Mido no Shimizu (Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture) Complete Guide | Access, Water Quality, and History Explained in Detail
Mido no Shimizu (御井戸の清水), located in Tamura Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is an abundant spring water spot that flows near the Koriyama City trailhead of Mt. Unzuimine. It has been selected as one of the “Ten Selected Water Spots to Experience in Koriyama City,” and is beloved by local residents and hikers. This article provides a detailed explanation of the charm of Mido no Shimizu, access methods, water quality information, and surrounding environment.
What is Mido no Shimizu?
Mido no Shimizu is a spring water site located at Yatadagawa, Hinokuchi, Tamura Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. Positioned at the foot of Mt. Unzuimine (elevation 994m), at approximately 500m elevation, clear water nurtured by the mountain’s rich nature flows year-round.
Ten Selected Water Spots to Experience in Koriyama City
Koriyama City has designated outstanding water environments within the city as the “Ten Selected Water Spots to Experience in Koriyama City,” with Mido no Shimizu being one of them. This selection evaluates not only water quality but also landscape, maintenance conditions, and accessibility comprehensively.
The area is carefully managed by local preservation societies and related parties, and the water site surroundings are kept constantly clean. The environment is equipped so that visitors can water with peace of mind.
Characteristics of Mido no Shimizu
Abundant Water Volume
The greatest characteristic of Mido no Shimizu is its abundant water volume. It boasts stable spring water flow regardless of season, and does not dry up even during dry periods. This stable water volume is supported by a natural mechanism where the rich forests around Mt. Unzuimine store rainwater and allow it to slowly seep underground.
Multiple water intake points are set at the water site, allowing multiple people to draw water simultaneously. Many people visit bringing water containers and plastic bottles, and especially on weekends, the site is busy with many people drawing water.
Water Quality
Mido no Shimizu is known for its crisp and clear taste. By slowly passing through the mountain’s geological layers, it becomes naturally filtered into soft water containing balanced mineral content.
Water temperature remains stable year-round at approximately 10-14 degrees Celsius, feeling cold in summer and relatively warm in winter. This stable water temperature is a characteristic of spring water flowing from deep underground.
It has high transparency, is colorless and transparent, and has no odor. Many users take it home as drinking water and use it for tea, coffee, and cooking. However, since it is natural spring water, boiling before drinking or using at one’s own discretion is recommended.
Quality of Views
A plaza with a rest area is set up around Mido no Shimizu, from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the Asaka Plain. On clear days, you can overlook Koriyama city, and in the distance, you can see the ridges of Mt. Bandai and the Azuma mountain range.
Especially during autumn foliage season and spring greenery season, many people visit not only to draw water but also to enjoy the scenery. Due to its high elevation, temperatures are lower than in the city, making it popular as a summer retreat.
Access Methods and Precautions
Access by Car
Car access is the basic means of reaching Mido no Shimizu. From Koriyama city center, proceed east on National Route 288, heading toward Tamura Town. Partway through, you enter a paved forest road and can drive to its end.
There is parking space for several cars at the forest road’s end, but it may become crowded on weekends and holidays. The water site is about 3 minutes walk from the parking area, but there are over 100 steps on the way, so caution is necessary for those without much physical stamina or those carrying large quantities of water.
Stairs and Water Tank Transport
The stairs from the parking area to the water site are maintained but numerous in steps with somewhat steep inclines. Carrying water-filled containers requires considerable physical strength.
If you want to bring home large quantities of water, the following measures are effective:
- Visit with multiple people to share the work
- Use lightweight containers or collapsible water tanks
- Utilize a hand truck or carry cart (though use on stairs is difficult)
- Make multiple trips
Particularly in rainy weather or winter, stairs become slippery, requiring careful attention. Wear appropriate footwear, use railings, and move cautiously.
Best Times to Visit
Mido no Shimizu can be visited year-round, but precautions vary by season.
Spring (April-June): Fresh greenery is beautiful and the climate is mild, making this an ideal time to visit. However, after snow melt, check the forest road condition before visiting.
Summer (July-September): The cool spring water is especially pleasant during this season. Remember insect repellent.
Autumn (October-November): Foliage is beautiful and views are at their best. It gets cold early mornings and evenings, so bring a jacket.
Winter (December-March): Snow accumulation and freezing can make forest roads and stairs dangerous. Winter visits require adequate equipment and experience.
Surrounding Environment and Facilities
Combination with Mt. Unzuimine Hiking
Since Mido no Shimizu is located at the trailhead of Mt. Unzuimine, many people visit combining it with hiking. Mt. Unzuimine is an 994m elevation mountain with well-maintained trails, popular as a hiking course for beginners to intermediate hikers.
From the summit, a 360-degree panorama opens up, and on clear days you can enjoy vast views of the Fukushima Prefecture central region. Quenching your thirst at Mido no Shimizu after hiking is an exceptional experience.
