Yahata Spring Water B (Fukushima Prefecture) Complete Guide: Thoroughly Introducing the Mineral Water Spot on the Bossei Green Line
Yahata Spring Water B (Yahata Shimizu), located along the Bossei Green Line in Atsumi Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is known as a famous mineral water nurtured by the rich nature of the Adatara Mountain range. This spring water, which gushes forth from a highland area at an altitude of approximately 900 meters, is cherished not only by local residents but also by many people who visit by car or motorcycle. This article provides detailed information about the charm of Yahata Spring Water B, access methods, water quality characteristics, and nearby tourist spots.
What is Yahata Spring Water B (Yahata Shimizu)?
Yahata Spring Water B is natural spring water that gushes forth along the Bossei Green Line in the Ishiusuka district of Atsumi Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. Also called “Yahata Shimizu,” it is groundwater from the Adatara Mountain range that appears at the surface. This spring water maintains stable temperature year-round, remaining cold in summer and not freezing in winter.
Four VP pipes (vinyl chloride pipes) are installed at the spring point, from which clear water flows vigorously. The water volume is abundant, and visitors are free to collect it, managed by local residents. Cups are also provided on-site, so you can taste the cold spring water right there.
Historical Background of Yahata Spring Water B
The Bossei Pass area is known as an important historic battlefield in the Boshin War. In 1868 (Keio 4), fierce battles between the new government forces and the Aizu clan took place in this region, where spring water has long quenched the thirst of people and travelers. Yahata Spring Water B is one such water resource that has been valued throughout this history.
For travelers crossing the pass and local people, this spring water has been used as a precious water source. While the Bossei Green Line is now developed as a scenic tourist road, the value of the spring water remains unchanged, providing refreshment and comfort to many visitors.
Location and Access to Yahata Spring Water B
Address
- Address: Ishiusuka, Atsumi Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
- Location: Along the Bossei Green Line, on the way from Bandai-Atami Hot Spring toward Nakanosawa Hot Spring
Access by Car
From Bandai-Atami IC on the Bandai-Etsu Expressway
- Exit at Bandai-Atami IC heading toward National Route 49
- Pass through the Bandai-Atami IC entrance and head toward the Ishiusuka settlement
- After passing Ishiusuka Fureai Pasture, enter the Bossei Green Line
- Pass through several hairpin curves and cross the Mizunashi River curve
- About 1 km after the Mizunashi River curve, a parking space appears on the right
- Travel time: Approximately 15-20 minutes from Bandai-Atami IC
From Koriyama City Center
Proceed on National Route 49 toward Aizu via the Atsumi bypass to access the Bossei Green Line. From Koriyama city center, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Parking Information
There is parking space for several vehicles right in front of the Yahata Spring Water B spring point. While unpaved, it is suitable for regular vehicles. However, it may become crowded during tourist season and weekends, so please use considerate driving practices.
Access by Public Transportation
Unfortunately, there are no public transportation services operating near Yahata Spring Water B. Visiting requires a private vehicle or rental car.
About the Bossei Green Line
The Bossei Green Line, where Yahata Spring Water B is located, is a mountainous scenic road approximately 10.6 km long connecting Ishiusuka, Atsumi Town, Koriyama City to Nakanosawa Hot Spring in Inawashiro Town. Once a toll road, it is now free to use.
Attractions of the Bossei Green Line
Spectacular Driving Course
From this road, which runs at elevations around 900-1,000 meters, you can view the majestic mountains of Adatara and the Azuma Range. Especially during new green season (May-June) and autumn foliage season (mid-October to early November), colorful scenery unfolds, captivating many drivers and riders.
Popular Among Driving and Touring Enthusiasts
The Bossei Green Line is popular among driving and touring enthusiasts due to its moderate curves and well-maintained road surface. However, it is important to practice safe driving and observe speed limits. Special attention to oncoming traffic is necessary at hairpin curves.
Operating Period
The Bossei Green Line closes to traffic during winter (typically late November to late April) due to snow. It is recommended to check the latest traffic information on the official websites of Koriyama or Inawashiro before visiting.
