VOL.204 JUNE 2025
JAPAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH WATER
Hokuto City: A Land of Pure Waters, Sustaining the Future
Ojira River has been included in the 100 Best Water Sources of Japan.
Photo: Hokuto City
Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s premier locations for famous water sources. Three of its local sources—the springs in the south of the Mount Yatsugatake plateau,1 the Hakusyu and Ojira River,2 and the headwaters of Mount Kinpu and Mount Mizugaki3—have been selected by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment for inclusion in the 100 Best Water Sources of Japan.4 We spoke with a city official to learn more about efforts to protect these vital water resources and the initiatives being carried out by the local community.
Photo: Hokuto City
Yamanashi Prefecture, located just west of Tokyo, is a region surrounded by mountains, including Mount Fuji. Hokuto, a city in the northwest part of the prefecture, is blessed with abundant nature and framed by high peaks such as the Southern Alps5 and the Yatsugatake Mountains,6 both rising to around 3,000m. Within the city are sources for mineral water, making it a hub for industries that utilize these famous waters. An official of the Hokuto City Environment Division spoke about the city’s efforts to conserve its vital water resources, as follows:
“In Hokuto, efforts include registration as a Biosphere Reserve (BR),7 designation of the Murayama Rokkamura-segi Irrigation Canal8 as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure,9 and conservation of forested watersheds. In collaboration with citizens, businesses, and organizations, the city conducts water quality surveys of rivers designated among the 100 Best Water Sources of Japan, holds environmental seminars, and actively engages in activities to preserve water quality. Additionally, with the cooperation of companies and individuals both inside and outside the city, a fund is managed to support conservation activities and related organizations.”
Since 2015, the world-class ‘Mizu no Yama’ (literally ‘Water Mountain’) Project has been promoted in Hokuto to highlight the value of its water resources globally and to stimulate regional revitalization. As part of this initiative, from 2022 to 2024, local high school students and businesses collaborated in the ‘Mizu no Yama Youth Idea Project,’ learning about water resources while actively promoting their value.
YAMADA Shinji of the Hokuto City Tourism Division commented as follows: “Through lectures, company visits, and other activities, the high school students learned the importance of living in harmony with water while protecting the Earth's environment, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy peaceful and prosperous lives on a beautiful planet. Their interest extended beyond water resources to include geology, geography, and the region’s history, fostering a deeper understanding of nature and a stronger attachment to their community. While they once described the value of water mainly in emotional terms such as ‘water purity’ and ‘deliciousness,’ incorporating data-based approaches through research and information sharing has added new depth to their understanding of its true value and taste.”
Going forward, the city plans to widely promote this water-based lifestyle and learning, aiming not only to boost tourism but also to encourage relocation and contribute to sustainable regional development. “Water is a precious resource shared by the entire world. Having delicious water in Hokuto is a major strength, not only for tourism but also as an attractive place where people want to live,” YAMADA emphasized.
Efforts to accommodate the increasing number of international tourists each year are also underway. “The Hokuto Tourism Association’s website now supports multiple languages, allowing visitors to book Japanese cultural experiences and tours. At the city office, staff members from overseas work as tourism coordinators as part of a system being developed to welcome inbound tourists,” he added.
Why not visit Hokuto City and experience its pure water, a gift from the mountains and forests?
Photo: Hokuto City
- 1. A group of natural springs scattered across the towns of Nagasaka and Kobuchizawa in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
- 2. A river flowing through Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Known for abundant groundwater in its basin and recognized as a source of exquisite water.
- 3. Mount Kinpu is a 2,599m mountain spanning Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. Mount Mizugaki, located in northern Hokuto City, stands at 2,230m. Both belong to the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.
- 4. Designated in 1985 by the Ministry of the Environment to promote water environment conservation, this refers to rivers, springs, groundwater, and other sources of clear, pure water throughout Japan. In 2008, an additional 100 Heisei-era waters were added, bringing the total number of selected sites to 200.
- 5. Commonly known as the Akaishi Mountain Range, this mountainous area features 3,000m peaks including Mount Kitadake, the second highest mountain in Japan. It has long been a popular destination for mountaineers.
- 6. A mountain and highland area extending north to south from Nagano Prefecture to Yamanashi Prefecture. Designated as a quasi-national park, it is easily accessible from Tokyo and is a popular spot for hiking and nature activities.
- 7. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (BR) program aims to harmonize ecosystem conservation with sustainable use. It seeks to protect local nature and culture while promoting sustainable community development. Japan has ten registered sites, and Hokuto is the only city in the country with two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves within its boundaries.
- 8. An exceptional canal system built over 1,000 years ago that is still in use today for irrigation and daily living. It was constructed in a mountainous area with steep slopes and few rivers—an environment with harsh conditions for agriculture.
- 9. Established by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), this program aims to highlight the history and development of irrigation, promote awareness and understanding, and support the proper maintenance of irrigation facilities. It recognizes and registers irrigation structures that are over 100 years old and possess historical, technical, and social value.
By TANAKA Nozomi
Photo: Hokuto City; PIXTA