Tonami City: Uriwari Shozu – Over 600 Years of History! This Sacred Spring Defied Drying Up & Still Gushes!

Uriwari Shōzu in Tonami City is a miraculous spring that has continuously flowed for an astonishing period of over 600 years. This pristine spring, cherished by the local people since the Muromachi period, has faced the risk of drying up several times throughout history but has been preserved to this day thanks to the efforts of local residents and the power of nature. From the origin of its name to its modern-day conservation activities, it is a precious cultural heritage of Tonami City, imbued with many stories and the aspirations of its people.

Origin and Historical Background of Uriwari Shōzu

The history of Uriwari Shōzu dates back to the early 15th century during the Muromachi period, functioning as a vital water source for the region for over 600 years. There are several interesting theories behind its distinctive name, "Uriwari Shōzu." The most famous theory suggests that a traveler, attempting to cool a melon he carried, immersed it in the spring. The water was so exceptionally cold that the melon split. Another theory attributes the name to the spring's abundant flow, suggesting the water gushed forth powerfully, as if forcefully splitting a melon. Its existence is detailed in ancient documents and local geographies from the Edo period, indicating it was widely known as "sacred water" or "famous water" even then. Local people have treasured this spring for generations as a "blessing from the gods" and have diligently worked to preserve the environment around it.

Historical Crises of Depletion and Their Overcoming

Throughout its long history of over 600 years, Uriwari Shōzu has faced several severe threats of depletion. Particularly significant crises occurred during the rapid modernization of the Meiji era, the period of high economic growth in the Showa era, and the urban development boom of the Heisei era. During these times, development in surrounding areas and excessive groundwater usage led to a significant decrease in the spring's water volume. However, each time, local residents united to launch efforts to protect the spring. Specifically, continuous activities included water source replenishment through forest maintenance around the spring, requests for development restrictions, and regular cleaning and water quality surveys. Tonami City also enacted ordinances to legally protect the environment around the spring, and citizen volunteer groups were formed to carry out organized conservation activities. Thanks to these joint efforts by both government and citizens, abundant and pristine water continues to flow today.

Contemporary Use and the Role of the Local Community

Today, Uriwari Shōzu is utilized in various ways as Tonami City's representative natural spring water. Water quality tests consistently show excellent results, making it a valuable source of drinking water for local residents. Nearby sake breweries use this spring water for brewing, and their refined sake is highly acclaimed nationwide. Among tea ceremony enthusiasts, it is renowned as "water that makes tea exceptionally delicious," and many people visit regularly to draw water. The area around the spring is maintained as a beautifully landscaped waterfront park, with fresh water constantly flowing at the water drawing station, attracting many citizens and tourists. The spring water is also often used as sacred water in local festivals and traditional events, deeply rooting it in the regional culture. Currently, citizen volunteer groups continue twice-monthly cleaning activities and water quality monitoring, ensuring that the over 600-year history is passed on to the future.

Uriwari Shōzu in Tonami City is a miraculous spring that has been preserved through an astonishing history of over 600 years and the indomitable efforts of local residents who have overcome numerous threats of depletion. This spring, which continues to gush pure water unchanged, serves as a testament to the weight of history and the crystallization of community love, deeply moving those who visit. When you visit Tonami City, take the opportunity to taste this historic spring water and experience the wonderful bond within the community and the blessings of nature that have been protected for 600 years.