The Kakita River is so clear and beautiful that it has been selected as one of the 100 best waters as the Kakita River Spring Group, designated as a national natural monument in the framework of “geological minerals,” and selected as one of the 100 best-kept secrets in Japan, despite being a private project.
The Kakita River originates from the underground water that gushes above ground through the rain and snow that fell around Mt. Fuji and through the lava that was washed away by the eruption of Mt. Fuji thousands of years ago.
Japan’s Three Great Clear Streams
The Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture, and the Kakita River in Shimizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture are known as the three clearest rivers in Japan.
The Kakita River is the shortest first-class river in Japan, with a total length of about 1.2 km, flowing through Shimizu Town, Sunto County, Shizuoka Prefecture.
The Kakita River in Pictures and Video
Most of the water comes from Mt. Fuji.
Ayu Sweetfish
Here you can see ayu (sweetfish) swimming upstream!
Ayu fish run up
How the Water Is Used
Because of its good quality and stable quantity, the water of the Kakita River is used for drinking as well as for industrial and agricultural purposes.
Behind the crystal clear water, there is an inexplicable mysterious deep blue color. It’s hard to imagine that this used to be a spinning mill well!
Drinking water is supplied to three cities and two towns in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture (Numazu City, Mishima City, Atami City, Shimizu Town, and Kannami Town), providing drinking water for 420,000 people.
Related Trips
Another spot spring
