Complete Guide to Yakushidō Spring Water (Kanagawa Prefecture) | History, Access, and Water Quality Information
Kanagawa Prefecture has multiple spring waters associated with Yakushidō temples that have been objects of faith since ancient times. These spring waters have not only been used by local residents as domestic water but have also been cherished as the spiritually efficacious “Water of Yakushi.” This article provides detailed explanations of representative Yakushidō spring waters in Kanagawa Prefecture, covering their historical background, geographical features, and current conditions.
Overview of Yakushidō Spring Waters in Kanagawa Prefecture
Kanagawa Prefecture possesses abundant mountainous areas including the Tanzawa Mountain Range and Mt. Hakone, with approximately 67 spring water sites confirmed throughout the prefecture. Among these, spring waters related to Yakushidō are positioned as special existences where religious background and nature’s blessings converge.
Yakushidō spring water refers to clear water that springs forth from within or around the grounds of temples or halls enshrining Yakushi Nyorai. Since ancient times, it has been believed to have benefits for curing illnesses and promoting health, particularly believed to be effective against stomach and intestinal ailments.
Tsumada Yakushi Spring Water (Atsugi City)
History and Legend
The Tsumada Yakushi spring water located in Atsugi City is one of the most famous spring waters related to Yakushidō in Kanagawa Prefecture. This spring water has legends associated with Rōben Sōjō, a high priest from the Nara period.
According to legend, when Rōben Sōjō performed ascetic practices for seven days and nights at the Yakushidō, on the morning of the completion of his vow, white lotus roots extended over the clear water pond, blooming into beautiful flowers. This legend is said to be the origin of the place name “Hakone,” deeply connecting to the region’s history.
Characteristics of the Spring Water
This spring water gushes forth from the east side of the Tsumada Yakushi grounds with a roaring sound, continuously filling the clear water pond. It boasts an abundant volume of water that has remained unchanged since ancient times and continues to function as a precious water resource for the region.
The water quality is clear and pure, having been used since ancient times for drinking and domestic purposes. Combined with the tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds, it has become a place that provides healing to visitors.
Access Information
- Location: Tsumada, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Transportation: Accessible by bus or on foot from Odakyu Line Atsugi Station
- Parking: Visitor parking spaces available on the temple grounds (limited spaces, so public transportation is recommended)
Hadano Basin Spring Water Group and Yakushi Water
Geographical Features of Hadano City
Hadano City is the only city in Kanagawa Prefecture with a basin topography. The Tanzawa Mountain Range extends to the north, while the Shibusawa Plateau runs east-west to the south. This unique topography creates an abundance of spring water.
Many of the rivers flowing through the city have the Tanzawa Mountain Range as their water source, and rivers such as Mizunashi River and Konomegawa form alluvial fans in their lower courses. It is said that approximately 75 billion tons of groundwater is stored underground, and this abundant groundwater appears at the surface as spring water in various locations.
Yakushi Water (Kitayama Yakushi Hall)
Within Hadano City, there is a spring water called “Yakushi Water” in the upstream area of Kitayama Yakushi Hall. This spring water is said to be effective for stomach and intestinal problems, with people from the local area as well as distant places coming to draw water.
Characteristics:
- Water temperature is stable year-round
- Rich in mineral components
- Traditionally believed to have medicinal properties
- Used by local residents as domestic water
Importance of the Hadano Basin Spring Water Group
The Hadano Basin spring water group is also selected in the Environment Ministry’s “Heisei 100 Selected Waters,” with high recognition nationwide. This spring water group includes multiple spring water sites, each with its own characteristics.
Hadano City actively conducts water preservation efforts, with regular water quality testing and surrounding environmental improvements being continuously implemented.
Other Yakushi-Related Spring Waters in Kanagawa Prefecture
Historical Spring Water in Yokohama City
In Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, there is “Yamate Spring Water (Gérard Water Mansion Underground Water Storage Tank).” From the late Edo period, a Frenchman named A. Gérard who came to reside in Yokohama noticed high-quality spring water welling up at the foot of the Yamate hill and established water storage facilities to supply ships entering and leaving Yokohama Harbor.
This spring water has no direct connection to Yakushidō but is an important presence in discussing the history of spring waters in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Spring Waters in the Hakone Area
Multiple spring water sites exist in the Hakone Mountain area, with some places connected to Yakushi worship. Hakone spring waters have unique water quality derived from volcanic geology and are also related to the area’s hot spring characteristics.
Water Quality and Notes on Usage
Water Quality Characteristics
Most Yakushidō-related spring waters in Kanagawa Prefecture are groundwater sourcing from mountainous areas such as the Tanzawa Mountain Range and Mt. Hakone. General characteristics include:
- pH Value: Weakly alkaline to neutral
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Minerals: Appropriately contains calcium, magnesium, and others
- Water Temperature: Stable at approximately 15–17 degrees Celsius year-round
Precautions When Using
The following points require attention when drinking spring water:
- Boiling Recommended: Since it is natural spring water, boiling before consumption is recommended
- Confirm Water Quality Testing: Verify that regular water quality testing is conducted
- Environmental Conservation: Care must be taken not to pollute the spring water area’s surroundings
- Consideration for Private Property: Some spring waters are located on private land, so access requires careful attention
Recommendations for Spring Water Touring
Using Kanagawa’s Spring Water Map
For efficiently touring spring waters within Kanagawa Prefecture, using a spring water map is convenient. On the internet, “Kanagawa Prefecture Spring Water Map” showing the locations of 67 spring water sites in the prefecture is publicly available.
