Iso Shimizu, Kyoto Prefecture – Comprehensive Explanation of the Mysterious Pure Water of Amanohashidate
Iso Shimizu, located within Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Great Views in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, is known as a mysterious well from which fresh water without salt content springs forth, despite being surrounded by the sea. Selected as one of the “One Hundred Best Waters in Japan” by the Ministry of the Environment in 1985 (Showa 60), this renowned water has been praised by many poets throughout history and beloved by visitors to Amanohashidate.
What is Iso Shimizu – A Miracle of Fresh Water in the Sea
Iso Shimizu (磯清水) is spring water drawn from a well located beside Amanohashidate Shrine within Amanohashidate Park. Amanohashidate is a sandbar approximately 3.6 kilometers long that separates Miyazu Bay and Lake Aso from north to south, with this mysterious well located at its midpoint.
Why Does Fresh Water Spring Forth in the Sea?
Although Amanohashidate is a sandbar surrounded by the sea, Iso Shimizu is completely fresh water without salt content. This phenomenon is geologically extremely rare, with the secret lying in the underground structure of Amanohashidate.
Beneath the sandbar lies a clay layer that serves as a barrier preventing seawater penetration. Furthermore, rainwater that falls on the pine forest of Amanohashidate seeps through the sandy soil, forming an underground layer of fresh water, which preserves the purity of the water. Through this natural filtration system, a miracle occurs where clear fresh water springs forth in the very middle of the sea.
Reasons for Selection as One of Japan’s One Hundred Best Waters
Iso Shimizu was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the “One Hundred Best Waters in Japan” in 1985 (Showa 60). From Kyoto Prefecture, only two locations were selected: Iso Shimizu and Gokosui in Fushimi.
Selection Criteria for the One Hundred Best Waters
Selection as one of the One Hundred Best Waters requires comprehensive evaluation of the following elements, not just water quality:
- Excellent water quality: Cleanliness suitable for drinking
- Abundant water volume: Stable spring water supply
- Accessibility to water: Being familiar to local residents and tourists
- Conservation efforts: Community initiatives to protect water sources
- Historical and cultural significance: Being deeply rooted in local culture since ancient times
Iso Shimizu met all these criteria and was particularly highly evaluated for its historical significance and geographical uniqueness.
History and Culture of Iso Shimizu
Renowned Water Praised in the Poem by Izumi Shikibu
Iso Shimizu has been known since the Heian period, with a poem by the famous poetess Izumi Shikibu being particularly renowned:
“Hashidate no / Matsu no shita naru / Iso shimizu / Miyako nariSeba / Kimi mo kumimamashi”
This poem means “If the Iso Shimizu beneath the pines of Amanohashidate were in the capital (Kyoto), you would surely draw and drink from it,” expressing praise for Iso Shimizu’s value as renowned water. When Izumi Shikibu visited Amanohashidate, she was impressed by this mysterious fresh water and left this poem.
Iso Shimizu in Haiku and Literary Works
Since the Edo period, many literary and artistic figures have visited Iso Shimizu and left their works. A particularly famous haiku is:
“Hitokuchi wa / Geni senkin no / Iso shimizu”
This verse expresses that a single drink of Iso Shimizu is worth a thousand gold pieces, telling the history of how it was treasured by travelers visiting Amanohashidate.
Amanohashidate Shrine (Hashidate Myojin) and Iso Shimizu
Iso Shimizu is located beside Amanohashidate Shrine and is used as purification water for the shrine. Amanohashidate Shrine, also called Hashidate Myojin, is an ancient shrine dedicated to the Eight Great Dragon Kings.
History of Amanohashidate Shrine
Amanohashidate Shrine has long been worshipped as the guardian deity of Amanohashidate. It has attracted strong faith from fishermen who pray for safe maritime travel and abundant catches, serving as a spiritual pillar for the region.
Pine forests spread throughout the shrine grounds, allowing visitors to worship in a serene atmosphere. When visiting Iso Shimizu, we recommend also paying respects at Amanohashidate Shrine.
Role as Purification Water
Amanohashidate Shrine uses Iso Shimizu as purification water, allowing visitors the rare experience of cleansing themselves with fresh water from the middle of the sea. The custom of purifying one’s hands and spirit with this clear water before offering prayers at the shrine has continued since ancient times.
Points of Interest and Tourist Spots at Iso Shimizu
Well Structure and Current Condition
The Iso Shimizu well is constructed with stone masonry, with clear water constantly springing forth. Information boards are installed around the well, allowing visitors to learn about the history and geological characteristics of Iso Shimizu.
Currently, direct drinking from Iso Shimizu is not recommended for preservation purposes, but visitors can see and appreciate its clarity and mystique.
Nearby Historic Sites and Points of Interest
Near Iso Shimizu, there are other interesting historic sites:
- Hara no Hitokoe Tsuka: A stone monument bearing a haiku by Matsuo Basho, allowing for literary exploration
- Amanohashidate Pine Avenue: Approximately 8,000 black pines create a beautiful landscape
- Kaiten Bridge: A rare rotating bridge at the entrance of Amanohashidate
By strolling through Amanohashidate and visiting these attractions, you can experience the charm of Amanohashidate more deeply.
