Onogawa Spring Water Fukushima | The Charm of the Clear Stream of Bandai Kōgen and Hyakkan Shimizu Selected as One of Japan’s Top 100 Waters
The Onogawa Spring Water located in Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture, is a clear stream representative of Bandai Kōgen that was designated as one of the Environment Ministry’s “Top 100 Waters of Japan” in 1985 (Showa 60). Abundant groundwater gushing from the base of Mount Nishi-Azuma forms the Onogawa River, nurturing a rich natural environment within Bandai-Asahi National Park. This article provides a detailed explanation of the characteristics of Onogawa Spring Water, access methods, and nearby attractions, elucidating the charm of this renowned water.
Onogawa Spring Water | Reasons for Selection as One of Japan’s Top 100 Waters
The Onogawa Spring Water is a fifth-order tributary of the Nihashi River in the Agano River system, a first-class river located within the Bandai-Asahi National Park area in Fukushima Prefecture. Snowmelt and rainwater seep into the volcanic ejecta that forms Mount Nishi-Azuma, and the primeval beech forest spreading across the Bandai Highland serves as the water source forest, with large amounts of groundwater gushing from the riverbed at various points along the river.
The reason for selection as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters lies in the high quality of its water, abundant water volume, and historical value as a water source for local residents’ daily life. In particular, it was highly valued as a water source for craftspeople dealing with wooden goods, and it continues to be used today as drinking water for residents of Onogawa settlement and visitors.
Water Quality and Characteristics of Onogawa Spring Water
The water of Onogawa Spring Water undergoes natural filtration as it passes through volcanic geological formations, maintaining clear and cold water quality. The abundant water source nurtured by the primeval beech forest maintains stable water volume throughout the year, never running dry even during drought periods.
The water temperature remains around 10 degrees Celsius year-round, and coldness can be felt even in summer. This cool water temperature supports the surrounding ecosystem and nurtures unique vegetation. However, selection as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters does not guarantee suitability for drinking. If you wish to drink the water, it is recommended that you confirm its suitability with the local municipal office, such as Kitashiobara Village’s Tourism Policy Division.
Hyakkan Shimizu | The Source of Onogawa Spring Water
The “Hyakkan Shimizu” (Hyakkan Clear Water) is known as the source of Onogawa Spring Water. It is a circular spring quietly situated in the forest deep in Mount Nishi-Azuma, where fresh spring water can be directly observed gushing from the bottom, swirling up sand.
The Origin of the Name Hyakkan Shimizu
The name “Hyakkan Shimizu” derives from its ancient designation as “water whose value cannot be exchanged for one hundred kan.” One hundred kan refers to a monetary unit of the Edo period, which would equate to a considerable sum if converted to modern currency. The name reflects the immense value of this clear water, illustrating how greatly the local people treasured this spring.
Indeed, this clear water was an indispensable resource for woodworkers. It was used for processing timber and as daily water for living, serving as a crucial resource supporting the region’s industries. Today, its value remains unchanged, and preservation activities by local residents continue.
Access to Hyakkan Shimizu and Trekking
Trekking and stream-hiking courses are maintained around Hyakkan Shimizu, allowing visitors to enjoy the spring water while appreciating nature. However, as it is located in the mountains, proper equipment and weather confirmation are necessary.
The trekking course is maintained from the shore of Onogawa Lake heading upstream, allowing hikers to gaze upon the clear Onogawa Stream along the way. The landscape of forest and clear stream, which displays different appearances depending on the season, continues to captivate visitors.
Onogawa Fudō Falls | A Spectacular View Created by Named Water
Among the landscapes formed by Onogawa Spring Water, “Onogawa Fudō Falls” offers particularly impressive views. Water flowing from Hyakkan Shimizu converges with Fudō Stream midway and forms a major waterfall with a drop of over 20 meters (some accounts say 25 meters).
The Origin of the Name and Beliefs of Fudō Falls
The name Onogawa Fudō Falls derives from the fact that Fudō Myōō (Immovable Wisdom King) is enshrined at the waterfall’s location. It has long been an object of regional faith, also possessing an aspect as sacred water. A small shrine has been established near the waterfall basin, and visitors can still be seen coming to pay respects.
Fudō Myōō is one of the wisdom kings in Buddhism, regarded as a being that severs worldly desires and protects practitioners on their path. The waterfall with clear water cascading down symbolizes the strength of Fudō Myōō, endearing it to local people.
