
The development in fiscal year 2002 was not mere historic site preservation but was conducted based on the principles of environment-symbiotic town development. By preserving historic heritage while harmonizing with the modern living environment, it has become a model for sustainable cultural property protection.
Educational Application
Kazura no I plays an important role in Funabashi City’s history education. Child-oriented pages are provided on the city’s website, and it is utilized as educational material for learning the region’s history. It is sometimes covered in local history studies at regional elementary and junior high schools, contributing to the transmission of history to the next generation.
The Significance of Visiting Kazura no I
Dialogue with History
Visiting Kazura no I is a dialogue with a long history continuing from the Kamakura period. The legend of Taira no Tadatsune, the inscription by Ota Nanpo, the essay by Nagai Kafu—many people across time have been involved with this well. We, living in the modern age, can also visit this place as part of that history.
Historic Space in the City
Kazura no I, standing quietly in a residential area, is a precious historic space in the modern age of urbanization. It is worth visiting as a place where one can step away from the bustle of daily life and spend quiet moments feeling history.
Enjoyment of Literary Walks
A literary walk tracing the path walked by Kafu with a copy of Nagai Kafu’s “Kasutika Omiyage” in hand becomes a special experience. By actually visiting the setting of a literary work, understanding of the work deepens and new discoveries can be made.
Conclusion
Kazura no I, which remains in Nishi-funa, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is a precious historic site with numerous cultural values as a famous spring with a history continuing from the Kamakura period. The legend of Taira no Tadatsune, its role as the ritual ablution basin of Kasutika Myojin, the inscription by Ota Nanpo, and its introduction in the essay by Nagai Kafu—it has been loved by many people across the ages.
Currently preserved as a Funabashi City Designated Cultural Property, it has become a precious environmental heritage evoking the former Kasutika Springs. While located in a residential area, it serves as a quiet space conveying history and culture, speaking volumes to visitors.
This historic site, located just a short walk from Keisei Nishi-funa Station, is a historic walk spot that can be visited casually. Beneath the large Japanese hackberry tree, why not ponder the history of a famous spring that was once said to “never dry up regardless of the weather”?
Kazura no I is an irreplaceable cultural property that teaches us the importance of protecting the region’s history and natural environment in this age of advancing urbanization.
