Ryugakubo
Also written: 竜ヶ窪 · 龙久保
An emerald-green spring-fed pond that never becomes turbid. The surrounding lush forest is reflected on the water surface, giving a mystical atmosphere; a hidden gem.
An Illustrated Japan / Niigata / Famous Views
About this place
Ryugakubo Pond sits at about 450 meters elevation on the Akazawa Plateau between the Nakatsu and Shikumi tributaries of the Shinano River in Tsunan Town, Niigata. The spring emerges at 30 tons per minute, 43,000 tons daily, in a basin 220 meters long, 70 meters wide, 1.5 to 2 meters deep, covering 11,900 square meters (0.0119 square km). Because the entire volume is replaced in 24 hours, turbidity never develops. Water temperature is 6.5-6.9 C near the source, rising to about 11 C on the surface, maintaining soft, weakly acidic mineral content ideal for drinking. The site is at Ryugakubo 1925 in Tsunan, designated Niigata Nature Conservation Area in 1974 and one of Japan's Top 100 Exquisite Waters in 1985. A one-minute walk from parking leads to a free drinking fountain with a donation box supporting conservation. Surrounding broadleaf forest contains 67 species including beech, mizunara, and Japanese magnolia, reflecting in the emerald mirror pond. Local legend says a dragon god created the pond after villagers returned its egg during a drought; Ryugakubo Shrine still honors that deity nearby. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship.
