Hi! I’m Shenny, an intern at Aso Roadside Station.
Let me take you on a hidden journey through Aso’s Spring Water Walk (Mizuki Meguri)!
When people think of Aso in Kumamoto, they often imagine volcanic mountains and the historical Aso Shrine. But did you know there’s a charming street right in front of the shrine where faith, food, and fresh spring water all come together?
Welcome to Monzenmachi Shopping Street, home to Aso’s famous Spring Water Walk. It’s a peaceful walking route where you can discover local stories, drink crystal-clear spring water, and experience daily life just like the locals.
💧 Aso’s Natural Springs: Water that’s over 20 years in the making
Aso is one of Japan’s most famous spring water regions. The underground water flows through volcanic rock layers and takes more than 20 years to reach the surface. That means every sip you drink is aged by nature—it might even be older than you!
But this isn’t just for tourists. Local residents bring bottles or buckets to collect the water and use it for daily life—cooking rice, making tea, or drinking directly. Because the water flows through volcanic minerals, it’s incredibly clean and slightly sweet.
💡Travel Tip: Bring your own bottle or cup! Many springs along the way are free to use, and drinking from them is a fun and refreshing way to experience local life.
✍️ “Water of Literary Talent” & 💰 “Money Spring”: A sip of local belief
Here are two of our favorite stops during the walk:
- “Water of Literary Talent” (Bungō no Mizu): Located in front of the stationery shop Tanbaya. It’s said to bring inspiration and help with writing. My fellow intern Belle (from Taiwan!) drank several cups here—she said it might help her write a better blog post 😄
- “Money Spring” (Kin’un no Izumi): Found in front of a local bank. As the name suggests, this spring is believed to bring financial luck. Visitors often wash their wallets or toss coins in while making a wish. It’s fun and meaningful!
🗺️ Along the Spring Water Walk, there are a total of 36 different spring spots, each with its own name and meaning. From the Spring of Academic Success, to the Spring of Harmonious Sound, or the Spring of Long Life, each one is waiting to be discovered.
⛩ Yamura Shrine Gate & the Volcano Couple: A local myth in daily life
As we walked through the shopping street, we passed the torii gate of Yamura Shrine. Nearby is said to be the former home of the volcano god couple worshipped at Aso Shrine.
According to legend, the gods chose this sacred land by shooting an arrow—where it landed became their home. This story symbolizes fate and determination, and it’s still deeply respected by locals today.
🧧 Tanbaya’s Water Fortune: Secret messages revealed in water
Don’t miss the chance to try Mizu-mikuji, a special type of fortune slip sold at Tanbaya. At first, the paper looks completely blank. But when you dip it into spring water, letters and messages begin to appear—like receiving a message from the gods.
🌸 Spring Beauty: Cherry blossoms, picnics, and fresh mountain air
Both sides of Monzenmachi Street are lined with cherry blossom trees. Every spring, the street becomes a white flower tunnel, and locals love to picnic beneath the petals.
If you visit Aso during sakura season, this spot is a must-see for photos and peaceful walks.
🍡 Coming Soon: Food Made with Spring Water!
Monzenmachi Street is not just about water and faith—it’s also a place to enjoy delicious local foods. Many shops use Aso spring water to make traditional sweets and juicy Aso beef.
We’re currently working on a special feature about snack shops and steak restaurants—so stay tuned!
