Madono's Spring Water

Overview

Madono's spring water is a mystical place nestled in the abundant nature of Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture. From the parking lot, developed in a former mining quarry, you'll immediately encounter a breathtaking sight: moss-covered rocks, beautiful like a Japanese garden. The crystal-clear water flowing through it will leave you speechless. Water gushes out from everywhere, creating a mystical landscape. The reason the water is so beautiful is because the Madono River is a "伏流水" (fusui-ryu), or resurgence stream. A resurgence stream is a phenomenon where flowing water submerges underground and then resurfaces between rocks. The area around the Madono River is composed of limestone, and as the river travels underground for about 2 kilometers, it's purified. It's a natural water purifier! To prove this, if you go further upstream from the pool, the river suddenly disappears. The river only reappears during heavy rainfall—a truly mysterious world unfolds here. Because of its beauty and precious environment, the Madono River has been selected as one of the "Gifu: Water and Green Environment 100 Selections". In recent years, one of the reasons Madono River's spring water has become so popular is the "Madono River Koumyou". Koumyou refers to the phenomenon of sunlight filtering through the trees. In the summer mornings, depending on weather conditions, the light reflects off the morning mist, creating a fantastical scene like a curtain of light. Photos capturing this moment became a hot topic among photographers, and it's now a popular spot for many camera enthusiasts. The "koumyou", the mystical morning mist, the flowing clear river, and the beautiful moss—it's a fleeting work of art created by nature. The conditions for this phenomenon are best met in the early mornings of summer (July and August) when the difference between the water temperature and air temperature is large. The optimal time is around 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM (with 8:00 AM being the peak). While the chances of witnessing this miracle are rare, it's an unforgettable experience. Give it a try!