Maruike is a pond formed by impounding natural spring water in Koba, Yusui Town, Aira District, Kagoshima Prefecture. In 1985 (Showa 60), it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters under the name “Kirishima Foothills Maruike Spring Water.” Nearby is the Maruike Spring Brick Culvert, which has been recognized as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization.
The water in Maruike originates as rain that falls on Mount Kurino, at an elevation of around 600 meters in the Kirishima Mountains. It seeps underground and remains there for approximately 35 years before emerging as spring water. The pond was created by collecting and impounding this naturally flowing water.
Approximately 59,000 tons of spring water flow into the pond every day. This abundant supply is used not only for everyday domestic needs but also for agricultural irrigation in the surrounding area.
In 1922 (Taisho 11), the land was transferred from the national government, and embankments were constructed to improve the pond. Since 1963 (Showa 38), the spring has also served as a source of tap water for Yusui Town.
Another abundant source of spring water at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains is Takenaka Pond, located in the center of the Kawazoe district of Yusui Town.
Approximately 93,000 tons of water emerge from Takenaka Pond every day. This water supplies the Tsutsuhano Irrigation Channel, which has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Irrigation Channels.
The channel irrigates approximately 90 hectares of farmland and plays an important role in supporting local agriculture.
Mount Kurino is a volcano located in Yusui Town, Aira District, Kagoshima Prefecture. It forms part of the Kirishima mountain range, a complex volcanic massif made up of several individual volcanoes, and occupies the western end of the Kirishima Mountains.
Mount Kurino rises to approximately 600 meters. Its southwestern slopes are known as the Kurino Highlands. Facilities in this highland area include Kurinodake Recreation Village and Kirishima Open-Air Museum. The area is also home to what is described as Japan’s longest railway-sleeper staircase.
Approximately 4 kilometers north of Mount Kurino is Mount Iimori, while the Ebino Highlands lie about 5 kilometers to the east.
On the western middle slopes of the mountain is Kurinodake Onsen, a hot spring destination popular with visitors seeking therapeutic bathing as well as tourists.
To the northwest is the southernmost natural habitat in Japan of the Edohigan cherry tree, a species of wild cherry. This habitat is designated as a Natural Monument.
Mount Kurino is considered one of the older volcanoes of the Kirishima volcanic group. It is thought to have begun its activity after a major eruption at the Kakuto Caldera approximately 300,000 years ago.
Lava flows from this volcano blocked the Sendai River, forming an ancient lake known as Paleo-Lake Kakuto. The lake later disappeared after its waters drained away.
Because Mount Kurino was formed a long time ago, its rocks have undergone extensive weathering and the mountain itself has been gradually eroded.
During the Edo period, an alum mine operated on the mountain and contributed to the local economy.
Mount Kurino is also associated with the children’s story Daizo Jii-san and the Wild Geese, written by Hatoju Mukoda. The story depicts a contest of wits between a hunter living on Mount Kurino and a clever wild goose. Through their encounter, the work explores the relationship and coexistence between people and nature.
Maruike Pond is conveniently located close to JR Kurino Station on the Hisatsu Line. It is approximately a one-minute walk from the station.
By car, the pond is approximately five minutes from the Kurino Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. There are also numerous sightseeing destinations in the surrounding area, making it easy to combine a visit to the pond with an exploration of the natural attractions of Kirishima.
Maruike Pond is a valuable natural water source fed by rain that has traveled underground for approximately 35 years. With around 59,000 tons of spring water emerging each day, it supports the daily lives and agriculture of the local community.
The pond’s selection as one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters recognizes the quality and importance of this spring. Nearby industrial heritage, the irrigation system supplied by Takenaka Pond, and the volcanic landscape of Mount Kurino add historical and geographical interest to the area.
Located just a minute’s walk from Kurino Station, Maruike is an accessible destination for visitors wishing to experience the clear spring waters and natural environment of the Kirishima foothills.