Explore Niseko
A locals guide for things to do and see in Niseko Japan.
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Water water everywhere
Posted on July 9th, 2009 2 commentsEver wondered where all the snow in Niseko goes? A lot of it filters into the ground and later resurfaces as spring water. With an average annual snowfall around 13 meters, it’s no surprise that the quantity of spring water around the Niseko region is one of the largest in Japan.
Around the Niseko area there are many places to collect spring water. Some places are very popular as many Japanese believe certain spring waters to contain beneficial properties.
Kyogoku spring water
Fukidashi spring water of Kyogoku (15mins outside of Hirafu) was designated by the Environment Ministry as one of the greatest 100 waters in Japan. There is an Eki no Michi (road station) at Kyogoku where you can sample the spring water.
Fortunately for those without a car, you don’t need to travel to Kyogoku to taste one of the top 100 waters. The Hirafu Seicomart (local convenient store) stocks Kyogoku water.
Tofu samples Makkari
Makkari Village at the base of Mt Yotei, (halfway between Hirafu and Rusutsu ski resort) has a very popular natural mineral spring.
If you are heading to Rusutsu make sure you stop here as there is a very good tofu shop that uses the spring water to make fresh tofu. They also have a large selection of tofu products for free tasting.
With so many natural springs available you will never go thirsty in Niseko.
Spring water in St Moritz Niseko
Spring water in Annupuri
More spring water, this time Higashiyama
Mt Yotei spring water, Makkari
1 responses to “Water water everywhere”
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It is a lovely time of year to go out with the family, and collect spring water. I wanted to add one more location to your excellent list. Goshiki Onsen has one of the strongest mineral levels of any water available in the Niseko area. Its is free for the taking. Buy a 15 liter plastic tank from Homac [Kutchan Town] before you go, and you will be set for a week of pure spring fed drinking water. You you outside on all of the sunny days.
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[...] you plan on hiking from the Makkari side or Kyogoku side you can stock up on some of the fresh spring water before setting off. I have climbed from the Hirafu side and the hike took a total of 6 hours. The [...]
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Ryan Mentzos July 9th, 2009 at 05:31