EhimeLeisure

Uchinuki (うちぬき)

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Stroll the cool grounds of Isono Shrine, Saijo's ancient guardian shrine set in a sacred forest

About this spot

Saijo is a “city of water” known for “uchinuki,” groundwater stored in the granite layers of the Mount Ishizuchi range that naturally gushes up to the surface at various spots around the city. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Water Sources, the clear water endlessly welling up between stone walls and the ground is a curious sight for first-time visitors. Springs are scattered from around City Hall to around Saijo Station, so you can visit several while strolling through town. Even on hot summer days, the water stays cool, and dipping your hand in offers a refreshingly chilly sensation. It's a unique natural phenomenon found nowhere else, well worth experiencing on any visit to Saijo.

Tips

One JR stop (about 4 minutes) from Nyugawa Station toward Saijo Station, or about a 10-minute drive. The area around Saijo City Hall is an easy starting point for a walking loop. Some uchinuki springs are drinkable, but this varies by location, so check the on-site signage. A casual, refreshing stop to hydrate and cool off.