Shirakawa Spring
白川水源
A spring in southern Aso gushing about 60 tons of clear water per minute. It is listed among Japan's 100 Famous Waters, and visitors can drink the water for free.
Shirakawa Spring lies within the grounds of Shirakawa Yoshimi Shrine in Minamiaso village. It is the source of the Shirakawa, a first-class river that flows through Kumamoto city. Spring water wells up from the sand at the bottom of the pond at about 60 tons per minute. Its temperature stays around 14°C all year, and it is crystal clear, earning it a place among Japan's 100 Famous Waters. Visitors can taste the water straight from a cup or fill their own containers. The shop at the entrance sells coffee, ice cream and Mizu Shingen mochi made with the famous spring water. A maintenance contribution of about 100 yen is requested. From the 'Minamiaso Shirakawa Suigen' stop on the Minami-Aso Railway, it is about a 10-minute walk. By car from Aso Crater it takes about 30 minutes. It can be combined with Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park and Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park
- Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater
- Kusasenri
- Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
- Aso Volcano Museum
- Komezuka
- Aso Farm Land
- Aso Shrine