Water of Jūōmura Village, Shiga Prefecture | Complete Explanation of the Charm and History of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East Selected as One of Japan’s Top 100 Waters
The “Water of Jūōmura Village” that springs forth in Nishi-Ima Town, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is a precious spring water designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters by the Ministry of the Environment in 1985. As underground water from the Inukami River, this clear water has supported the lives of local residents for over 300 years since the Genroku period (1688–1704), and is known as one of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East.
This article comprehensively explains the historical background of the Water of Jūōmura Village, the characteristics of its water quality, how to visit the site, and other famous water spots in Shiga Prefecture.
The Water of Jūōmura Village | Reasons for Selection as One of Japan’s Top 100 Waters
Circumstances of the Top 100 Waters Designation
The Water of Jūōmura Village was designated on January 4, 1985 (Showa 60) as one of the first 31 locations selected by the Environmental Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) for Japan’s Top 100 Waters. It was officially recognized in March of the same year and became widely known nationwide as one of Japan’s representative waters.
The Top 100 Waters were selected to preserve clear water environments throughout Japan and pass them on to future generations. The selection criteria evaluated not only water quality but also conservation efforts by local residents and historical and cultural value.
Positioning as One of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East
The Water of Jūōmura Village is known as one of the “Three Famous Waters of Lake East,” and its name is recorded in documents from the Genroku period. The Three Famous Waters of Lake East refer to three famous waters that spring forth in the Lake East region (eastern Shiga Prefecture), and the following clear waters are the primary examples:
- Water of Jūōmura Village (Nishi-Ima Town, Hikone City)
- Water of Shimizu-ga-Hana (Gokasho, Higashi-Ōmi City)
- Clear Water of Izasamatsu (Samegai, Maibara City)
These famous waters are formed by the rich water environment surrounding Lake Biwa and underground water from the Suzuka Mountains and Ibuki Mountain system.
History and Origins of the Water of Jūōmura Village
Origin of the Place Name and Historical Background
The name “Jūōmura” derives from the former place name near the water source. While the place name of Jūōmura no longer appears on modern maps, this area is thought to have had a history related to the Buddhist faith in the Ten Kings.
The faith in the Ten Kings is a belief in ten kings who judge the dead in the afterlife, and it is deeply connected with the faith in Jizō Bodhisattva. The hexagonal Jizō Hall enshrined in the center of the water source pond is a remnant of this faith, conveying to the present day the regional culture where clear water and belief are united.
Use and Conservation Since the Genroku Period
According to records from the Genroku period, the Water of Jūōmura Village was already widely known as “one of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East” and was carefully used as drinking water and daily water for local residents.
From the Edo period to the present day, voluntary conservation efforts by local residents have continued, with cleaning around the water source and water quality management being carried out. In recent years, the “Jūōmura Water Preservation Society” has been established, and activities have been developed to sustain life for a thousand years into the future.
Water Quality and Characteristics | Underground Water from the Inukami River
Characteristics as Inukami River Underground Water
The Water of Jūōmura Village is believed to be underground water from the Inukami River. The Inukami River originates in the Suzuka Mountains, flows through Hikone City, and empties into Lake Biwa as a first-class river.
Underground water refers to water from a river that seeps into the ground and becomes naturally filtered through layers of sand and gravel. Through this process, water acquires the following characteristics:
- Clarity: Natural filtration by sand and gravel layers removes turbidity
- Temperature stability: Water temperature remains constant throughout the year
- Mineral balance: Mineral components from the geological layers dissolve appropriately
- Low microorganism content: Pathogenic microorganisms are removed through underground filtration
Water Quality and Current Conditions
According to surveys by the Ministry of the Environment, the water quality of Jūōmura Village Water remains in good condition today. Regular water quality tests are conducted, and it meets standards suitable for drinking.
Many visitors actually draw this water to take home and use for drinking and cooking, and it has gained a high reputation for its taste. It is soft water with a smooth mouthfeel and is considered ideal for tea, coffee, and rice cooking.
