Nonaka Spring Water, Wakayama Prefecture | Complete Guide to Visiting the Selected Waters of Kumano Kodo
“Nonaka Spring Water” that springs forth in Nonaka, Nakahiji-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is historic spring water that has quenched the thirst of pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo for over a thousand years. Selected for both the Japan Top 100 Waters and the Kansai Top Waters, this spring water is known as a miraculous water that has never dried up since ancient times.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the charm of this famous water, from its historical background to actual visiting methods and surrounding points of interest.
Nonaka Spring Water – A Thousand-Year-Old Never-Drying Miracle
Nonaka Spring Water springs forth at the mid-slope of Nonaka Sakamaki Mountain, at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. It has been used since the Heian period as an important water supply point on the Nakahiji Route of the Kumano Kodo by many Kumano pilgrims.
Reasons for Selection as a Top Water
Nonaka Spring Water was selected by the Ministry of the Environment in 1985 for the “Japan Top 100 Waters” and further selected for “Kansai’s Top Waters.” The reasons for this selection are as follows:
- Excellent Water Quality: The water temperature maintains approximately 15 degrees year-round, with clear water quality suitable for drinking
- Historical Value: Cultural importance, including being featured in the “Kokinshu” (Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern)
- Sustainability: A stable water flow that has never dried since ancient times
- Connection with the Community: Currently utilized as precious drinking water and household water for local residents
The spring water flows near Yomei-ji Temple below and flows into the Nonaka River. This water, which continues to flow even during extended periods of sunshine, has been the water of life for the residents of the Nonaka area, who have suffered from water shortages.
History of the Kumano Kodo and Nonaka Spring Water
Kumano Pilgrimage and Water Supply Points
From the Heian period through the Edo period, many people, from nobles to commoners, made pilgrimages to the three shrines of Kumano. The journey from Kyoto to Kumano Hongu Taisha was approximately 150 kilometers, requiring several days of travel on foot.
Nonaka Spring Water functioned as a particularly important water supply point on the Nakahiji Route. At this spring water located directly below Tsugisakura Ojis, pilgrims were able to heal their fatigue and gather strength for the next leg of their journey.
Featured in the Kokinshu
Nonaka Spring Water appears in the “Kokinshu,” Japan’s oldest imperial anthology of poetry. This fact indicates that it was already a famous water known in the imperial capital during the Heian period. The spring water was highly regarded in literature as something worthy of being featured in poetry for its purity and beauty.
Tsugisakura Ojis and Nonaka’s One-Sided Cedar
When visiting Nonaka Spring Water, nearby Tsugisakura Ojis and Nonaka’s One-Sided Cedar are must-see attractions.
Origin of Tsugisakura Ojis Shrine
Tsugisakura Ojis is one of the ninety-nine Kumano Ojis shrines and an important pilgrimage site on the Nakahiji Route of the Kumano Kodo. The name “Tsugisakura” has several theories about its origin, but it is said to derive from a beautiful cherry tree that once existed at this location.
The shrine enshrines the child deity of Kumano Gongen and served as a place where pilgrims would pray for safe travel during their Kumano pilgrimage. Nonaka Spring Water springs forth at the cliff below Tsugisakura Ojis, forming a sacred space where the holy site and water source become one.
“Nonaka’s One-Sided Cedar” – Wakayama Prefectural Designated Cultural Property
On the grounds of Tsugisakura Ojis stands “Nonaka’s One-Sided Cedar,” a specimen tree designated as a Wakayama Prefectural Cultural Property. As its name suggests, this cedar extends branches in only one direction, and is estimated to be an ancient tree several hundred years old.
Characteristics of the One-Sided Cedar:
- Tree Height: Approximately 30 meters
- Features: A unique tree form with branches extending only southward
- Origin: Said to have grown in one direction due to the influence of north winds
- Cultural Property Designation: Wakayama Prefecture Designated Natural Monument
This one-sided cedar, as a symbol of Kumano’s nature that has survived in harsh natural environments, brings wonder to many pilgrims and tourists.
Access Methods to Nonaka Spring Water
Access by Public Transportation
When using trains and buses:
- Board the Ryujin Bus (Kumano Hongu Line) from JR Kii-Tanabe Station
- After approximately 1 hour 25 minutes, alight at the “Ippo Sugi” bus stop
- Reach Nonaka Spring Water in approximately 20 minutes on foot from the bus stop
Since the number of buses is limited, it is recommended to check the Ryujin Bus schedule in advance. Expect crowding, especially during holidays and tourist seasons, so plan with some time to spare.
