Hello! I’m Papa-usa, an outdoor enthusiast.
“I want to try camping, but starting with an overnight tent stay feels like a high hurdle…”
“I just want to breathe some fresh air and cool off in nature!”
If this sounds like you, I have the perfect spot for a practice run or a scouting drive. Today, I’m introducing “Shirakawa Suigen” (Shirakawa Source) in Minami Aso Village, Kumamoto Prefecture.
To be honest, I stumbled upon this place while looking for a cool escape after almost getting heatstroke during a mid-summer camping trip. The water I drank here was so delicious it brought me back to life. With the magnificent nature of Aso and water so clear it sharpens your senses, I wholeheartedly recommend this spot for beginners and families with children alike.
Just looking at the pristine spring water makes you feel cooler.
60 Tons Per Minute! Miraculous Water Selected as One of the “100 Best Waters”
Entrance to the famous “Shirakawa Suigen”
Rain that falls on the Aso Caldera is polished by geological layers over many years before gushing out here. That is Shirakawa Suigen.
When you step into the source area, the first thing that surprises you is the “freshness of the air.” Surrounded by forest trees, the area remains cool even in mid-summer, allowing you to feel the negative ions on your skin.
The volume of spring water is an astounding 60 tons per minute. It’s hard to imagine, but seeing the water bubbling up right before your eyes makes you realize, “The Earth is alive.”
Can I drink the water? How does it taste?
Of course, you can drink it straight!
The water temperature remains around 14°C (approx. 57°F) throughout the year. It feels shockingly cold to the touch, but when you drink it, it is surprisingly mellow and soft. It goes down smoothly without any harshness, soaking into your body.
Filling up bottles using the provided ladles and funnels.
Please strictly follow these rules to protect this delicious water.
- No Direct Dipping: Do not put your plastic bottle directly into the water source. Use the provided ladle and funnel to fill your container.
- No Touching: Do not put your hands, feet, or face into the water collection area.
- Cooperation Fee: To help preserve the environment, please pay a cooperation fee of 100 yen per person (high school age and up) at the entrance.
Excitement for Kids! Summer Exclusive “Ashimizu” (Foot Bath)
“I’m worried my kids might get bored…” Parents, rest assured. Shirakawa Suigen has a “Ashimizu” (Foot Water) spot utilizing the spring water.
A river flows along the path to the water source, making it very cool.
When I went with a friend’s family, the adults got more excited than the kids with a “who can keep their feet in the longest” contest (laughs).
It’s as cold as ice water, so I couldn’t last even 30 seconds, but the lightness of my feet afterward was exceptional!
Rather than wild river play, the main activities here are this “Ashimizu” and exploring the walking path to the source. It feels like a well-maintained park, so it’s safe even for small children.
Souvenirs & Snacks: What to Eat?
Around the water source, there are several shops and souvenir stands.
The shops and rest areas are well-equipped for a relaxing time.
- Plenty of Water Bottles: It’s okay to come empty-handed. The shops sell various containers, from handy plastic bottle sizes to large tanks for serious water collection.
- Mizu-manju & Kuzumochi: Sweets made with famous water are exquisite.
*Mizu-manju is a summer sweet made of kudzu starch with a jelly-like transparency, often filled with red bean paste. It looks like a drop of water. - Local Vegetables: Summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers that you’ll want to cool in the water and eat.
There are souvenir shops and tea houses on the premises. I always eat “Dango” when I come here.
My routine is to buy “Mizu-manju” or “Dango” here and eat them while gazing at the spring water. Eating sweets while listening to the sound of water is the best.
By the way, “Dango” refers to traditional Japanese dumplings made from rice flour, usually served on a skewer. They can be savory (with soy sauce glaze) or sweet (with bean paste). They are a classic Japanese snack!
Q&A Corner: Solving Your Doubts
Here is a summary of points that first-time visitors might be wondering about.
- Q. Is there parking?
- A. Yes, there is. There are free and paid parking lots nearby. Parking closer to the entrance may charge a fee, but if you walk a little, you can use a large free parking lot.
- Q. Is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
- A. The path to the source is basically paved, but there are some gravel areas and steps. You can get close with a stroller or wheelchair, but you might need some support right before the water collection point. *Note: Trolleys/hand trucks are prohibited.
- Q. Can I go in winter?
- A. You can visit all year round! In winter, the air is clear and even more mystical. However, the Aso area can have frozen roads, so don’t forget winter tires.
- Q. Does it cost money to take the water?
- A. The water itself is free! You can take as much as you like just by paying the environmental preservation fee (100 yen) at the entrance.
Recommended Nearby Spots to Visit with Shirakawa Suigen
There are many other attractive spots within a 10-minute drive. Please use this for your drive course.
1. Takamori Station (approx. 10 mins by car)
A must-see for fans of the manga “ONE PIECE”! This Minami Aso Railway station features a “Franky Statue.” If you are lucky, you might see a themed train. The station building is new and great for photos.
📍 View on Google Maps2. Takamori Spring Tunnel Park (approx. 5 mins by car)
Another great spot to cool off in summer. Originally dug as a railway tunnel, construction was halted due to massive flooding, and it is now a park.
A canal flows through the tunnel, making it chilly even in summer, and the illuminations are magical.
3. Roadside Station “Aso Bo no Sato Kugino” (approx. 10 mins by car)
A roadside station with a panoramic view of the five peaks of Aso. The vast grounds include a dog park, a children’s playground, and plenty of dining options.
There is even a “Montbell” outdoor store on site! In autumn, the fields of bright red Kochia bushes are popular for photos.
4. Isshingyo Grand Cherry Blossom Tree (approx. 10 mins by car)
A giant cherry tree that is 400 years old and 14 meters tall. It is breathtakingly beautiful when in full bloom in spring. Even outside of cherry blossom season, it is a spacious park perfect for a driving break or a walk.
📍 View on Google Maps[Editor’s Pick] Enjoying Camping with Spring Water
Why not take some famous water home or to your campsite? Here is how I enjoy it.
If you put Shirakawa Suigen water in a jug with excellent cold retention, you can drink cold famous water anytime at your campsite. Here is a recommended jug that looks rugged and cool.
“The Ultimate Outdoor Coffee” Brewed with Famous Water
It makes for a completely different, mellow coffee compared to tap water. Please try it.
- Put Shirakawa Suigen water in a kettle and boil it over a bonfire or burner.
- Once it boils, wait a moment to let it cool to about 90°C.
- Slowly pour hot water over fresh-ground beans.
- Enjoy a luxurious cup while listening to the sounds of the forest.
Summary: Let’s Drive to Aso on Your Next Day Off!
Shirakawa Suigen is not just a place to fetch water. It is a wonderful spot where you can feel “cool” with all five senses—the magnificent nature of Aso, the coldness of the water, and the scent of the trees.
It is also perfect for getting used to nature before starting camping. Why not go for a drive empty-handed, get your favorite bottle at the shop, and draw some water?
That single sip of water might be the entrance to your outdoor life.
