Kakitagawa Springs, a Sacred Blue Hole Where the Underground Waters of Mt. Fuji Rise

The Kakitagawa spring water group spreading through Kakitagawa Park in Shimizu Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a clear stream where snow and rain that fell on Mt. Fuji flow underground over long years and gush forth abundantly. Underground water passing through the gaps of the Mishima lava flow of about 8,500 years ago wells up suddenly from beneath the national road. Designated a national natural monument and chosen as one of the hundred best waters of Japan, it is one of the foremost spring water sites in the country, counted among the three great clear streams of Japan along with the Shimanto and Nagara rivers. Though it is a tourist site, one step into the park wraps you in clear air and the sound of water.

Highlights

• The Blue Hole viewed from the second observation deck. Spring water has gathered in the remains of an old spinning mill well, creating a mystical blue scene.
• The spring points visible from the first observation deck, where you can closely observe water welling up from underground.
• Spring water that stays at a nearly constant temperature year round, feeling cool in summer and faintly warm in winter.
• The pokopoko spring point in the spring water plaza, where you can actually touch the water and feel the coldness of the underground waters of Mt. Fuji.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time and seasons: In fresh greenery the contrast of blue spring water and young leaves looks vivid. Summer draws families seeking coolness, autumn reflects foliage on the water, and in winter the clear air makes the blue all the more vivid.
• Time needed: A full loop of the observation decks and spring water plaza takes about an hour. The paths have some ups and downs.
• Avoiding crowds: Summer weekends and holidays get busy at midday, so early morning is best. The Blue Hole changes color with the angle of light and looks most beautiful on a sunny morning.
• Nearby real spots: A handy base for drives to Mishima Taisha, the Mishima Skywalk, and toward Izu and Hakone. The Shimizu Town tourist office, Wakura Kakitagawa, is also close by.
• Budget sense: Entry and viewing at the park are free. The main costs are nearby food, souvenirs, and parking.
• Safety notes: Boardwalks and stairs continue to the observation decks. Wear comfortable shoes and watch your footing at the spring points and waterside.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Shimizu Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Train and bus: From JR Mishima Station, take a bus and get off at Kakitagawa Yusui Koen Mae, right at the entrance. The ride is roughly a bit over ten minutes.
• By car: Close to the Numazu Interchange on the Tomei Expressway and the Higashi Suruga Bay Ring Road. Parking is available within Kakitagawa Park.
• Parking: Use the Kakitagawa Park parking lot. Fees and hours vary, so check officially.
• Fees and hours: Viewing within the park is free. Opening and parking hours change by season, so check the Shimizu Town official information.

A Quick Tip

The color of the Blue Hole changes with the angle of the light. Visit on a sunny morning when the sun is climbing high, and you will encounter the most beautiful shade of blue. Starting from Mishima Station, a water town stroll combining Kakitagawa Springs and Mishima Taisha is recommended. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article is based on Shimizu Town and local tourism information and on guidance about Kakitagawa Park and the Kakitagawa springs as a national natural monument and one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters. It touches on the first and second observation decks and highlights such as the Blue Hole and the welling points. Opening hours and the parking hours and fees may vary by season, so please check Shimizu Town's official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour to make a circuit of the decks and the spring plaza
• Access: Bus from JR Mishima Station, getting off right at Kakitagawa Yusui Koen-mae
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for the boardwalks and stairs
• Best time: The Blue Hole is most beautiful on a clear morning
• Avoiding crowds: Summer weekends and holidays are busy midday, so aim for early morning
• Also enjoy: A water town stroll combined with Mishima Taisha and the Mishima Skywalk