Ikeyama Water Source: A Refreshing, Mystical Escape in Search of Pristine Water with My Dog

On a recent drive through Aso, I happened to spot a sign for “Ikeyama Water Source” (Ikeyama Suigen) in Ubuyama Village, Kumamoto Prefecture. With a casual “Let’s check it out” attitude, I decided to stop by, and I’m so glad I did—the soothing sound of the water made it a truly wonderful find.

While the vast, open landscapes of Aso are beautiful, this spot offers plenty of shade and a refreshing, crisp atmosphere. As soon as Elmo stepped out of the car, he seemed to sense the coolness and immediately hurried toward the source. Although it wasn’t our original destination, the water was even clearer than I had imagined, making it the perfect place to take a break during a drive on a hot day.

Walking Through a Cool Path Surrounded by Giant Trees

A well-maintained, easy-to-walk path leads from the parking lot to the water source. The path is reasonably wide, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll with Elmo.

The area is surrounded by massive trees that provide deep, cooling shade. Even in the height of summer, Elmo seemed comfortable walking here. Perhaps because of the dense greenery, the atmosphere was quiet and incredibly peaceful. But above all, I was stunned by the clarity of the water.

It was so transparent that you could clearly see the sand shifting on the bottom; just looking at it made me feel refreshed. Elmo also seemed fascinated by the shimmering surface, peering intently into the water from atop a bridge.

There was also a wisteria trellis near the water source. It was past its peak when we visited, but I imagine the view would be spectacular when the flowers are in full bloom.

Even Elmo Was Satisfied: A Spot to Collect Cold Spring Water

Just below the main source, there is an area where visitors can freely collect water, so we went down to take a look.

The water is surprisingly cold to the touch. It apparently maintains the same temperature year-round, and touching it feels like a bracing wake-up call. I quickly rinsed out an empty plastic bottle, filled it up, and gave some to Elmo. He usually drinks a lot of water, but he seemed to enjoy this icy-cold spring water even more than usual, drinking it down with great enthusiasm.

Satisfied after gulping it down, he suddenly stood up and tried to lick my face all over. My clothes got a bit wet in the process, but seeing him so happy made it all worth it. Since this was a spur-of-the-moment stop, I didn’t have a proper container with me, which was a bit of a shame. I ended up washing out a juice bottle I’d bought earlier in the drive and filling that up to take home. It’s definitely handy to have a few empty plastic bottles in the car for moments like this!

The Perfect Spot for a Relaxing Break

Ikeyama Water Source in Ubuyama Village, Kumamoto, is a beautiful place where you can truly relax.

Just taking a short walk while taking in the scenery provides a great sense of refreshment. I think Elmo enjoyed the cool water and the change of pace as well. If you find yourself driving through the Aso area, I highly recommend stopping by for a quick break. It isn’t a “flashy” tourist attraction, but it’s the perfect place for those who want to experience nature in peace.