Rest Facilities
A gazebo-style rest area is installed around the water site, with benches and tables provided. It’s ideal for waiting your turn to draw water or taking a break while enjoying the scenery.
However, there are no vending machines or restrooms, so it’s recommended to prepare before visiting. The nearest convenience stores and restrooms are located in the city below the mountain.
Management Status
Mido no Shimizu is properly managed by local preservation societies and Koriyama City. Regular cleaning and water quality inspections are conducted, maintaining an environment where visitors can use it with confidence.
No trash boxes are installed around the water site. Visitors must bring their own garbage back with them. Following nature conservation etiquette helps preserve this beautiful spring water for future generations.
Other Famous Water Spots in Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature, with excellent spring water spots scattered throughout. Here are some recommended water spots to visit along with Mido no Shimizu.
Tsuyoshimizu Spring Water (Aizuwakamatsu City)
The Tsuyoshimizu spring water in Aizuwakamatsu City has been selected as one of “Fukushima’s 30 Famous Waters.” It thrived as an important rest stop on the old Nihonmatsu Highway and is still utilized by many people today. It is known as representative spring water of the Aizu region.
Other Fukushima Prefecture Spring Waters
Fukushima Prefecture has numerous spring waters selected as “Fukushima’s Thirty Selected Waters,” with multiple locations registered in the Ministry of the Environment’s “Representative Spring Waters.” Each spring water has its own characteristics, differing in water quality, landscape, and historical background.
Fukushima Prefecture is a mountainous prefecture with seven mountains from “Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains” including Mt. Bandai, with most of the Ou Mountain Range, Echigo Mountain Range, and Abukuma Highland covered by pristine forests. This abundant natural environment nurtures excellent spring waters throughout the prefecture.
History and Origin of Mido no Shimizu
The name “Mido” carries the meaning of a well or water source that has been valued since ancient times. It has a history of being protected for many years as a precious water source for the local people.
The Mt. Unzuimine area has long been an object of faith, and is a place where mountain worship and water worship are connected. Clear spring water has been treated as sacred, playing an important role in local festivals and domestic use.
In modern times, its value remains unchanged, being preserved as a precious water resource for Koriyama City and a place of relaxation for citizens.
Water Drawing Etiquette and Precautions
Basic Etiquette
When visiting Mido no Shimizu, observe the following etiquette:
- Follow order: During crowded times, share with a spirit of cooperation, avoiding long occupation
- Maintain cleanliness: Pre-wash containers and avoid polluting the water site
- Take garbage with you: To protect the natural environment, take all garbage home
- Be considerate of noise: Some enjoy the quiet of nature. Avoid loud conversations
- Respect parking etiquette: Share the limited parking space considerately
Water Handling
Points to note when drinking spring water:
- As natural spring water, drinking is at one’s own responsibility
- Boiling before use is recommended if possible
- Use clean containers and store sealed
- Keep drawn water in a cool dark place and use promptly
- If you experience physical changes, stop use immediately
Safety Precautions
- Stairs are slippery, so wear appropriate footwear
- Particular care is needed in rainy weather or winter
- Avoid visiting alone; visit with multiple people if possible
- Check mobile phone signal coverage in advance
- Be cautious of wild animals like bears; carrying a bell is recommended
Summary of Mido no Shimizu’s Charm
Mido no Shimizu is a precious natural resource boasted by Fukushima Prefecture’s Koriyama City. Loved by many as a spring water spot combining abundant water volume, excellent water quality, and wonderful views.
As one of the “Ten Selected Water Spots to Experience in Koriyama City,” it is well-maintained and can be used with confidence even by first-time visitors. While there is the minor difficulty of climbing and descending stairs, the value far exceeds this difficulty.
Combined with Mt. Unzuimine hiking, you can experience a more enriching nature encounter. Enjoying beautiful scenery through the four seasons while savoring the blessing of clear spring water—this luxurious time is Mido no Shimizu’s greatest charm.
When visiting Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to visit Mido no Shimizu in Tamura Town, Koriyama City. An encounter with wonderful spring water filled with nature’s bounty and the thoughts of local people awaits you.
Detailed Information
Name: Mido no Shimizu (御井戸の清水)
Location: Yatadagawa, Hinokuchi, Tamura Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: About 30 minutes by car from Koriyama city center, about 3 minutes walk from paved forest road end (stairs included)
Parking: Available (several spaces, free)
Fee: Free
Facilities: Rest area, water drawing site (no restrooms, no vending machines)
Selection: Ten Selected Water Spots to Experience in Koriyama City
Features: Abundant water volume, Asaka Plain views, Mt. Unzuimine trailhead
Recommended Season: Spring through autumn (winter caution for snow/freezing)
Precautions:
- Many stairs require physical strength for water transport
- As natural spring water, drinking is at own responsibility
- Garbage must be taken home
- Be cautious of wildlife
- Winter caution for forest road and stair freezing
It is recommended to check weather and road conditions before visiting and take safety precautions.
