🗺️ Shirakawa Suigen (Shirakawa Water Source)白川水源

The Shirakawa Spring is one of the spring water groups in Minami-Aso Village, emerging from the underground water of the Aso caldera. It is also the source of the Shirakawa River, a first-class river flowing through Kumamoto City, and has been selected as one of Japan's "Top 100 Famous Waters" by the Ministry of the Environment (formerly the Environmental Agency). The water quality is classified as medium-hard water containing trace amounts of carbon dioxide, and it is well-regarded for its rich taste. It is also used as the source water for local sake and commercially bottled water. Anyone can freely take water back with them, and many travelers come specifically to collect it. There are no designated water collection points, making it quite rare to fill containers directly from the spring pool. The Shirakawa Spring is located within the grounds of the Yoshimi Shrine, which enshrines the deity of the spring, Mitobane no Kami, and has historically been protected by the Hosokawa clan, the feudal lords of Kumamoto. The water temperature remains constant at 14°C throughout the year, gushing forth at a rate of 60 tons per minute, allowing visitors to clearly see the fine sand at the bottom being stirred up by the flowing water. The extremely clear spring water reflects a gradient of light, showcasing an extraordinary beauty. There is also a footbath area where visitors can experience the refreshing coolness of the spring water.

The underground water from Mount Aso gushes out at a rate of 60 tons per minute. The water is clear, and even the green moss at the bottom of the spring is quite beautiful. Selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters in Japan," this spring water can be taken home as drinking water. It is located within the grounds of Yoshimi Shrine and is also a well-known energy spot.