In Oita Prefecture, there are the mountainous
regions of Sobo Katamuki Mountain Ranges, Kuju Vo l c a n o Group,
Mt. Hiko, Inugadake Mountain Ranges and the lava plateaus of Kusu
and Yabakei. The spring sources in these regions have an abundant
supply of clear natural water and are closely linked to the residents'
lives. The mountain stream is part of the unique and beautiful scenery,
and it brings visitors a sense of peace and relaxation every season.
The water has been a source of life for marine creatures and a precious
asset of the local residents. Their predecessors built a small shrine
at the places where pure natural water sprang out and have offered
the god of water their appreciation, awe and respect.
With the water problems of contamination and an aggravation in the
quality of water, good and clear natural water is in high demand these
days.
As the concern about water has been growing, Oita Prefecture selected
particularly excellent water in the springs and streams of each locality
in 1988. These selections were introduced as the "Famous Waters
of Toyo-no Kuni" to appeal to the people's sense of closeness
to water and to keep the water quality. The 15 "Famous Waters
of Toyo - no Kuni" were examined using criteria such as clearness,
quantity, surroundings, hydrophilic, preservative condition, usage,
origin and history, rareness and uniqueness.
There are many excellent spring and stream waters in many places in
Oita other than the qualified springs, and these are used in various
ways by the residents and play an important role in supporting their
lives. |
Taste of Water |
|
 |
| What makes water tasty? Water contains various
chemical elements. The quantity and quality of these ele-ments make
good water. Calcium makes water sweet and smooth, potassium (kalium)
and silicic acid make it taste refreshing. Magnesium gives a bitter
taste, and sulfuric acid ion gives a strin en y. Thus, water may taste
good or bad depending on the proportion of such elements in the water.
According to the basic criteria, here are the best 5 of "Toyo-no
Kuni Famous Water"; (1) Miyagawataki-no-kuchi Waterfall, (2)
Renkoji Yusui Spring, (3) Mizu-no-kuchi Yusui Spring, (4) Shimizu
Bakuen Spring, and (5) Taketa Yusuigun Springs. |
| Spring
Water |
|
Oike Yusuigun Springs/Asono,Shonai Town
(qualified as"Best
100 Pure Water of Japan")
Gozendake Yusui Springs/Yugi.Maetsue Village
Kaminoi Spring/Hyugadomari.Saiki City
Kuju Oi-no Yusui Spring/Kayagi,kuju Town
Shimizu Bakuen Waterfall/Mori,Kusu Town
Shiramizu Waterfall/Kashiwabaru,Ogi Town
Seizuiji-no Reisui/Kutsukake,Oota Village
Taketa Yusuigun Springs/Nyuta,Taketa City and others
(qualified as"Best
100 Pure Water of Japan")
Mizunokuchi Yusui Springs/MInamihata,Yamaga town
Miyagawa-taki-no-kuchi Waterfall/Kawakita,Yufuin Town
Renkouji Yusui Springs/Kiura,Ume Town
|
| Moutain
Streams |
|
|
Kawakami Valley/Obira,Ogata Town
Shinyabakei:Utsukushi Valley /Shinyabakei,Yabakei Town
Takkiri Valley/Takkiri,Innai Town
Hakusan River/Hakusan area,Mie Town
(qualified
as"Best 100 Pure Water of Japan")
|
|
|
Taketa Yusuigun Springs (Taketa City)
Mizu-no-kuchi Yusui Spring (Yamaga Town)
Miyagawa-taki-no-kuchi Waterfall (Yufuin Town)
Renkoji Yusui Spring (Ume Town)
Shinyabakei : EUtsukushi Valley (Yabakei Town)
Takkiri Valley (Innai Town) |
