Beppu Benten Pond, Artificial pond in Mine, Japan.
Beppu Benten Pond is an artificial basin fed by underground springs that produce brilliantly colored water reaching about 4 meters (13 feet) deep. The water maintains a steady temperature throughout the year and flows into channels that extend across the surrounding area.
A clan leader established this site following a sacred dream in which he was instructed to honor the goddess Benzaiten at this location. Shortly after building the shrine, water began flowing from the ground, which the people regarded as a blessing for the region.
The location is closely tied to the nearby shrine and serves as a gathering place for traditional ceremonies performed by the local community. In autumn, people come together here to perform ancestral dances and honor the goddess enshrined at this spot.
Water can be collected at marked faucets located between the pond and parking area, with a donation box available if you wish to contribute. The site is easy to navigate and the collection points are clearly marked for easy access.
The water source discharges roughly eleven tons per minute, providing support for local farming through irrigation systems. This substantial flow also feeds a nearby municipal trout farm that operates adjacent to the site.
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