Recent Challenges and Conservation Activities
However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about water source depletion and water quality deterioration due to climate change and urbanization. Specific challenges include the following:
- Fluctuations in groundwater levels due to changes in precipitation patterns
- Reduction of groundwater recharge areas due to development in surrounding regions
- Environmental burden on the water source area due to increased visitors
To address these challenges, conservation activities centered on the Jūōmura Water Preservation Society have become active, and fund-raising through crowdfunding is also being carried out.
Access and Visitor Guide to the Water of Jūōmura Village
Location and Basic Information
Address: Nishi-Ima Town, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Hikone Station, approximately 30 minutes on foot
Parking: Small parking space available (a few vehicles)
Hours: Available 24 hours for collecting water
Fee: Free
Conditions and Facilities at the Site
The Water of Jūōmura Village is developed as a small pond located at the corner of a crossroads in a residential area. In the center of the pond surrounded by a stone fence stands a hexagonal Jizō Hall where the Jizō Bodhisattva is enshrined.
A water collection point is set up beside the pond, where clear water can be drawn directly from a faucet. A parking space for visitors is also provided, but care is necessary for vehicle access as the area faces a narrow road.
Manners and Precautions When Visiting
When visiting the Water of Jūōmura Village, please observe the following manners:
- Keep the water source area clean: Take all garbage with you
- Avoid long-term occupation: Consideration for other visitors
- Be aware it is a residential area: Be careful about noise and parking on the street
- Do not waste water: Draw only the amount you need
- Show respect for the Jizō Hall: Do not forget to show consideration for it as a place of faith
It is important to understand that this is a precious water resource maintained through the cooperation of local residents and to use it with a sense of gratitude.
The Clear Water of Izasamatsu | Another Famous Water Among the Three Famous Waters of Lake East
Legend of Yamato Takeru and Holy Water
The Clear Water of Izasamatsu (Izame no Shimizu) is a famous water that springs forth in Samegai, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, and is counted as one of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East along with the Water of Jūōmura Village. A legend concerning Yamato Takeru (Yamato Takeru no Mikoto) remains connected with this clear water.
According to legend, on his return journey from his eastern campaign, Yamato Takeru, wounded from a battle with the mountain deity of Mount Ibuki, healed his body in this clear water. The place name “Izame” is also said to derive from awakening from drowsiness in this spring (izame-ta).
Clear Water Springing from Stone Walls
The Clear Water of Izasamatsu springs from stone walls along the Samegai post town road, and its water forms the Jizō River that flows to Lake Biwa. The water temperature remains constant at about 14 degrees Celsius throughout the year, feeling cold in summer and warm in winter.
In the Jizō River, flowering rush (Baikamoflora) thrives, a water plant that grows only in clean streams, and it blooms with small white flowers from July to August. This landscape was selected as one of the “Hundred Water Villages,” and many tourists visit.
Access and Points of Interest
Location: Samegai, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Samegai Station
Points of Interest: Clear Water of Izasamatsu, Jizō River’s flowering rush, the streetscape of Samegai post town
The Samegai post town prospered as a post station on the Nakasendō route, and its old streetscape remains. Together with the Clear Water of Izasamatsu, you can enjoy a historical walk.
Izumi Shrine Spring Water and Other Famous Waters in Shiga Prefecture
Characteristics of Izumi Shrine Spring Water
Izumi Shrine spring water is known as one of the representative spring waters in Shiga Prefecture. This clear water that springs from within the shrine grounds has been cherished as an object of faith since ancient times.
Spring water from shrines symbolizes Japan’s unique water culture in which faith and nature are united. Clear water is considered sacred and has a history of being used in misogi (purification) and Shinto rituals.
Other Famous Water Spots in Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Prefecture has many famous water spots in addition to the Water of Jūōmura Village.
Harie Shōzu no Sato (the Village of Fresh Water of Harie)
A village community that spreads across the Harie district of Shin-Asahi Town, Takashima City, with a unique water culture utilizing Lake Biwa’s underground water. The “kawabata” (riverside) water system, called that, still remains, and in 2015 it was recognized as a “Japan Heritage” site. A traditional water use can be seen where clear water that springs from each household’s garden is used differently according to purpose—drinking water, dishwashing, vegetable washing, and so on.
