Kawai Guardian Deity Water Spring
The Kawai Guardian Deity Water Spring is located on Chiburijima Island, part of Chibu Village in the Oki Islands archipelago in the Sea of Japan, approximately 40-80 kilometers north of Shimane Prefecture. The spring sits along a roadside on the island's smallest inhabited territory, which has a population of around 600 residents. This natural spring has served the local community since ancient times and has been designated as one of the Top 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of Shimane Prefecture, recognized for both its quality and cultural preservation.
The spring holds deep cultural significance for the island's inhabitants, who visit daily to collect drinking water and pray for household health and safety. The site features a distinctive row of jizō bodhisattva statues that stand as guardian deities watching over the spring. These traditional Buddhist statues serve as protective figures, creating a serene spiritual atmosphere where villagers pause to offer prayers before filling their water bottles. The spring represents the intersection of practical necessity and spiritual practice in island life, embodying the self-sufficient lifestyle historically maintained by Chiburijima's residents.
Visitors encounter a tranquil roadside setting where the spring flows naturally under the watchful presence of the stone jizō figures. The location serves as an ideal first stop for those arriving on the island, offering both refreshment and an introduction to local customs. The site exemplifies the relationship between Chiburijima's natural resources and community traditions, particularly significant on an island where flat land is scarce and residents have historically relied on fishing and cattle raising for their livelihood.
Chiburijima Island is accessible via the Oki Kisen Ferry Line from Shichirui Port on mainland Honshu, with the ferry journey taking approximately 2.5 hours to reach Kurii Port. From there, inter-island ferries connect to other Oki Islands. Visitors can also fly to Dōgo Island's airport and take connecting ferries. Transportation on the island includes rental cars, electric bicycles, or walking, with the spring located along the main road network connecting the island's seven hamlets.
