Oka no Izumi (Fukui Prefecture) Complete Guide | Sacred Spring Water Associated with the Asakura Clan and a Haven for Rare Organisms
“Oka no Izumi,” located in Jiro Marumachi, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, is a famous natural spring water spot representing Fukui City that has been flowing for more than 500 years. With historical ties to the Sengoku warlord Asakura Clan, this spring water pool maintains a constant water volume and temperature year-round, continuing to nourish the region as both a source of water for local residents and a habitat for rare species.
This article will convey the full charm of Oka no Izumi, from its historical background, ecological value, community activities, to access methods.
What is Oka no Izumi | A Historic Spring Water Pool Representing Fukui City
Oka no Izumi is a natural spring water pool located in the Okabo district in the eastern part of Fukui City. This clear water, said to have been flowing since ancient times, has been selected for the Fukui City Urban Landscape Award due to its excellent water quality and historical value.
Basic Information about Oka no Izumi
- Location: Jiro Marumachi, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
- Spring Characteristics: Constant water volume and temperature year-round
- Water Quality: Clear spring water
- Designation: Fukui City Urban Landscape Award Winner
- Management: Okabo Community Development Committee
The area surrounding the spring water pool is surrounded by lush greenery, creating an atmosphere as if you’ve wandered into “Totoro’s World.” Despite being only about 10 minutes by car from central Fukui City, a separate world enveloped in silence unfolds.
History of Oka no Izumi | Deep Connection with the Asakura Clan
Famous Spring Water from the Sengoku Period
The most notable point about Oka no Izumi is its connection to the Sengoku warlord Asakura Clan. According to historical records, the Asakura lord used it for hand-washing (chouzu), revealing that it was known as famous spring water since the Sengoku period.
The Asakura Clan was a Sengoku daimyo who ruled Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture) and thrived with Ichijodani as their base. The Okabo district was close to Ichijodani and was located within the Asakura Clan’s sphere of influence. The fact that the lord used it for hand-washing suggests that the water quality was so exceptional that it was treasured as a special spring even then.
The Wisteria Tree Telling History
In front of the spring is a magnificent wisteria tree that is said to have existed since the time of the Asakura Clan. This wisteria tree, with a lifespan exceeding several hundred years, can be called a living witness that has quietly watched over the long history of Oka no Izumi.
Water Quality and Characteristics of Oka no Izumi | The Secret Behind Constant Water Volume and Temperature
Year-Round Constant Water Volume and Temperature
The greatest characteristic of Oka no Izumi is that water volume and temperature remain virtually unchanged regardless of season. This is due to the nature of groundwater that wells up from deep underground, keeping it cool in summer and warm enough in winter that steam rises from it.
- Summer Season: Cooler than the surrounding air temperature, attracting people seeking coolness
- Winter Season: Water temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, creating a fantastic landscape with mist rising
- Water Temperature: Stable at approximately 14-16 degrees Celsius year-round
Clear Water Quality
The water at Oka no Izumi is highly transparent and pristine. Many local residents still visit to draw water, using it for drinking water and household use. Due to good accessibility from central Fukui City, people also come from distant places to draw water.
This high-quality water is carefully preserved as a community treasure and is also utilized in the local sake brewing mentioned later.
Ecosystem of Oka no Izumi | A Treasure Trove of Rare Algae and Organisms
Habitat of Benimadarа and Sawagani
Oka no Izumi is not merely a spring water spot. Rare organisms inhabit this place, making it ecologically extremely valuable.
Of particular note is the existence of Benimadarа, a rare algae species. Benimadarа is a type of freshwater red algae that can only inhabit pristine spring water, and is extremely sensitive to water pollution. The presence of this algae serves as proof that the water quality of Oka no Izumi is extremely excellent.
Additionally, Sawagani (Japanese freshwater crab) also inhabit the spring. Sawagani is also known as an indicator organism of clear streams and symbolizes the rich ecosystem of Oka no Izumi.
Importance of Environmental Conservation
In recent years, there has been concern about environmental impacts such as sediment flowing into the spring due to heavy rain. To protect rare organisms, periodic dredging work and water quality management are essential.
The Okabo Community Development Committee is conducting proactive conservation activities to protect this precious ecosystem.