Water of Shimizu-ga-Hana
One of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East that springs in the Gokasho district of Higashi-Ōmi City. This area is known as the birthplace of Ōmi merchants, and clear water has supported the region’s history together with beautiful townscapes.
Yatsu-fuchi Falls
A falls located in the Kusui district of Takashima City, where clear water flows down rock surfaces in a beautiful landscape. The surrounding area is blessed with rich nature, and forest bathing and hiking can also be enjoyed.
Lake Biwa and Shiga Prefecture’s Water Environment
Water Source Conservation Function of Lake Biwa
When discussing Shiga Prefecture’s water environment, the existence of Lake Biwa is indispensable. Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and serves as the drinking water source for approximately 14.5 million people in the Kansai region.
Rivers flowing from mountains surrounding Lake Biwa and complex groundwater systems combine to form a rich water circulation system. The Water of Jūōmura Village and other spring waters function as part of this large water circulation.
Relationship Between Underground Water and Groundwater
Many famous waters in Shiga Prefecture derive from river underground water or groundwater from mountainous areas. Rain and snow that fell on mountains such as the Suzuka Mountains, Ibuki Mountain system, and Hira Mountain system seep into the ground over long periods, undergo natural filtration, and emerge as clear spring water.
This natural process does more than simply purify water; it has diverse functions including water temperature stabilization, addition of mineral components, and water volume equalization.
Importance of Water Environment Conservation
In recent years, changes in Shiga Prefecture’s water environment have been observed due to climate change and advancing urbanization. Changes in precipitation patterns, declining groundwater levels, and water quality changes are concerns, and sustainable water resource management is required.
Conservation activities by local residents such as the Jūōmura Water Preservation Society are important efforts in addressing these challenges. When each person understands the importance of water resources and cooperates in conservation, it leads to passing on to future generations.
Regional Development Using the Water of Jūōmura Village
Relationship Between Regional Community and Water
The Water of Jūōmura Village has meaning beyond being merely a water resource. It possesses multifaceted value including community bonds centered on water, the fusion of faith and life, and the inheritance of history.
Activities such as rituals at the Jizō Hall, periodic cleaning, and guidance for visitors—all led by local residents—have protected this famous water. This “culture of protecting water” can be said to be the essential value of the Top 100 Waters.
Potential as a Tourism Resource
The Water of Jūōmura Village has attracted attention as a tourism resource for Hikone City. A new form of tourism—a famous water tour—is being proposed in addition to major tourism resources such as Hikone Castle, Lake Biwa, and Ōmi beef.
Tours visiting famous waters throughout Shiga Prefecture, product development utilizing water, and experiential programs in water culture are progressing as efforts in regional revitalization centered on water.
Toward Sustainable Use
The Jūōmura Water Preservation Society is deploying efforts toward sustainable water resource management, including fundraising for conservation through crowdfunding, strengthening of water quality monitoring, and promotion of awareness activities.
Under the vision of “connecting life for a thousand years into the future,” conservation activities that fuse modern technology with traditional wisdom are anticipated.
Conclusion | The Value of Water Culture Conveyed by the Water of Jūōmura Village
The Water of Jūōmura Village in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters that has supported the region for over 300 years since the Genroku period. As underground water from the Inukami River, this clear water possesses historical value as one of the Three Famous Waters of Lake East and maintains good water quality in the present day.
The hexagonal Jizō Hall that stands in the center of the pond surrounded by stone fences symbolizes Japan’s water culture where faith and water are united. Voluntary conservation efforts by local residents not only protect the water but also strengthen community bonds and play a role in passing history on to future generations.
Many famous water spots exist in Shiga Prefecture besides the Water of Jūōmura Village, including the Clear Water of Izasamatsu and Izumi Shrine spring water, each possessing unique history and culture. These famous waters are part of a rich water circulation system centered on Lake Biwa and play an important role as water sources for the Kansai region.
When visiting the Water of Jūōmura Village, observe good manners and do not forget gratitude toward the region. Each person’s consideration becomes the force that connects this precious water resource to the future.
The Water of Jūōmura Village, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters, is a precious presence that conveys to today the richness of Japanese water culture and the power of regional communities. When visiting Hikone, be sure to touch this historical famous water and feel its clarity and the thoughts of the region.
