Ukishima is a beautiful spring-fed pond located in Idera, Kashima Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Known locally as the pond associated with Ukishima Shrine, it is one of the area’s most distinctive natural attractions. The clear water, lush vegetation, and peaceful surroundings create a landscape that seems almost otherworldly, making Ukishima a favorite destination for local residents, photographers, and visitors seeking a quiet place to enjoy nature.
The pond is supplied by abundant groundwater originating from Mount Aso. Its exceptionally clear water and rich natural environment have earned it national recognition. On March 25, 2010, Ukishima was selected by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as one of the country’s 100 remarkable irrigation ponds. Kashima Town was also included in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “100 Water Villages” selection in 1996, under the theme “Kashima Town, Where Clear Water Springs and People Connect.” These recognitions reflect the area’s longstanding relationship with its abundant water resources.
Ukishima Shrine, formally known as Ukishima Kumanoimasu Shrine, stands at the heart of this distinctive landscape. Dedicated to the divine couple Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the shrine has long been an important place of worship for the local community.
According to the shrine’s tradition, a pond covering approximately 2.5 hectares was created in 1001, during the Chōhō era of the Heian period, by making use of the area’s abundant spring water. The pond is also known as Kami-no-Ike, or the “Pond of the Gods.” Beyond its religious significance, it has played an important role in supplying water for irrigation and supporting agriculture in the surrounding area.
The scenery around Ukishima is especially attractive because the pond, shrine grounds, and distant mountains form a harmonious composition. Mount Iida and the outer caldera rim of Mount Aso rise behind the shrine, creating a striking backdrop to the tranquil water. Depending on the season, the changing vegetation and light give the pond a different appearance, making it an appealing location for landscape photography.
The site is also valued by local residents as a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The quiet atmosphere, clear water, and surrounding greenery offer a welcome contrast to the busy urban areas of nearby Kumamoto City.
The Rokuka district near Ukishima is known for its numerous natural springs. The area’s underground water system is closely connected with the geology of the Aso region. Togawa lava forms part of the underlying geological structure, while deposits from Aso’s pyroclastic flows and layers of Ariake clay occur closer to the surface. These geological formations help create conditions in which groundwater can collect and emerge at relatively shallow depths.
The abundance of groundwater is one of the defining features of Kashima Town. The spring areas around Ukishima and Rokuka have been selected as part of Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters of the Heisei Era,” recognizing their environmental value and the importance of protecting their water quality.
The springs are more than natural attractions. Washing areas have been established at various points around the Rokuka district, where local residents use the water and meet one another as part of their daily routines. These communal spaces preserve a traditional aspect of rural life in which water resources are shared and maintained by the community.
The springs also support agriculture and contribute to the distinctive landscape of the area. Their continuous flow provides a visible reminder of the groundwater that has sustained local settlements for generations.
One unusual attraction associated with the region’s groundwater is Kashima Natural Spring-Water Pool. This rare type of swimming pool uses naturally emerging spring water, allowing visitors to enjoy the cool water during the summer season.
The pool attracts families and other visitors from Kashima Town and neighboring communities. Unlike conventional swimming facilities, it makes direct use of the area’s natural water resources, offering a distinctive way to experience the relationship between the local community and its springs.
The area surrounding Ukishima Shrine has been developed as Ukishima Waterside Park. The park preserves the natural character of the pond while providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy the landscape and observe wildlife.
Plants such as cogon grass, reeds, and Japanese sweet flag grow along the water’s edge. These plants provide shelter and habitat for birds and other wildlife, helping maintain the pond’s ecological diversity.
Little grebes and kingfishers are among the birds that can be seen around the pond. During winter, ducks arrive and use the area as a seasonal resting and wintering ground. The variety of birds makes the park an appealing destination for birdwatchers and photographers, particularly during the colder months when migratory waterfowl gather on the water.
Visitors can enjoy the changing scenery while walking around the pond, observing how the plants and wildlife respond to the seasons. The combination of clear water, green vegetation, and birdlife creates a peaceful natural environment close to the town’s residential areas.
Local volunteers help protect the pond and its surroundings through regular cleanup activities and vegetation management. Volunteers collect litter and carry out periodic weeding, helping preserve the area’s appearance and maintain the natural environment.
These ongoing efforts reflect the community’s strong commitment to conserving its water resources. The beauty of Ukishima is closely connected with this local stewardship, which helps ensure that the pond remains a welcoming place for future generations.
Ukishima was selected as one of Japan’s 100 remarkable irrigation ponds on March 25, 2010. The selection recognizes the value of the pond as a water resource and its contribution to the surrounding agricultural landscape.
The pond’s appearance is closely tied to its function. Its abundant spring water maintains the water level and supports the irrigation needs of the community, while the surrounding greenery and clear surface create a scenic environment enjoyed by visitors.
The Ukishima and Rokuka spring area is also included in Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters of the Heisei Era.” This recognition highlights the clarity and abundance of the local groundwater, as well as the importance of conserving the natural systems that supply it.
These designations reflect the distinctive character of Kashima Town, where water is central to the local landscape, agriculture, community life, and tourism.
From Mifune Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway, take Kumamoto Prefectural Route 226 toward Ukishima. The journey takes approximately eight minutes and covers about 3.6 kilometers.
From Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in central Kumamoto City, take a Kumamoto Bus service and get off at Shimo-Rokuka bus stop. Ukishima is approximately a nine-minute walk, or about 720 meters, from the stop.
Ukishima is a distinctive natural destination where spring water, religious history, and community life come together. Its clear pond, surrounded by greenery and backed by distant mountains, offers a peaceful landscape that changes with the seasons. The nearby Rokuka springs and natural spring-water pool further illustrate the importance of groundwater in the region.
National recognition for its water resources and irrigation heritage reflects the value of this environment. Supported by the conservation efforts of local residents, Ukishima remains an appealing place to enjoy nature, take photographs, observe birds, and discover the deep connection between water and everyday life in Kumamoto Prefecture.