Hardness
16.0
pH
7.6
Amount of Water Withdrawn (liter/minute)
10.8ｔ
Legal Control
×
Winter Season
×
The gushing point of this spring water is located in the mountain forest 200 meters up the gently sloped meadow to the left of the lift platform for Hotaka Ranch. In the sunbeams through trees, enjoy the cool subsoil water while breathing the air filled with phytoncide.
Surrounding Area Information
While this place is a ski slope in winter, the lift is also operated for a certain period during summer for visitors who come for mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and ranch experience purposes. Mt. Hotaka, 2,158 meters above sea level, is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The last stop of the lift is Sangodaira, and this is the starting point of a trail up the mountain.
There is a forest zone comprising birch and beech trees. Since beech trees have a high water-retaining capacity, they contribute to the maintenance of rich forest vegetation and attract hikers by creating a green tunnel. Halfway through the trail, there is a site where a movie Sleeping Man (director: Kohei Oguri, 1996) was filmed. The remaining trail up to a bothy is a course best suited for casual forest bathing.
While this place is a ski slope in winter, the lift is also operated for a certain period during summer for visitors who come for mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and ranch experience purposes. Mt. Hotaka, 2,158 meters above sea level, is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The last stop of the lift is Sangodaira, and this is the starting point of a trail up the mountain.
There is a forest zone comprising birch and beech trees. Since beech trees have a high water-retaining capacity, they contribute to the maintenance of rich forest vegetation and attract hikers by creating a green tunnel. Halfway through the trail, there is a site where a movie Sleeping Man (director: Kohei Oguri, 1996) was filmed. The remaining trail up to a bothy is a course best suited for casual forest bathing.
The area (in Katashina Village) at the foot of mountains centering on Mt. Hotaka is designated as one of the Forests of Water Sources by Gunma Prefecture. Students in the Natural Environment Course, Oze High School regularly visit the area throughout the year to investigate the overall condition of the forest, such as plant and animal ecology and the amount of snow cover, at dozens of stationary observation points.
In 2001, this activity became an ongoing activity that has scientific methods and a strong sense of purpose. Figures and observed images that were obtained from the activity were compiled into a database and disclosed to the public (see below).
The area (in Katashina Village) at the foot of mountains centering on Mt. Hotaka is designated as one of the Forests of Water Sources by Gunma Prefecture. Students in the Natural Environment Course, Oze High School regularly visit the area throughout the year to investigate the overall condition of the forest, such as plant and animal ecology and the amount of snow cover, at dozens of stationary observation points.
In 2001, this activity became an ongoing activity that has scientific methods and a strong sense of purpose. Figures and observed images that were obtained from the activity were compiled into a database and disclosed to the public (see below).
While blessings from nature are not limited to tasty spring water, they will be lost for good unless we humans respect the power of nature and make up for what we have destroyed directly and indirectly. People in Katashina Village deeply recognize it since it is a mountain village.
Parking Information
Visitor parking is available.
Forests of Water Sources investigation activity by the students in the Natural Environment Course, Oze High School
Investigation of animal footprints
Investigation of mushrooms
Investigation of Japanese black salamanders in an artificial pond
Investigation of snow cover
Observation on snow
Observation of the impact of snow and wind
Investigation of small mammals
Investigation of unborn beech trees
Investigation of small mammals
Investigation of wild birds
Identification of the species of rats captured
Investigation of greenhouse gases
Students install chambers (cylindrical containers that can be sealed up) to collect gases generated from the soil.
The results of the activity that the students have succeeded from their seniors (graduates) have been highly recognized in society as shown by the Miraikan Award they received in 2009 from the Central Examination Committee for Japan Students Science Awards for addressing sujects such as the Investigation on the Amount of Snow Cover of Natural Forests in Mt. Hotaka.
Photos provided by the Natural Environment Course, Gunma Prefectural Oze High School
For other research projects and awards, please visit the website below.
