Ryugakubo Pond
龍ヶ窪の池
A mystical pond known for perpetually clear waters and the legend of a dragon.
Ryugakubo Pond is a 1.2 hectare pond fed by a vast reserve of ancient groundwater. A remarkable 43,000 tons of water well up from the pond daily, replacing it all in a single day. Such abundant and pristine spring water is an unmatched rarity in the region.
With no nearby rivers, the area’s local water supply relies entirely on springs like Ryugakubo Pond. Its waters can be easily drunk from a tap just a minute’s walk from the parking lot. The area was designated a Nature Conservation Zone by Niigata Prefecture in 1974, and acknowledged as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters in 1985.
Ryugakubo Pond is also rich with history and legend, and the two villages safeguarding it celebrate it with shrines and an annual festival in July.
General Information
| Address | 新潟県中魚沼郡津南町谷内6217 |
|---|---|
| Directions | ●Approx. 15 min. by taxi from Tsunan Station (JR Iiyama Line). |
| Car Park | ●Regular cars: Approx. 35 spaces |
| Opening Times | Closed in winter. |
| Prices | Parking fees |
| Notes | ●100 Best Waters of Japan ●Maximum depth of 1.5-2 m ●Natural pond |
| Contact Name | Tsunan Town Tourist Association |
| Telephone Number | 025-765-5585 |
| Fax Number | 025-761-7732 |
| E-mail address | kanko@tsunan.info |
| Website |
