Sunto District: Spring Water, Cultural Heritage and Views of Mount Fuji

Spring water is more than just a landscape feature in the Sunto District: in Shimizu, you can observe springs emerging and experience the water’s chill for yourself; in Nagaizumi, a historic irrigation system tells the story of how water was used. The area also offers parks with views of Mount Fuji and the historic Ashigara Pass in Oyama. Each place has its own appeal—from nature experiences and local history to challenging cycling climbs.

See and feel the spring water

The Kakita River in central Shimizu is a spring-fed river in the Kano River system, supplied by abundant spring water from Mount Fuji. It has been designated a national natural monument since 2011, was included in the selection of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters in 1985, and is one of Japan’s three major clear-water rivers. At Kakita River Park, you can observe the springs year-round from the first and second viewing platforms. At the spring-water area, you can put your feet in the water and feel its chill—a direct way to experience what defines the river.

Parks for views and time by the water

At Maruike Park in Shimizu, a pond is part of a city park that opened on January 13, 2019. A spring-fed pool is about the size of a tennis court, and many children can safely play in the water there at the same time. Views of Mount Fuji change with the seasons as you walk. For families, this makes for a special combination of activity in the park and a practical place for water play.

Other parks offer their own viewpoints: Honjōyama Park in Shimizu has walking trails and a summit platform where you can take in views of Mount Fuji and the entire city. Ayutsubo Park offers a sweeping view of Ayutsubo Falls, a geosite in the UNESCO Global Geopark Izu Peninsula. When planning your day, you can choose between walking trails, changing views of Mount Fuji and a look at a geological feature.

Water engineering and local history in Nagaizumi

The Honjuku irrigation system in the Honjuku area of Nagaizumi draws water from a weir upstream of Ayutsubo Falls on the Kise River. The system includes a tunnel about 500 meters long and a canal approximately two kilometers long. On November 4, 2023, it was registered as World Heritage of Irrigation Structures. The tunnel and canal give a sense of the scale of this water engineering project.

The Cultural Properties Exhibition Hall in Nagaizumi displays materials on local history and folklore, including stone tools and historical documents. The permanent exhibition ranges from Stone Age stone tools more than 32,000 years old to documents from the Edo period. In the hands-on area, visitors can handle pottery, among other activities; admission is free. Check the latest operating information before your visit.

Ashigara Pass and Oyama’s cultural heritage

Ashigara Pass, at an elevation of 759 meters, has served since ancient times as an important route between eastern and western Japan. At the pass, the main enclosure, other kuruwa rampart sections and dry moats remain; the site also offers views of Mount Fuji. Pottery shards found there date from the Jōmon period and the Nara and Heian periods. The pass thus brings together several layers of history at a single named site.

In Oyama, Kintarō, also known as Sakata Kintoki, is remembered as a local hero and a source of local pride. Educational materials identify Oyama as Kintarō’s birthplace. The cultural heritage at Hōmon Park includes six registered tangible properties, including Hōmon Hall. The Harunire elm also stands on the grounds of Fuji-Asama Shrine in Subashiri: it has been designated a natural monument of Shizuoka Prefecture since February 19, 1963, and its trunk circumference is four meters and its height is 24.5 meters.

Cycling and choosing the right vacation rental

With the steep Fujiazami Line and three mountain passes, Oyama offers opportunities for challenging uphill cycling. Its hilly, natural landscape is also suited to cycling. This is a different focus from spending a day by spring water and park pools or visiting the historic sites at Ashigara Pass.

When choosing a vacation rental, it is worth deciding first how you want to spend your days: would you like to focus on springs and water experiences, visit parks and viewpoints, explore cultural history, or tackle challenging climbs by bike? Then base your search on the municipalities whose experiences match your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nagaizumi, Izu.

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