Shirakawa Spring

photo by Yasu ( talk ) · CC BY-SA 3.0

60 tonnes of water a minute at 14°C: among Japan's hundred best since 1985.

It is the main source of the Shirakawa River, and about 60 tonnes of water a minute come out of the ground at a constant temperature of 14°C, all year round. In 1985 the Ministry of the Environment included it among Japan's hundred famous waters (名水百選). Next to the spring there is a small shrine, Shirakawa Yoshimi-jinja, dedicated to a water deity. You can drink the water on the spot or take some away, and in return you leave a contribution towards upkeep.

The spring is in the village of Minami-Aso, inside the caldera, fed by rainwater that seeps through Aso's volcanic layers and comes back up here clear. It is the starting point of the Shirakawa River, which then flows through the city of Kumamoto. The flow, about 60 tonnes a minute, immediately forms a small stream a few metres wide, and it is so constant that it never freezes, not even in winter. Its designation in the ministry's register of the hundred famous waters (名水百選) dates from 1985. After the earthquake of 28 July 2026 no damage to the spring was reported; for a trip in the near future it is still advisable to check its status.

ℹ️ Conservation contribution: 100 yen from high school upwards, free admission up to junior high. Free car park. No official opening hours are given. You get there by car, about 80 minutes from Kumamoto, or on the Minami-Aso Railway to Minami-Aso Shirakawa Suigen and then a 15-minute walk. After the earthquake of 28 July 2026 it is advisable to check that the railway line is running normally.

🚉 Minamiaso-Shirakawasuigen · 6 min walk

Sources: vill.minamiaso.lg.jp

All series · Open the map