Beppu Benten Pond
Located in Itsukushima Shrine, Yamaguchi, Beppu Benten Pond is a natural spring which originates from Akiyoshidai Plateau - Japan’s largest Karst plateau. It was selected as one of the “100 best waters in Japan” in 1985 by Japan’s Environment Agency.Also named as “Water for Gods”, the pond has a circumference of about 40 m (131 ft.). Hidden in mountains and green trees, the water is crystal-clear turns to be greenish blue when the weather is fine. It’s also the water source for local rainbow trout farm and Ohmine brewery nearby.
A Divine Gift from Goddess
It is said that in ancient times people living on this land suffered from a lack of water. In a dream a local chief was told to build a shrine and worship the goddess Benzaiten. People did so and suddenly water gushed from underground. Thus the pond got its name and was regarded as a divine gift. In order to appreciate this blessing, local people dedicated Beppu Nenbutsu Dance to the goddess, which has become a ritual conducted every September now.Must-do Things at Beppu Benten Pond
1. Taste Some Water of the Pond
About 11 tons of water gushes out from the pond every minute, the temperature of which is 14 ℃ (57.2 ℉) all year round. And different from most underground water of Karst landform, the water here has relatively low calcium content which makes it more suitable for drinking. Because Itsukushima Shrine is considered to be a “power spot”, the pond water here is believed to bring longevity and wealth to those who drink it. You may take a bottle and get some cool pond water at specified place next to the pond. The water is free of charge, but you are recommended to donate some money to the shrine.2. Fish for Trout and Enjoy Fresh Trout Dishes
The water of Beppu Benten Pond is used for local trout farming. Nearby farm offers fishing ponds for visitors to fish for rainbow trout at a certain fee. You may enjoy the fun of fishing, catch your own trout and taste trout dishes freshly made by the restaurants near the pond. Grilled trout is a highly recommended delicacy. Other Japanese cuisine is supplied in these restaurants as well if you don’t want to eat fish.3. Drink Some Sake at Ohmine Shuzou
Ohmine Shuzou is a sake brewery near Beppu Benten Pond. Ohmine Sake is made by the pond water and has gain worldwide popularity by its unique flavor and distinctive package design since the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2013. There is a café with minimalist white look outside the factory, offering coffee, sweets, soft drink and sake. You may enjoy the idyllic landscape here, have a rest and taste some Ohmine Sake. The café is open from 10:00 to 17:00.Opening Hours & Ticket Fare
Beppu Benten Pond is open 24 hours all year round and is free to visit.Mine city public trout farm is open from 9:00 to 16:30. One fishing rod is 300 yen and if you take the trout away it’s 1,700 yen/1kg.