Nakae Sacred Water, a Holy Spring of the Water Deity in the Gokayama Region

Welling up in Higashi-Nakae, Nanto, Toyama Prefecture, the Nakae sacred water is a holy spring also known as the water of the water deity. It rises from beneath the floor of a shrine dedicated to Mizuhanome, the village water goddess, and has supported local life since ancient times. Located in the Gokayama region listed as a World Heritage Site, this water has long been used in making traditional Gokayama washi paper, staying close to both daily life and faith. It is also chosen among the famous waters of Toyama.

Highlights

• Pure sacred water welling quietly from beneath the floor of the shrine, cold even in summer and soft on the palate
• A simple, deeply rooted shrine dedicated to the water goddess Mizuhanome, where daily life and faith come together
• The unhurried flow of time unique to the mountain villages of Gokayama
• The gassho-style thatched houses and natural scenery cradled by deep mountains

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring snowmelt nourishes the mountains and fresh green spreads across the villages. Summer brings cool relief from the chilled spring water amid deep greenery. Autumn paints the ranges in beautiful colors, and winter unfolds the hushed, snow-deep scenery so characteristic of Gokayama. Combined with the World Heritage gassho villages, it offers the charm of the mountain country in every season. Because winter brings heavy snowfall, drivers should prepare for snowy roads with winter tires.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Higashi-Nakae, Nanto, Toyama Prefecture
• Easy to visit together with the Gokayama villages of Ainokura and Suganuma
• Reachable by car from the Gokayama Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
• By public transport, the World Heritage bus routes serving the Gokayama area are convenient
• Parking space available nearby; drawing water is free, though it is also the local supply

Practical Travel Notes

• The best seasons run from fresh-green early summer to the autumn foliage; winter suits those used to snowy driving
• Seeing the spring itself takes only a short time, so it fits well into a half-day to full-day Gokayama tour combined with the gassho villages
• Nearby spots: the Ainokura and Suganuma gassho villages, the Gokayama Washi Paper Village, and the Murakami House
• Bring an empty bottle or flask to carry some of the famous water home
• Restaurants and convenience stores are limited in this mountain area, so it helps to eat and shop beforehand

A Quick Tip

This sacred water is carefully protected by the local community. When taking some, mind your manners and never forget your gratitude. The World Heritage gassho villages of Ainokura and Suganuma are also close by, so visiting them together lets you fully enjoy the appeal of Gokayama.

📚 Sources

This article is based on tourist guidance for Nanto City, information on the Nakae sacred spring welling beneath the shrine of the water deity and listed among Toyama famous waters, public materials on the World Heritage Gokayama villages and Gokayama washi paper, and information on the World Heritage Bus. Winter brings heavy snow and road conditions may change. Access and road conditions may change, so please confirm the latest details on the official sources before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Viewing the spring is brief; combine it with the Ainokura and Suganuma villages for a half-day to full-day Gokayama tour.
• Best timing: Early summer greenery to autumn colors; winter suits those used to snowy driving, with studless tires and other preparation.
• What to bring: Bring an empty bottle or flask to take some of the famous water home.
• Manners: The spring is also the community daily water, so draw it courteously and with gratitude.
• Nearby spots: The Ainokura and Suganuma villages, the Gokayama washi village, and the Murakami House.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: 529 Nakadaira, Higashi-Nakae, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
• Designation: Selected as one of the "Famous Waters of Toyama" on February 24, 1986 (Toyama Prefecture)
• Public transport: From Johana Station on the JR Johana Line, take the bus bound for Gokayama, change at the Shimonashi bus stop to the bus bound for Soyama, get off at the Higashi-Nakae bus stop, then walk about 1 minute
• By car: About 40 minutes from the Tonami IC on the Hokuriku Expressway (via National Route 156 and Shogawa)
• About drinking the water: Nanto City carries out water quality tests several times a year at the five "Famous Waters of Toyama" sites within the city, and advises that "the famous waters are natural spring waters and their quality can change with changes in the environment. If you drink the water, please boil it to sterilize it and use it at your own risk"
• Inquiries: Nanto City Living Environment Division, 0763-23-2035

* Viewing hours, fees and whether there is a dedicated parking lot are not announced officially.

(Sources: Official Toyama Prefecture website "Famous Waters of Toyama / Nakae no Reisui", official Nanto City website "Water Quality Test Results for the Famous Waters of Toyama", Nanto City Cultural Heritage Archive "Nakae no Reisui")