Can I swim or enter the spring pool at Ikeyama Suigen?

No, entering the main spring pool is prohibited to preserve its sacred nature and maintain water quality. However, visitors can enjoy the water by soaking their feet in the stream downstream from the main spring, which offers a refreshing foot-bath experience similar to traditional hot spring foot baths.

Is there an admission fee to visit Ikeyama Suigen?

Ikeyama Suigen is completely free to visit. There are no entrance fees or charges, making it an accessible natural attraction for all travelers. Parking is available for up to 30 vehicles at no cost.

What makes Ikeyama Suigen special compared to other springs in Japan?

Ikeyama Suigen is officially recognized as one of Japan's 100 finest waters by the Environment Ministry. The spring produces an exceptional 30 tons of crystal-clear water per minute at a constant 13.5°C year-round. It is surrounded by a mystical ancient forest with trees over 200 years old, and features a shrine at its center, reflecting the traditional reverence for sacred water sources.

What is the best season to visit Ikeyama Suigen?

While the spring offers beauty throughout all seasons, early spring is particularly striking when fresh greenery emerges in contrast to the surrounding winter landscape. The constant water temperature of 13.5°C makes it refreshingly cool during hot summers and relatively warm during snowy winters, providing unique seasonal experiences year-round.

Aso

Ikeyama Suigen

4.3 (1531)ParkScenic SpotTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 22, 2026

Ikeyama Suigen is a pristine natural spring located in Ubuyama Village in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. Officially recognized by Japan's Environment Ministry as one of the 100 finest waters in Japan, this sacred fountain head produces an extraordinary 30 tons of crystal-clear spring water per minute. The water maintains a constant temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius year-round, creating a refreshing oasis during summer and a relatively warm haven in winter when surrounding areas are covered in snow.

The spring is a product of millennia of volcanic activity in the Aso region, with underground mineral water bubbling up from deep beneath the earth. At the center of the spring pond stands a small shrine dedicated to the water deity, reflecting the traditional Japanese belief in the sacredness of natural water sources. The site is enveloped by an ancient forest of towering trees estimated to be 200 years old, creating a mystical atmosphere that transports visitors to another time. The lush green vegetation surrounding the spring remains vibrant even in the depths of winter due to the relatively warmer water temperature.

Visitors can walk around the spring pond and observe the remarkably transparent water teeming with aquatic life. While entering the pool itself is prohibited to preserve its sacred nature, guests are welcome to cool off in the water downstream from the main spring. The site offers a popular foot-soaking experience similar to traditional hot spring foot baths, allowing visitors to dip their feet into the refreshingly cold spring water while surrounded by nature. The spring's abundant flow supports local agriculture, producing high-quality vegetables and rice, and sustains wildlife including birds, fish, and deer that depend on this pristine water source.

The site is located in a rural area approximately 90 minutes by car from Kumamoto IC and Mashiki-Kumamoto Airport IC, 50 minutes from Kuju IC, or 90 minutes from Hita IC. Parking is available for 30 vehicles. The attraction is free of charge, making it an accessible natural wonder for all visitors. The spring is particularly striking when visited during early spring when the surrounding greenery contrasts sharply with winter landscapes.

Phone

+81 967-25-2211

Website

kumamoto.guide

Overview

Address

14-1 Tajiri, Ubuyama, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2704, Japan

Places & attractions near Ikeyama Suigen

Daikanbo

Mount Aso

A small, circular lake surrounded by lush green grass and hills under a partly cloudy blue sky, with tall grasses in the foreground and a mountain in the background.

Kusasenrigahama

Nabegadaki Falls, Oguni

Places & attractions near Ikeyama Suigen

Daikanbo

Mount Aso

Kusasenrigahama

Nabegadaki Falls, Oguni

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Dedicated to honouring the water source that feeds the village. You can fill up your bottles with the spring water near the carpark.

Alfred Sum

May 26, 2026

We came across its road sign on our way to Mount Aso and decided to pay a visit. This beautiful spring is tranquil and soul-soothing. It’s not a popular tourist spot—only a few people were around. There’s a local produce stall near the car park that operates on an honesty system. Cooking mama was happy to see it and wanted to buy everything. The café owner was very kind. We enjoyed our tea and red bean dessert there. One downside is that we came across a local who said that tourist visits are discouraged because the spring serves as their water source. The increasing number of visitors may pollute it, which is totally understandable. If that’s the case, though, they should consider removing the road sign.

I loved spending time at this spring and park. The spring water is free-flowing and tastes like very fresh tap water. It's different to the mineral spring water I consume from my local spring in Australia which is more sulfuric. So the spring water at Ikeyama is more palatable but there is nothing unique about the taste. Other than the spring water there is a lovely park, toilet and cafe. Not too many people around other than locals getting spring water.

ikeyama spring is a recommended place to visit while traveling around ubuyama, aso in kumamoto. you can enjoy the beautiful spring scenery while walking around the spring site filled with lush trees. then, you can drink the water directly because the water quality is very good.

Very lovely, incredible clear water. On location you can buy coffee with made with water from the spring. Worth a stop.