Kumamoto City is the city with the world’s largest groundwater reserves.
It is also a very rare place where 100% of the tap water comes from groundwater.
- When Did the Use of Groundwater Begin?
It is said that more than 400 years ago, Kiyomasa Kato—who completed Kumamoto Castle—carried out flood control projects that helped develop the city’s abundant groundwater aquifers.
- Water Sources
Although there is only one river flowing through Kumamoto City, there are water sources scattered throughout the city, such as at Hakenomiya Park.
Hakenomiya Park is located about 40 minutes from the city center.
The water is crystal clear and very cold, with various fish swimming in it.
- Museum
The Kumamoto City Water Science Museum is located within Hakenomiya Park.
Admission: Free
Here, you can learn about Kumamoto City’s water supply system and gain information on water resources.
There is a shallow pool where young children can play.
It’s a wonderful facility where children can learn about the importance of water from an early age.
Side Note
Kumamoto City’s tap water is said to be the best-tasting tap water in Japan.
日本語
熊本市は世界一の地下水の都市。
そして水道水の水源は地下水100％のとても珍しいところです。
地下水の利用はいつから
400年以上前、熊本城を完成させた加藤清正の治水工事により、豊かな地下水脈を育てたと言われています。
水源
熊本市内を流れる川も1つですが、八景水谷（はけのみや）公園など至るところに水源があります。
八景水谷公園は市の中心部から40分くらいで行けるところです。
水が澄んで、とても冷たく、いろいろな魚が泳いでいます。
博物館
熊本市水の科学館が八景水谷公園の中にあります。
入場料：無料
熊本市の水道に関する展示や水資源に関する情報などが学べます。
小さな子供が遊べる水深が浅いプールがあります。
子供の頃から水の大切さなども学べる素晴らしい施設。
余談
熊本市の水道水は日本で最も美味しい水道水とも言われています。
I really appreciate these recommendations. I especially like that visitors can experience Kumamoto’s groundwater story in such a simple way—from learning about it at the Water Science Museum to actually tasting the water at the city hall, station, or even directly from a hotel tap.