Takatsugawa Suigen Park [Yoshika-cho, Kanoashi]

The source of the Takatsu River, “the clearest river in Japan,” where a summer festival is held every year

The Takatsu River is a Class A river that flows through western Shimane Prefecture.
In 2020, the Takatsu River was again selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as one of the “rivers with the best water quality.” In fact, this is the seventh time in the past 13 years that the river has been selected.
The Takatsu River, with its beautiful water, nurtures a rich ecosystem of fish and crabs such as ayu (sweetfish), yamame (landlocked salmon), and tsugani (crabs). Its subterranean water is used to make sake, a popular brew in the Iwami region.

The journey to Iwami to trace the tales of Japanese heritage starts at the source of Japan's clearest stream. Miwa Ishihara, who is a certified Kikisake-shi with a deep knowledge of Japanese sake, was intrigued to learn that the Takatsu River source is essential to Iwami's sake brewing.

“Every year in June, we have the Suigen Festival here, and on that day, there are many people lined up with cameras.”

Mr. Oba, the chairperson of the Amagoi (rain making) Rituals Preservation Society, gave a careful guided tour along the edge of the Daija-ga-ike Pond.

The Suigen Festival is celebrated by men carrying a large serpent made of straw jumping into the Daija-ga-ike Pond, before winding it around a thousand-year-old cedar that stands by the pond, and hoping for the benefits of rain. Mr. Oba is one of the core people who organize this annual festival.

“The water is very clear. The branches of the 1,000-year-old cedar themselves look like giant snakes, and you can feel its strength. It's a spiritual place!” While listening to Mr. Oba’s explanation, Miwa seemed to be imagining the rain-making rituals that would be held here.

You can see the straw serpent that was used in the Suigen Festival in the adjacent Suigen Kaikan. Even though you know it's made of straw, there exists such a powerful expression on its face that we feel as if it will come to life and start moving at any moment.

“I'd love to see the Suigen Festival next year - up close!”

Miwa left the water source area, praying that this traditional event, which the townspeople really look forward to, will be crowded again next year.