Best Seasons for Visiting
Spring water touring can be enjoyed year-round, but particularly recommended times are:
- Spring (March–May): Beautiful fresh greenery and comfortable temperatures
- Autumn (September–November): Attractive combination of autumn foliage and spring water
- Immediately After Rainy Season Ends: Abundant water volume allowing you to feel the vigor of spring water
Summer heat requires heat exhaustion precautions, and winter frost requires attention to foot safety.
Convenient Items to Bring
- Poly-tank for drawing water: When taking spring water home
- Towel: For wiping hands and containers
- Camera: Recording beautiful spring water scenery
- Map or Smartphone: For navigation
- Insect Repellent Spray: Essential in naturally rich areas
Spring Water Conservation Efforts
Government Initiatives
Kanagawa Prefecture and each municipality implement various efforts to preserve precious spring water:
- Regular water quality testing
- Environmental improvement of spring water areas
- Enactment of spring water conservation ordinances
- Groundwater recharge measures
- Public awareness activities
Citizens’ Conservation Activities
Conservation activities by residents and volunteer groups are also active:
- Cleaning activities around spring water sites
- Creation and updating of spring water maps
- Recording spring water history and legends
- Regional revitalization utilizing spring water
What We Can Do
When visiting spring water sites, there are things each of us can do:
- Take Trash Home: Leave no garbage at spring water sites
- Protect Water Sources: Refrain from using soap and shampoo
- Restrained Use: Do not draw more water than necessary
- Follow Etiquette: Do not trespass on private property without permission
- Share Information: Appropriately convey the charm of spring water
Relationship Between Yakushi Worship and Spring Water
What is Yakushi Nyorai
Yakushi Nyorai (Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai) is the teacher of the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World and has been worshiped as a Buddha who heals people’s illnesses and removes suffering. Particularly from the Heian period onward, worship became widespread among ordinary people.
Spring Water and Medicinal Efficacy Belief
Clear water springing forth near Yakushidō has been revered as “sacred water” imbued with the virtues of Yakushi Nyorai. This belief has the following background:
- Purity: The clarity of spring water was associated with the purity of Buddha
- Source of Life: Water is indispensable to life and was believed to have the power to cure illness
- Actual Effects: Spring water containing mineral components may have actually had positive health effects
Significance in Modern Times
Even in modern times when science has advanced, Yakushidō spring water continues to hold the following significance:
- Cultural Value: Cultural heritage transmitting regional history and traditions
- Environmental Education: A place to learn about nature’s blessings and the importance of environmental conservation
- Healing Space: A place to heal minds and bodies tired from urban life
- Community Core: A place for interaction among residents
Kanagawa’s Selected Waters
Three locations in Kanagawa Prefecture are selected in “Heisei 100 Selected Waters”:
- Hadano Basin Spring Water Group (Hadano City)
- Shakuzu Falls and Takisawa River (Yamakita Town)
- Mt. Otake Spring Water (Hakone Town)
These are all located in the Hakone Mountain area and Hadano City, symbolizing the abundance of spring water in Kanagawa Prefecture. Many Yakushidō spring waters are related to these areas.
Regional Revitalization Utilizing Spring Water
Hadano City’s Efforts
Hadano City actively promotes regional revitalization centered on “water”:
- Hadano Spring Water Brand: Product development using spring water
- Distribution of Spring Water Maps: Utilization as tourism resources
- Spring Water Walking Courses: Fusion of health promotion and tourism
- Water Day Events: Public awareness activities conveying the importance of spring water
Utilization as Tourism Resources
Yakushidō spring water is also gaining attention as a tourism resource:
- Power Spot Tours: Popular as spiritually efficacious locations
- Cycling Courses: Routes for touring spring water sites
- Photo Spots: Beautiful scenery appealing on social media
- Historical Exploration: Tourism combining temples and shrines with spring water
Relationship Between Spring Water and Groundwater
Groundwater Mechanism
Most spring water in Kanagawa Prefecture results from rain or snow fallen in mountainous areas seeping into the ground and being stored as groundwater over long years, ultimately welling up at the surface.
In the Tanzawa Mountain Range, some locations receive over 2,000mm of annual precipitation, and this abundant precipitation recharges groundwater. During its slow movement through geological layers, groundwater becomes naturally filtered and purified.
Importance of Groundwater Conservation
Protecting spring water requires conserving its source, groundwater:
- Regulation of excessive groundwater extraction
- Construction of rainwater infiltration facilities
- Forest conservation for water source recharge
- Appropriate land use management
Through these efforts, abundant spring water can be passed on to future generations.
Visit Records and Personal Accounts
October 2009 Visit Example
Among spring water enthusiasts in Kanagawa Prefecture, some maintain detailed visit records. According to records from around October 2009, the Tsumada Yakushi spring water maintained abundant water volume at that time, welcoming numerous visitors.
Records indicate that autumn visits were comfortable, with the combination of autumn foliage and spring water being particularly beautiful.
Water Drawing Experience
Impressions from people who have actually drawn water from Yakushidō spring water:
- “The water was cold and delicious”
- “The tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds was pleasant”
- “I was moved seeing local residents using it in their daily lives”
- “The experience of drawing water while feeling history was precious”
Conclusion
The Yakushidō spring waters of Kanagawa Prefecture are precious cultural heritage where abundant natural environment and ancient faith converge. Each, from Tsumada Yakushi spring water in Atsugi City to Yakushi Water in Hadano City, possesses its own unique history and characteristics.
These spring waters are not merely water resources but play an important role in transmitting regional history, healing people’s hearts, and connecting communities. When visiting, understand their historical and cultural value, practice environmental conservation, and experience the blessings of Kanagawa Prefecture’s clear spring water.
Spring water teaches us about nature’s blessings and the wisdom of our ancestors. To pass this precious resource to the next generation, each person must maintain awareness of spring water conservation. Visiting Kanagawa Prefecture’s Yakushidō spring waters will become an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of living in harmony with nature.