The Changing Face of Fudō Falls by Season
Onogawa Fudō Falls displays different appearances throughout the four seasons.
Spring (late April to early May): The water volume reaches its most powerful with snowmelt, and the sight of water plunging with a roaring sound is spectacular. This period features the most abundant water, allowing visitors to experience the waterfall’s original strength.
Summer: Powerful water spray provides a refreshing sensation and makes it a popular summer retreat. Surrounding greenery deepens, offering a healing spot rich with negative ions.
Autumn: Fall foliage is beautiful, creating a spectacular contrast between the waterfall and autumn leaves. The period from mid-to-late October is particularly scenic, attracting many tourists.
Winter: One can observe the “blue ice” phenomenon where waterfall spray freezes blue. The frozen cascade creates a mystical beauty, offering a winter-only spectacular view.
Onogawa Lake | A Lake Born from the Bandai Mountain Eruption
Onogawa Spring Water ultimately flows into Onogawa Lake. This lake is one of the Bandai Kōgen lake group, formed when the Onogawa River was dammed by mudflows and other phenomena accompanying the massive eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888 (Meiji 21).
Onogawa Lake as One of the Three Lakes of Bandai Kōgen
Onogawa Lake is called one of the Three Lakes of Bandai Kōgen, along with Hinomaru Lake and Akimoto Lake. Measuring approximately 12 kilometers in circumference, this elongated lake is particularly noted for the beauty of its water surface dotted with small islands at sunrise. Because the Bandai eruption dammed the river to create the lake, the surrounding undulations became islands, creating a unique landscape.
The Bandai Mountain eruption created approximately 300 lakes and marshes throughout the Bandai Kōgen area. The beautiful landscape of the current Bandai Highland is a result of this natural disaster. Onogawa Lake stands as one of the most representative lakes and marshes among them, continuing to captivate many tourists.
Ways to Enjoy Onogawa Lake
Various activities are available around Onogawa Lake.
Smelt Fishing: Like Hinomaru Lake, Onogawa Lake is famous for smelt fishing. Winter ice-fishing for smelt is particularly popular, attracting many anglers.
Lakeside Exploration Trail: A six-kilometer lakeside exploration trail, maintained from the former trolley track, is established on the north shore, allowing hiking while enjoying views of the lake.
Camping: Many people visit the area around Onogawa Lake for camping. Campsites surrounded by clear spring water and beautiful nature are popular with families.
Bandai-Azuma Lake Line: The Bandai-Azuma Lake Line runs along the south shore, allowing visitors to enjoy lakeside scenery through driving or cycling.
Access to Onogawa Spring Water
Here are the access methods to Onogawa Spring Water and surrounding tourist attractions.
Access by Public Transportation
Train and Bus:
- Get off at Koriyama Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen or Inasaka Station on the Banetsu-Saisen Line
- From Inasaka Station, take a bus heading to Bandai Kōgen Highland; get off at “Goshiki-numa Entrance”
- From the Goshiki-numa Entrance, take a taxi to Onogawa settlement for approximately 15 minutes
From Inasaka Station to the area around Onogawa Lake takes approximately 30 minutes by car. Bus service is limited, so it is recommended to confirm the schedule in advance.
Access by Automobile
Travel Time from Major Cities:
- From Fukushima City: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- From Koriyama City: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- From Aizuwakamatsu City: Approximately 50 minutes
- From Tokyo: Approximately 4 hours (via the Tohoku Expressway)
Nearest Interchange:
- Approximately 25 minutes from “Inasaka-Bandai-Kōgen IC” on the Banetsu Expressway
Parking facilities are established around Onogawa Lake and at major tourist attractions; however, congestion may occur during peak seasons such as the autumn foliage season.
Conservation Activities of Onogawa Spring Water
Continuous conservation efforts by local residents are carried out to preserve the beautiful water quality and rich natural environment of Onogawa Spring Water.
Efforts by Local Residents
Centered on Kitashiobara Village’s Tourism Policy Division, local residents regularly conduct water area patrols and brushwood clearing. Garbage collection around the spring water source and maintenance of trekking courses are also performed, with efforts made to create an environment where visitors can comfortably enjoy nature.
Additionally, water quality surveys of the spring water are conducted regularly to monitor environmental changes. Through these activities, the beautiful environment at the time of designation as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters is maintained.
