Kakita River, Natural monument river in Shimizu, Japan
The Kakita River is a Natural Monument in Shimizu town, Shizuoka Prefecture, fed by underground springs that supply cold, pure water year-round. It stretches for a short distance through town, creating a cool, transparent waterway within the built-up area.
The river was designated for protection in the 1970s after riverbank construction threatened the environment. A community movement in the 1980s strengthened these safeguards, making it a notable example of conservation efforts in Japan.
The river holds the status of a Natural Monument of Japan and ranks among the three clearest waterways in the country. Visitors experience this clarity firsthand as they walk along the banks.
The water remains very cold year-round, coming from underground springs, so swimming is not typical. The river is easily accessible from the town center and offers good spots for walking and observing nature.
The water carries white pumice fragments from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, which dance visibly on the surface. These stones serve as a tangible reminder of the region's geological past.
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