Access and Tourism Information
Access by Train
From Kyoto:
- Limited express train “Hashidate” from JR Kyoto Station for approximately 2 hours to Amanohashidate Station
- Walk approximately 20 minutes from Amanohashidate Station to reach Iso Shimizu
From Osaka:
- Limited express train “Kounotori” from JR Osaka Station to Fukuchiyama Station, then transfer to Amanohashidate Station for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Miyazu Amanohashidate IC” on the Kyoto Chuo Expressway
- Multiple parking lots are available around Amanohashidate (paid)
Walking Routes for Exploration
From Amanohashidate Station to Iso Shimizu is approximately a 20-minute walk through the sandbar of Amanohashidate. The pleasant walking path runs through a pine avenue, allowing you to enjoy sea views while walking leisurely.
Bicycle rentals are also available, with arrival taking approximately 10 minutes by bike. Since Amanohashidate extends approximately 3.6 kilometers, sightseeing by bicycle is also popular.
Precautions When Visiting Iso Shimizu
Regarding Drinking
Although Iso Shimizu is selected as one of the One Hundred Best Waters in Japan and offers clear water, currently direct drinking is not recommended from a preservation standpoint. We recommend enjoying it as a scenic attraction.
Viewing Hours and Etiquette
Iso Shimizu is located within Amanohashidate Park and is open for viewing 24 hours. However, as it is located within the grounds of Amanohashidate Shrine, please observe shrine etiquette and view it quietly.
- Do not throw objects into the well
- Do not speak loudly
- Always take trash with you
- Refrain from photography that might disturb other worshippers
Clothing and Items to Bring
Since Amanohashidate is a sandbar, we recommend visiting with comfortable walking shoes. In summer, the sun is strong, so bring a hat and sunscreen. If exploring all of Amanohashidate, it is convenient to bring something to drink.
Enjoying Amanohashidate Tourism Together
Kasama-nozoki Park – Birthplace of the Crotch-Looking Pose
The classic Amanohashidate experience of “kasama-nozoki” (viewing through the legs) can be experienced at Kasama-nozoki Park and Amanohashidate Viewland. When viewing Amanohashidate upside down through the legs, a mysterious landscape appears where it looks like a bridge spanning heaven.
Chion-ji Temple (Monju Hall)
Chion-ji Temple at the southern entrance to Amanohashidate is known as one of Japan’s three Monju temples. It is said to bring benefits of academic success and wisdom, attracting many visitors.
Miyazu Seafood Cuisine
Miyazu is a region abundant in fresh seafood. In particular, you can enjoy seasonal seafood dishes such as winter yellowtail, pine leaf crab, and summer rock oysters. Together with Amanohashidate sightseeing, savor the local seafood cuisine.
Conservation Activities of Iso Shimizu and Community Efforts
Water Quality Preservation Efforts
To protect the water quality of Iso Shimizu, local residents, Miyazu City, and the Amanohashidate Tourism Association cooperate in conservation activities. These efforts include maintenance of the Amanohashidate pine forest and public awareness campaigns for tourist etiquette.
Environmental Protection of Amanohashidate
Environmental protection of Amanohashidate as a whole is an important issue. Comprehensive conservation activities are implemented, including pine forest preservation, sandbar erosion countermeasures, and beach water quality management. Through these efforts, Iso Shimizu’s fresh water continues to spring forth unchanged.
Iso Shimizu and Amanohashidate Through the Seasons
Spring at Amanohashidate
In spring, fresh green pine forests are beautiful, and you can enjoy walking in mild weather. During cherry blossom season, the contrast between cherry blossoms and pines is spectacular.
Summer at Amanohashidate
In summer, the area bustles with swimmers, and Amanohashidate is full of energy. The pine forest around Iso Shimizu provides shade and serves as a cool rest spot.
Autumn at Amanohashidate
Although autumn is not a peak foliage season, it is an ideal season to enjoy the landscape of Amanohashidate in clear air. With relatively fewer tourists, you can view Iso Shimizu at leisure.
Winter at Amanohashidate
In winter, snow-covered Amanohashidate appears magical. In the serene atmosphere with few tourists, you can feel the mystical ambiance of Iso Shimizu more deeply.
Accommodations Around Iso Shimizu
Various types of accommodations are available around Amanohashidate. Hot spring inns, hotels, and guesthouses offer choices according to budget and preference. Hot spring inns in Miyazu particularly offer cuisine featuring fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and hot spring bathing.
Many accommodations with views of Amanohashidate offer rooms where you can leisurely enjoy the view of one of Japan’s Three Great Views.
Conclusion – The Charm of Iso Shimizu
Iso Shimizu in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a remarkable water source where fresh water springs forth while surrounded by the sea, a phenomenon that is geologically rare. This well, selected as one of Japan’s One Hundred Best Waters, has been praised by many poets since the Heian period and beloved by visitors to Amanohashidate.
When visiting Amanohashidate, be sure to stop by Iso Shimizu and experience this mysterious natural blessing firsthand. Combined with a visit to Amanohashidate Shrine, you can deeply appreciate the history and culture of one of Japan’s Three Great Views.
A miracle of fresh water in the sea, and the history of a renowned water protected for more than a thousand years. Iso Shimizu is a precious cultural heritage of which Kyoto Prefecture is proud, created by the mystery of nature and the conservation efforts of people. When visiting Amanohashidate, touch the story of this mysterious water and rediscover the splendor of Japan’s nature and culture.