Requests for Visitors
When visiting Onogawa Spring Water, please cooperate with the following points:
- Always take all trash with you
- Avoid entering areas not designated for access
- Do not collect plants or animals
- Do not pollute the water source
- Stay on trekking courses
By observing these manners, this beautiful nature can be passed on to future generations.
Tourist Attractions Around Onogawa Spring Water
Here are some nearby tourist attractions to enjoy when visiting Onogawa Spring Water.
Goshiki-numa Lake Group
Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Onogawa Lake, the Goshiki-numa Lake Group is a representative tourist destination of Bandai Kōgen. Lakes such as Bishamon Pond, Aka Pond, and Midoro Pond, each with distinct colors, are scattered throughout, with a natural exploration trail of approximately 3.6 kilometers maintained.
Mount Bandai
One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mount Bandai is a crucial mountain that nurtures Onogawa Spring Water. Climbing courses are also established, and from the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Inawashiro and the lake group of Bandai Kōgen.
Grandeco Snow Resort
Located on the upper reaches of the Nakanosawa River, Grandeco Snow Resort is a popular spot for winter skiing and snowboarding. In summer, a gondola can take visitors up to an elevation of 1,400 meters, where alpine plants can be observed.
Hinomaru Lake
The largest lake in Bandai Kōgen, Hinomaru Lake was also formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai, like Onogawa Lake. Various activities such as sightseeing cruises, canoeing, and fishing are available.
Onogawa Spring Water and Other Named Waters of Fukushima Prefecture
In addition to Onogawa Spring Water, Fukushima Prefecture has the “Bandai Western Foothills Spring Water Group” selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters.
Differences from the Bandai Western Foothills Spring Water Group
The Bandai Western Foothills Spring Water Group consists of spring waters located on the western foothills of Mount Bandai, gushing under different geological conditions from Onogawa Spring Water. Though both are named waters nurtured by the rich nature surrounding Mount Bandai, Onogawa Spring Water has its water source in the beech forest at the base of Mount Nishi-Azuma, whereas the Bandai Western Foothills Spring Water Group consists of water that has passed through Mount Bandai’s volcanic geological formations, representing a key difference.
Fukushima Prefecture has seven mountains designated as Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, including Mount Bandai, and almost all of the Ou Mountain Range, Echigo Mountain Range, and Abukuma Highlands are composed of untouched forests. This rich natural environment serves as the foundation for producing high-quality named waters.
Notes for Visiting Onogawa Spring Water
Please note the following points to safely enjoy Onogawa Spring Water.
Regarding Drinking
Though designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters by the Environment Ministry, this does not guarantee suitability for drinking. If you wish to drink the water, be sure to confirm its suitability with Kitashiobara Village or the relevant local municipality. Since the area is also a habitat for wildlife, consideration must be given to risks such as parasites.
Weather and Clothing
As the location is in a mountainous area, weather changes can be sudden and dramatic. Especially when trekking, bring rain gear and warm clothing, and wear appropriate footwear. Even in summer, water temperature is low; careful attention to physical condition is necessary when playing in the water.
Wildlife
Within Bandai-Asahi National Park, wildlife such as Asian black bears inhabit the area. Avoid solo activities in early morning or evening, and it is recommended to carry bear bells.
Winter Visits
In winter, snowfall is heavy, and roads may be closed. While enjoying winter-unique scenery such as blue ice, studless tires or chains are essential equipment. Additionally, temperatures often drop below freezing, requiring thorough cold-weather precautions.
Summary: Experience the Charm of Onogawa Spring Water
The Onogawa Spring Water in Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture, is one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters nurtured by the primeval beech forest at the base of Mount Nishi-Azuma. With Hyakkan Shimizu as its source, creating the spectacular Onogawa Fudō Falls and flowing into Onogawa Lake, this clear stream symbolizes the rich natural environment of Bandai-Asahi National Park.
The lake group of Bandai Kōgen created by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai, a natural disaster, and the spring water group that has long supported the region’s life, teach us both the power and blessings of nature. Let us enjoy the beautiful environment preserved through conservation efforts by local residents, while observing proper etiquette.
Onogawa Spring Water and its surroundings display different appearances throughout the four seasons, offering new discoveries with each visit. The sound of clear water, the green of beech forests, and the majestic landscape of Bandai Kōgen can best be experienced on-site. You will surely be able to sense through all five senses why this place was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters.