Access by Automobile
From the Osaka area:
- Head south on the Hanwa Expressway and exit at Nanki-Tanabe IC
- Use National Route 42 to National Route 311
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
From the Nagoya area:
- Use the Kii Peninsula Expressway and proceed via National Route 311 from Kii-Okawa
- Travel time: Approximately 3 hours
It is located slightly off National Route 311, along the Kumano Kodo. Parking space is limited, so it is recommended to use the parking area near Tsugisakura Ojis.
Access via Kumano Kodo Walking
There is also a way to visit by walking the Nakahiji Route of the Kumano Kodo. For those wishing to experience authentic ancient trail hiking, the following route is recommended:
Popular Walking Courses:
- From Takijiri Ojis to Tsugisakura Ojis: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately 10 km)
- From Chikaro Ojis to Tsugisakura Ojis: Approximately 2 hours (approximately 6 km)
When hiking the ancient trail, prepare appropriate gear (trekking shoes, rain gear, drinking water, etc.) and dress appropriately for the season and weather conditions.
Water Quality and Characteristics of Nonaka Spring Water
Water Quality Data and Components
Nonaka Spring Water is natural groundwater that springs forth through the geological strata of Nonaka Sakamaki Mountain. The main characteristics are as follows:
- Water Temperature: Approximately 15 degrees year-round (cool in summer, warm in winter)
- pH Value: Weakly alkaline
- Hardness: Soft water (suitable to Japanese palates)
- Water Flow: Maintains a stable water volume
About Drinking and Using
Nonaka Spring Water is currently used by local residents as drinking water and household water. Visitors may also drink from it, but please note the following:
- As natural spring water, drinking is at your own risk
- Bring a container if you wish to take water home
- Keep the water area clean and always take your garbage with you
- Large-scale water collection is discourteous to local residents and should be avoided
Tourist Attractions around Nonaka Spring Water
Yomei-ji Temple
Below the area where Nonaka Spring Water flows is Yomei-ji Temple. This temple has a history of functioning as a rest stop along the Kumano Kodo and currently serves as the center of community faith.
Other Ojis Shrines on the Nakahiji Route
When visiting Nonaka Spring Water, try visiting other ojis shrines on the Nakahiji Route:
Major nearby ojis shrines:
- Chikaro Ojis: Approximately 6 km north of Tsugisakura Ojis
- Koguiro Ojis: Approximately 3 km south of Tsugisakura Ojis
- Kumagase River Ojis: Further south from Koguiro Ojis
By visiting these ojis shrines, you can experience the atmosphere of Kumano pilgrimage more deeply.
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Approximately 15 kilometers south of Nonaka Spring Water is Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three shrines of Kumano. As the final destination of the Kumano pilgrimage, it is certainly worth visiting.
Best Seasons to Visit Nonaka Spring Water
Spring (March-May)
The season of fresh greenery is ideal for Kumano Kodo walking. During cherry blossom season, the area around Tsugisakura Ojis is also beautifully colored. The mild temperatures also make it suitable for extended walks.
Summer (June-August)
Rain gear is essential during the rainy season, but the ancient trail after rain is enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere. In summer, the 15-degree spring water feels particularly cold and draws visitors seeking coolness. However, adequate heat management and hydration are necessary.
Autumn (September-November)
The autumn foliage season is one of the most beautiful times on the Kumano Kodo. Particularly from late October to early November, the contrast between colored trees and clear streams is spectacular. The weather is stable, making it an ideal season for tourism.
Winter (December-February)
Winter has fewer visitors, allowing you to enjoy Nonaka Spring Water in a quiet atmosphere. The 15-degree spring water does not freeze even in winter and actually feels warm. However, be aware of the possibility of snow and icy road conditions, so check weather information in advance.
Nonaka Spring Water and Local Life
Role as Domestic Water
Nonaka Spring Water is both a tourist attraction and an important water source for local residents. The Nonaka area is located in a mountainous region and has historically suffered from water shortages. However, this spring water alone has flowed continuously without ever drying up, supporting the lives of local people.
Many residents currently use this spring water as drinking water and cooking water. Also, it is utilized in various aspects of daily life, such as cooling vegetables during summer months.
