The Kakita River in Shimizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, is so clear and beautiful that the Kakita River Spring Group has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters and designated a national natural monument. It has also been chosen as one of Japan’s “100 hidden treasures.”
The river’s water comes from rain and snow that fell on Mt. Fuji. It soaks into the ground, travels underground through layers of lava from eruptions thousands of years ago, and finally gushes out here as spring water.
One of Japan’s Three Clearest Rivers
The Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture and the Kakita River in Shizuoka Prefecture are known as Japan’s three great clear streams.
The Kakita River is the shortest Class A river in Japan, only about 1.2 km long, flowing through Shimizu Town in Sunto District.
The Kakita River in Photos and Videos
Most of this water comes from Mt. Fuji.
Ayu Sweetfish
Here you can see ayu (sweetfish) swimming upstream!
Ayu swimming up the river:
How the Water Is Used
Because the water is high in quality and stable in volume, the Kakita River supplies drinking water as well as water for industry and agriculture.
Beneath the crystal-clear surface lies a mysterious deep blue color. It is hard to believe that this spring was once a well for a spinning mill!
The spring provides drinking water for about 420,000 people in three cities and two towns in eastern Shizuoka: Numazu, Mishima, Atami, Shimizu and Kannami.
Related Trips
Mt. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine
Another spring water spot: Azumino, wasabi farms and spring water