Water Quality and Characteristics of Yahata Spring Water B
Water Quality Characteristics
Yahata Spring Water B is soft water that passes through the volcanic geology of the Adatara Mountain range. While containing mineral components in balanced proportions, it is characterized by a mellow and easy-to-drink taste.
Water Temperature
Stable at approximately 8-12 degrees Celsius year-round, it feels extremely cold even in summer. This coldness provides exceptional refreshment during rest breaks on hot day drives or touring trips.
Transparency and Cleanliness
The water flowing from the spring outlet is extremely transparent and clean. However, drinking is at one’s own discretion. Those concerned may wish to boil the water before consumption.
Water Collection
Visitors to Yahata Spring Water B are free to collect water. Many people bring bottles or polyethylene containers to take this mineral water home.
Etiquette for Collection
- Avoid monopolizing the area for long periods, showing consideration for other visitors
- Always take trash with you
- Do not pollute the spring point or surrounding area
- When collecting large quantities, be considerate of other users
This is a precious resource maintained through the goodwill of local residents, so please follow proper etiquette when using it.
Tourist Spots Around Yahata Spring Water B
Along the Bossei Green Line, there are many sights besides Yahata Spring Water B. By visiting these spots during your drive or tour, you can have a more enriching trip.
Choshi Falls
Proceeding from Yahata Spring Water B toward Nakanosawa Hot Spring, you will find Choshi Falls, selected as one of “Fukushima’s Thirty Famous Waters.” This majestic waterfall has a drop of approximately 48 meters, and a walking path to the waterfall pool is well-maintained. The scenery is particularly beautiful during new green and autumn foliage seasons.
Access
- About 5-10 minutes by car from Yahata Spring Water B
- About 10 minutes’ walk from the parking lot to the falls
Tatsuzawa Fudo Falls
Extending slightly from the Bossei Green Line, you will find Tatsuzawa Fudo Falls in Inawashiro Town. Consisting of the male falls (approximately 10 meters drop) and female falls, this is one of Aizu’s representative scenic spots. The area around the falls is wrapped in a mystical atmosphere and is popular as a power spot.
Access
- Via forest road from Nakanosawa Hot Spring direction
- About 15-20 minutes’ walk from the parking lot to the falls
Bossei Pass Historic Battlefield Site
The Bossei Pass, known as the site of fierce battles in the Boshin War, has a monument marking the historic battlefield. On August 21, 1868, the new government forces broke through the Aizu clan’s defensive line. A must-see spot for those interested in history.
Access
- Along the Bossei Green Line
- Parking space available
Ishiusuka Fureai Pasture
A pasture near the entrance of the Bossei Green Line where you can observe cattle leisurely grazing. Popular with families, it allows visitors to enjoy the refreshing highland air.
Access
- About 10 minutes by car from Bandai-Atami IC
- Free parking available
Nakanosawa Hot Spring
Nakanosawa Hot Spring, which marks the endpoint of the Bossei Green Line, is known for its strongly acidic water with a pH of 2.5. It is said to be beneficial for stomach and intestinal diseases and has long been cherished as a therapeutic hot spring destination. After enjoying the cold water at Yahata Spring Water B, it is recommended to warm your body slowly at the hot spring.
Major Hot Spring Facilities
- Nakanosawa Hot Spring Hirasawa-ya Ryokan
- Nakanosawa Hot Spring Ogi-ya Ryokan
- Nakanosawa Hot Spring Hanamiya Ryokan
Bandai-Atami Hot Spring
Bandai-Atami Hot Spring, which serves as the starting point of the Bossei Green Line, is known as “Koriyama’s Secret Retreat.” With a history of approximately 800 years, it is famous as a beauty spring. Many inns and hotels line the area, and day-trip bathing facilities are well-equipped.
Best Season to Visit Yahata Spring Water B
Spring (late April to June)
The winter closure of the Bossei Green Line is typically lifted in late April to early May. The new greenery after snowmelt is beautiful, and you can enjoy the budding of the mountains. The spring water also becomes abundant with snowmelt.
