Springs of Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture (June 8, 2021)
Clear Water Where Fireflies Live: One of Japan’s 100 Best Waters
Torigawa Firefly Village (Torigawa Hotaru no Sato) in Okazaki City has springs scattered all around. Together they have been selected by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as one of the “Heisei 100 Best Waters” under the name “Torigawa Firefly Village Springs.” In a popularity vote, they were ranked No. 1 in Japan as the best water in a hidden, remote place!
The most famous spring is Enmei-sui (“long-life water”). The photo shows Ubuyu Falls, about 500 meters from Enmei-sui.
Location and Access
Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. About 1 hour 29 minutes (79.0 km) from Nagoya by car via the Shin-Tomei and Isewangan expressways. From Okazaki-Higashi IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, it is about 12 minutes (7.6 km) by car to the Okazaki City Firefly School.
Official site: https://okazaki-kanko.jp/en
When we visited in June, fireflies were flying, and we also stopped at the Firefly School (no photos).
We happened to meet a local resident who told us that NHK would broadcast a program about the fireflies and the spring water on June 20, 2021.
The water is soft and delicious. We used it to make coffee.
Hydrangea Village
We also visited the nearby hydrangea village, where the flowers were in full bloom in shades of blue, purple and pink.
Okazaki also has a temple known for prayers to ward off cancer.
