Kawauda Spring (河宇田湧水, part of the Taketa Springs)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Among the Taketa Springs, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters, Kawauda Spring has the highest volume of water. Water that seeped into the volcanic terrain of Mount Aso is filtered over a long span of time, and cold, clear water keeps welling up year-round. A water-drawing area is well maintained, and it's something of a local treasure, drawing many people from inside and outside the prefecture carrying polytanks. Since it's right next to Nakajima Park River Pool, it's the perfect stop before or after water play. Put your hand in and it's surprisingly cold, giving you a physical sense of what the water in the river pool ahead will be like.

Tips

Bring empty plastic bottles or polytanks so you can take some of the famous water home. When lining up behind locals drawing water, wait your turn and avoid monopolizing the spot for a long time. The area around the water source gets wet and slippery, so remind children not to run.

Best time to visit

About 30 minutes. It's efficient to pair it with the river pool and stop by in the afternoon

Access & map

Iruta, Taketa City, Oita 878-0033