Uchinuki Plaza

Flow of the course

About this spot

The town centre of Saijo has many free-flowing wells known as Uchinuki, where groundwater gushes up of its own accord, and together with the waterways they have been developed as the Aquatopia water system. The water rises without any pump because rain that soaked into the Ishizuchi mountain range (石鎚山系) travels underground and arrives here. Dip your hand in and it is startlingly cold even in midsummer, so you understand with your body why this land is called a city of water. Bring an empty bottle and you can fill it and take some home. The water you play in at the flowing water facility in the afternoon is the same gift from Ishizuchi.

Tips

The wells stand right beside people's daily lives, so use them quietly and do not disturb the neighbours. Whether the water is drinkable is signposted differently at each site, so always check the notice. The edges of the waterways are slippery, so keep an eye on small children.

Best time to visit

About 40 minutes. The coldness of the water stands out most at midday in high summer.

Access & map

〒793-0041 愛媛県西条市神拝甲