Efforts to Protect Oka no Izumi | Community Environmental Conservation Activities
Conservation Project through Crowdfunding
In 2020, the Okabo Community Development Committee launched a crowdfunding campaign to conserve the Oka no Izumi environment. Through a crowdfunding service “Mirakana” by Fukui Shimbun, Fukui Bank, and Lady For, this project aimed to raise 1 million yen, which received considerable support.
The funds are to be used as follows:
- Removal of sediment that flowed in due to heavy rain (dredging work)
- Environmental improvements around the spring
- Conservation of rare organism habitats
- Water quality surveys and continuous monitoring
This initiative received support not only from local residents but also from many people throughout and beyond Fukui Prefecture, serving as a turning point for the value of Oka no Izumi to be widely recognized.
Activities of the Okabo Community Development Committee
The Okabo Community Development Committee has been conducting various activities since Heisei 16 (2004) to revitalize and disseminate information about the Okabo district. The conservation of Oka no Izumi is one of the core activities, with regular cleanup activities and environmental monitoring conducted.
The committee’s activities extend beyond environmental conservation to include efforts in community development utilizing local resources, such as local sake brewing mentioned later.
Oka no Izumi and Local Sake Brewing | Regional Revitalization Utilizing Famous Spring Water
Japanese Sake Using “Oka no Izumi” as Brewing Water
The Okabo Community Development Committee Sake Brewing Division has been engaged in local sake brewing using the spring water of Oka no Izumi since 2010. This initiative is part of community development that maximizes local resources: the famous spring water with ties to the Asakura Clan and Koshihikari, a rice variety developed at the Fukui Prefecture Agricultural Experiment Station located within the district.
The Sake Brewing Process
Each year in late January, division members draw spring water at Oka no Izumi. In the 2021 example, approximately 1,000 liters of spring water were drawn and delivered to the sake brewery. Using this water and locally-produced Koshihikari, brewing begins in early February, with the first pressing in early March.
The completed Japanese sake is enjoyed by division members and local residents, with some also sold commercially.
Junmai Ginjo Using “Ichihomарe Rice”
In recent years, Japanese sake has also been brewed using “Ichihomаre,” a new brand rice developed by Fukui Prefecture. “Oka no Izumi Junmai Ginjo Nama Sake Genshu” uses Ichihomаre rice and Oka no Izumi spring water as brewing water and is offered as a Fukui City hometown tax return gift.
This initiative, as an establishment of a regional brand utilizing famous spring water, has attracted attention from other regions.
Access and Visitor Information for Oka no Izumi
Access by Car
Oka no Izumi is extremely conveniently located, approximately 10 minutes by car from central Fukui City.
- From Fukui Station: Approximately 10-15 minutes by car
- From Hokuriku Expressway Fukui IC: Approximately 15 minutes by car
- Parking: Several spaces available near the spring
The landmark is the suddenly appearing lush forest as you proceed through the Okabo district settlement. The road has some relatively narrow sections, so careful driving is necessary.
Access by Public Transportation
The Fukui City Community Bus OKABO operates the “Oka no Izumi Line.”
- Route: Oka no Izumi Line (South Loop System, North Loop System)
- Operating Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (South Loop); Tuesday, Thursday (North Loop)
- Bus Stop: “Oka no Izumi” Station
However, since the number of runs is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance. The latest timetable can be obtained on the Fukui City official website.
Notes for Visitors
- Container for Drawing Water: If you wish to take water home, bring a clean container
- Regarding Drinking: While it is spring water, drink at your own risk. It is recommended to boil before consumption
- Environmental Conservation: Be sure to take all trash with you and avoid polluting the spring and surrounding areas
- Consideration for Nearby Residences: Since there are residences nearby, attention must be paid to noise, etc.
- Slippery Areas: The area around the spring is wet and slippery, so watch your footing
The Charm of Oka no Izumi | Visitor Impressions and Experiences
A Healing Space That Forgoes Urban Hustle and Bustle
Many people who have visited Oka no Izumi speak of being healed by its silence and the richness of nature. The atmosphere, as if you’ve wandered into a separate world despite being just 10 minutes from central Fukui City, captivates many visitors.
