Hakoshima Spring Water is a remarkably clear natural spring located in Hakoshima, Higashiagatsuma Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. Recognized by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as one of the “100 Remarkable Waters of Japan,” the spring emerges beside Hakoshima Fudōson Temple, also known as Hakoshima Fudō-dō.
The water bubbles continuously from the roots of the Fudōson Great Cedar, an enormous tree estimated to be 400 to 500 years old. The spring produces approximately 30,000 tons of water per day, with a remarkably stable flow throughout the year.
Its exceptionally clear water creates a refreshing landscape surrounded by the natural beauty of the seasons. The sound and sight of the flowing spring water have a calming quality, making Hakoshima a peaceful place to experience the purity of nature.
After emerging from the roots of the great cedar, the spring water flows into a waterfall known as Yamagarasu-no-Taki. The waterfall is approximately 12 meters high and 7 meters wide, with water cascading over the rocky surface into the stream below.
The gentle yet powerful sound of the falling water echoes through the quiet forest, creating a particularly peaceful atmosphere around the spring.
Local tradition holds that the water is connected underground to Lake Haruna. In reality, however, the spring is formed by rainwater that falls on the surrounding mountains, gradually seeps through layers of volcanic ash, and is naturally filtered underground before emerging at Hakoshima.
The geological layers beneath the area therefore act as a kind of natural filtration system, producing the exceptionally clear water for which Hakoshima is famous.
Hakoshima Spring Water is associated with a poignant and mysterious legend involving Lake Haruna. Long ago, a Buddhist monk named Enkō Shōnin, the second head priest of Zendōji Temple in Haramachi, was visited by a woman known as Kitano-kata, who was fleeing from her enemies.
Unaware of her circumstances, Enkō Shōnin eventually parted ways with her. According to the legend, Kitano-kata then traveled to Lake Haruna and drowned herself together with one of her attendants.
Afterward, rumors spread that a great serpent lived in Lake Haruna. Local people came to believe that the serpent was the transformed spirit of Kitano-kata.
As part of a memorial ritual, her Buddhist memorial tablet was reportedly placed into Lake Haruna. Yet, remarkably, the tablet is said to have later emerged from the spring at Hakoshima. It is still enshrined at Hakoshima Fudōson, and the mysterious story continues to be passed down today.
Hakoshima Spring Water is more than a scenic attraction. It is also an important water source supporting daily life and local industries.
The spring flows onward as the Narusawa River, providing water for local drinking supplies, agriculture, trout farms, and the Gunma Prefectural Fisheries Experimental Station.
The spring’s pure water is also bottled and sold as mineral water. In addition, sake breweries use Hakoshima water as brewing water, allowing visitors to experience the benefits of the famous spring through local food and drink.
The abundant flow of Hakoshima Spring Water has also been used as a source of energy. In 1910, the Hakoshima Hydroelectric Power Station began operating, supplying electricity to the surrounding area.
A second power station was later constructed, eventually producing a maximum of 454 kilowatts of electricity.
Although the facilities were eventually closed because of aging infrastructure, the area’s water resources have once again attracted attention through the development of small-scale hydropower generation. The spring is thus taking on a new role as a source of renewable energy while continuing its long tradition of supporting the local community.
The lower reaches of the Narusawa River are also known as a habitat for fireflies. From June through late July, the insects appear after dark, their soft lights creating a magical scene along the riverside.
Local residents continue to carry out cleanup activities to protect the river environment and preserve the area’s beautiful natural habitat.
Hakoshima offers a different atmosphere in every season. Visitors can enjoy fresh green foliage in spring, the cool and refreshing stream in summer, colorful autumn leaves, and the quiet stillness of winter.
Hakoshima Spring Water is approximately a 30-minute walk from JR Onogami Station on the Agatsuma Line.
A parking area is located about 700 meters from Gunma Prefectural Route 35, the Shibukawa–Higashiagatsuma Road. From the parking area, the spring is approximately a 200-meter walk.
Visitors should also take precautions because bears have occasionally been spotted in the surrounding area. Carrying a bear bell and remaining alert while walking through the forest are recommended.
Hakoshima Spring Water brings together the beauty of a centuries-old giant cedar, crystal-clear water cascading into a waterfall, and a mysterious legend connecting the spring with Lake Haruna.
With its combination of nature, history, local culture, and traditional stories, it is one of Higashiagatsuma’s most distinctive attractions.
Take a moment to listen to the sound of the clear water flowing through the forest and experience the gift of a spring shaped by centuries of natural processes. A visit to Hakoshima offers a peaceful opportunity to connect with the enduring relationship between water, nature, and local life.