Summer (July to August)
Due to its high elevation, summers remain cool and comfortable. The cold water of Yahata Spring Water B is perfect for rest breaks during hot day drives or touring. You can fully enjoy the lush greenery and refreshing highland air.
Autumn (mid-October to early November)
Autumn foliage season is the Bossei Green Line’s greatest highlight. Beech, oak, and maple trees turn color, and the entire road becomes a tunnel of autumn leaves. Combined with a rest at Yahata Spring Water B, you can enjoy spectacular autumn foliage viewing.
Winter (late November to mid-April)
The Bossei Green Line closes to traffic due to snow, making access to Yahata Spring Water B impossible. The road reopens in late April of the following year.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Safety Precautions
Driving Caution
The Bossei Green Line is a mountainous road with sharp curves and consecutive hairpin turns. Especially in rainy conditions or during early morning and evening when visibility is poor, drive carefully.
Wildlife Caution
Wild animals such as deer and wild boars may dash onto the road. Special caution is needed during early morning and evening hours.
Temperature Difference Caution
Due to the high elevation, there is a significant temperature difference from lowlands. It is recommended to bring a jacket, especially in spring and autumn.
Environmental Conservation Etiquette
Take All Trash Home
There are no trash cans around Yahata Spring Water B. Always take all trash home with you.
Cherish Nature
Collecting plants or polluting the spring point area is strictly prohibited. Each person should act responsibly to pass this beautiful natural environment to future generations.
Be Considerate of Noise
As this is a quiet mountain area, consideration must be given to loud conversations and engine noise.
Utilizing Yahata Spring Water B
Use as Drinking Water
The water from Yahata Spring Water B can be drunk as-is, but those concerned about hygiene may wish to boil it before consumption. Being soft water, it is ideal for making tea and coffee.
Use in Cooking
Cooking Rice
Soft water with well-balanced mineral content is ideal for cooking rice. It produces fluffy, delicious rice.
Making Broth
When making Japanese broth, soft water easily draws out the umami of kelp and bonito, improving the flavor of dishes.
Boiling Vegetables
Vegetables can be boiled while maintaining their color and texture.
Other Mineral Water Spots in Fukushima Prefecture
Besides Yahata Spring Water B, Fukushima Prefecture has many other famous water spots.
Bandai Nishi-sanroku Spring Water Group (Kitashiobara Village)
A group of spring waters scattered around the western foothills of Bandai Mountain, designated as “Heisei’s Hundred Famous Waters.” The “Onogawa Spring” and “Soharako Lakeside Spring” are particularly famous.
Eikawa (Aizu-Wakamatsu City)
Spring water used by the sake brewery “Eikawa Sake Brewery,” known as soft water ideal for sake production.
Oshio Uchibanclai Hot Spring Gushing Water (Kitashiobara Village)
The Uchibanclai area, famous as a hot spring destination, also has numerous clear spring waters.
Komine Castle Site Spring Water (Shirakawa City)
Clear spring water gushing at the Shirakawa Komine Castle site, with high historic value.
Conclusion: Fully Enjoy Fukushima’s Nature at Yahata Spring Water B
Yahata Spring Water B (Yahata Shimizu), located along the Bossei Green Line in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a precious natural spring water nurtured by the Adatara Mountain range. With cold, clear water gushing year-round, this spot is cherished as a rest area for drivers and tourists and as a destination for those seeking famous mineral water.
The Bossei Green Line, with its beautiful scenery of new greenery and autumn foliage, historic battlefield sites, natural attractions like Choshi Falls and Tatsuzawa Fudo Falls, and access to hot springs like Bandai-Atami and Nakanosawa, is a scenic road with diverse attractions. Yahata Spring Water B is an “oasis” along this route.
When visiting, please follow etiquette to protect the natural environment and practice safe driving. Experience refreshment for both body and mind by tasting the mineral water nurtured by Fukushima’s abundant nature and enjoying the beautiful scenery. This will be a wonderful experience.
Since the operating period of the Bossei Green Line is limited, it is recommended to check the latest road information before visiting and plan your trip according to the best season. Taking the mineral water you collected at Yahata Spring Water B back home and enjoying its benefits in your daily life is one way to savor the memories of your trip for a long time.