Many describe the experience as “feeling as if entering Totoro’s World,” and the scenery of the spring surrounded by lush forest is also popular as a photography spot.
Changing Faces Throughout the Seasons
Oka no Izumi presents different appearances with each season.
- Spring: Wisteria flowers bloom profusely, their sweet fragrance drifting
- Summer: Cool spring water provides relief from heat, ideal as a summer retreat
- Autumn: Autumn leaves are reflected in the water, creating a fantastic landscape
- Winter: A mystical scene with steam rising from the spring can be enjoyed
Particularly in early winter mornings, visiting on a cold morning allows you to enjoy a fantastic landscape as the steam rising from the spring is illuminated by morning sun.
As a Power Spot
Clear water that has flowed since ancient times, history tied to the Asakura Clan, and year-round unchanging water temperature and volume. From these elements, an increasing number of people visit Oka no Izumi as a “power spot.”
The refreshing air and silence-enveloped space is an ideal place for calming the mind and refreshing oneself.
Sights Around Oka no Izumi
The Charm of Okabo District
Okabo district, where Oka no Izumi is located, is a nature-rich area in the eastern part of Fukui City. Within the district is the Fukui Prefecture Agricultural Experiment Station, where varieties of rice representing Fukui Prefecture, such as Koshihikari and Ichihomаre, have been developed and improved.
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, approximately 15 minutes by car from Oka no Izumi, is the ruins of the castle town of the Sengoku daimyo Asakura Clan. Considering the connection between Oka no Izumi and the Asakura Clan, visiting both allows you to feel history more deeply.
Tourist Spots in Central Fukui City
Central Fukui City has many tourist attractions, including Fukui Castle Ruins, Yohoan Garden, and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama City). Combined with a visit to Oka no Izumi, you can fully enjoy the attractions of Fukui.
The Future of Oka no Izumi | Toward Sustainable Conservation
Environmental Conservation Challenges
Oka no Izumi has nourished the region for more than 500 years, but in modern times it faces various challenges.
- Impact of Climate Change: Effects of abnormal weather such as sediment inflow from heavy rain
- Ecosystem Maintenance: Continuous efforts to protect the habitat of rare organisms
- Water Quality Management: Impact on water quality from surrounding development and environmental changes
- Successor Development: Training the next generation to undertake conservation activities
Conservation Activities in Cooperation with the Community
The Okabo Community Development Committee is working to conserve Oka no Izumi in cooperation with local residents, administration, businesses, and supporters throughout and beyond Fukui Prefecture. The success of crowdfunding demonstrated that many people recognize the value of this famous spring water and desire its conservation.
Going forward, conservation efforts will continue through periodic environmental surveys, cleanup activities, and utilization as a community resource, passing Oka no Izumi on to future generations.
Potential as a Tourism Resource
Oka no Izumi is a tourism resource with multifaceted value: history, nature, environmental education, and community revitalization. While maintaining a balance between proper conservation and utilization, efforts are expected to continue conveying the charm of Oka no Izumi to more people.
Initiatives utilizing local resources, such as local sake brewing, serve as a model case for sustainable community revitalization and draw attention from other regions.
Conclusion | Oka no Izumi is a Treasure of History and Nature that Fukui Boasts
Oka no Izumi (Jiro Marumachi, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture) is a historic famous spring water that has been flowing since the Sengoku period and is also a precious ecosystem where rare organisms inhabit. The history associated with the Asakura Clan, constant water volume and temperature year-round, pristine water quality, and dedicated conservation efforts by community members—all of these make Oka no Izumi a special place.
Despite being only 10 minutes by car from central Fukui City, it offers silence and natural richness that make you forget urban hustle and bustle. Initiatives utilizing local resources, such as local sake brewing, are also noteworthy.
When visiting Fukui, be sure to stop by Oka no Izumi and experience the blessings of spring water with a history spanning more than 500 years and the feelings of the people who have continued to protect it. The refreshing air and clear water will surely soothe your heart.
Oka no Izumi is a treasure of Fukui that continues from the past to the present and into the future. To pass this precious natural heritage on to future generations, please remember environmental considerations when visiting and become a part of protecting beautiful Oka no Izumi.
