The Shirakawa Water Source is one of the Minamiaso Village Spring Water Group where subterranean water from the Aso Caldera gushes out. It is the source of the Shirakawa River, a first-class river that flows through Kumamoto City, and is famous for being selected as one of the "100 best waters" by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment).
The quality of the water is medium-hard with a small amount of carbon dioxide gas, and it is known for its mildness and is used as raw water for local sake and commercial mineral water. Anyone can freely take the water home, and many people visit the area for the purpose of collecting water. There is no water intake, and the style of drawing water directly from the pond is unusual.
Shirakawa Suigen is located in the precincts of Yoshimi Shrine, which enshrines the god Mizuhanome, the guardian deity of spring water, and which the Hosokawa family, lords of the Kumamoto domain, ordered protected. The water, which is always at a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, gushes out at a rate of 60 tons per minute, and you can see the sand on the bottom of the water flying up as the water gushes out. The highly transparent water reflects the gradation of light, making it an outstandingly beautiful sight. There is also a footbath where you can enjoy the feel of the cold water.
Highlights
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Subterranean water from Mount Aso gushes out at a rate of 60 tons per minute.
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The water is clear and the moss growing on the bottom of the water source is beautiful.
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The water, selected as one of the 100 best waters, can be taken home for drinking.
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It is located in the precincts of Yoshimi Shrine, which is also a power spot.