Local Conservation Activities
To preserve Nonaka Spring Water, local residents conduct daily cleaning and water quality management activities. As visitors, it is important to follow these manners:
- Do not contaminate the water area and surrounding environment
- Always take your garbage with you
- Do not make loud noise
- Give priority to local residents’ use
- Exercise consideration when taking photographs
Model Courses Including Nonaka Spring Water on the Kumano Kodo
Day Trip Course (For Beginners)
Time Required: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Take a bus from JR Kii-Tanabe Station to Ippo Sugi bus stop (1 hour 25 minutes)
- Visit Tsugisakura Ojis and see Nonaka’s One-Sided Cedar (30 minutes)
- Rest at Nonaka Spring Water (30 minutes)
- Walk the ancient trail to Chikaro Ojis (2 hours)
- Return to Kii-Tanabe Station by bus from Chikaro Ojis
This course is relatively flat and enjoyable even for those new to the Kumano Kodo.
1 Night 2 Day Course (For Intermediate Level)
Day 1:
- Depart from Takijiri Ojis
- Via Takahara Kumano Shrine and Daimon Ojis
- Arrive at Tsugisakura Ojis and Nonaka Spring Water
- Stay at a minshuku (inn) in Chikaro
Day 2:
- Depart from Chikaro Ojis
- Cross over Hashiori Pass
- Arrive at Kumano Hongu Taisha
This course allows you to walk the core section of the Nakahiji Route and fully experience the atmosphere of Kumano pilgrimage.
Accommodations near Nonaka Spring Water
Minshuku (Inns) in the Chikaro Area
The nearest accommodation area to Nonaka Spring Water is the Chikaro area. Minshuku inns along the Kumano Kodo are characterized by dishes made with local ingredients and warm hospitality.
Accommodations in Nakahiji Town
In addition to minshuku, Nakahiji Town has ryokan inns and guesthouses. Accommodations catering to travelers walking the Kumano Kodo are abundant, and services such as baggage forwarding are available.
Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Area
South of Nonaka Spring Water in the Kumano Hongu area, hot spring inns are scattered throughout. It is also recommended to heal the fatigue of ancient trail walking with hot springs.
Photography Spots at Nonaka Spring Water
Recommended Photography Spots
- Spring Water Outlet: Photograph the spring water welling up between rocks up close
- View from Tsugisakura Ojis: A panoramic view of the spring water and surrounding scenery from a high point
- Nonaka’s One-Sided Cedar and Spring Water: Capture both the giant tree and spring water in the frame together
- Ancient Trail and Spring Water: A combination of stone-paved ancient trail and spring water
Photography Precautions
- Use tripods in a way that does not inconvenience other visitors
- Be respectful of local residents’ privacy
- Exercise caution when entering the water area as it is slippery
- Early morning and evening light conditions are favorable
Cultural Value of Nonaka Spring Water
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”
The Nakahiji Route of the Kumano Kodo, where Nonaka Spring Water is located, was registered as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” in 2004. Although the spring water itself is not included in the World Heritage registration, it holds high cultural value as an important component of Kumano pilgrimage.
Folkloric Significance
Nonaka Spring Water is also important in the study of Japanese water beliefs and sacred site pilgrimage. Places where pure water springs forth have long been regarded as sacred and have become objects of faith. Nonaka Spring Water is likewise a precious place that conveys to us today Japanese people’s faith and respect for water.
Voices from Those Who Have Visited Nonaka Spring Water
Many visitors are moved by the purity of Nonaka Spring Water and the weight of its history. Among those who have visited after walking the Kumano Kodo, many remark with emotion, “I was moved to be able to drink the same water as Heian period travelers.”
Furthermore, through experiencing the warm hospitality of local residents and their way of living in harmony with nature, many people rediscover values that are being lost in modern society.
Conclusion: The Value of Visiting Nonaka Spring Water
Nonaka Spring Water is not merely a tourist attraction. This spring water, which has flowed continuously without drying for over a thousand years, is a living cultural heritage conveying the history of Kumano pilgrimage to the present day.
When visiting Wakayama Prefecture, be sure to walk the Kumano Kodo and quench your thirst at Nonaka Spring Water. A visit to Tsugisakura Ojis, an encounter with the giant Nonaka One-Sided Cedar, and the taste of pure spring water will surely become unforgettable memories.
Nonaka Spring Water, selected as one of Japan’s top waters, is truly a treasure of Wakayama Prefecture where nature, history, and people’s lives are in harmony. By visiting this spring water cradled in Kumano’s deep forest, we can reflect upon nature’s blessings and the footsteps of our ancestors.
