Ryugakubo pond
Ryugakubo pond(竜ヶ窪) is located in the middle of forest of Tsunan-machi, Niigata Prefecture. The pond was certificated one of the 100 greatest springs by the Ministry of Environment in 1985. The water is perfectly clear and beautiful.
photo by Tusnan Town Tourism Association
Never get muddy!
It is said that the water of Ryugakubo pond never become muddy. Why the water keeps clean is because of the abundant volume of natural water gushing out from underground.
The water comes out estimated 30 tonnes every minute or 43000 tons a day. The whole water of the pond are replaced with fresh water in one day, so that water is surprisingly clean and transparent.
photo by Tusnan Town Tourism Association
The pond is glittering emerald green seen through watergrass in the water. The woods surrounding the pond is mirroring the surface of water, which is very impressive!
photo by Tusnan Town Tourism Association
photo by Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association
The fog lies over the pond after the rain, which is creating fantastic and mysterious atmosphere.
photo by Tusnan Town Tourism Association
photo by Tusnan Town Tourism Association
Ryugakubo has a legend of the dragon. The dragon god of the legend, a guardian god of the pond, is enshrined at the Ryugakubo shrine nearby. Every year shinto ritual is taken place to thank for divine protection.
photo by Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association
There are some public water fountains around the pond and anyone can take the free spring water home. The water temperature keeps 7℃ throughout the year, so it’s best to drink it in summer.
photo by Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association
photo by Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association
Ryugakubo pond is one of the most transparent and beautiful ponds in Japan. It’s definitely to visit this mysterious place once in a lifetime.
Spot Information
| Name | Ryugakubo pond(竜ヶ窪) | |
| Address | Yachi, Tsunan-machi, Nakauonuma-gun, Niigata, Japan | |
| Hours | – | |
| Closed | – | |
| Fees | – | |
| Website | http://www.tsunan.info |
Access
 | Route1 | |
| About 15 minutes’ drive from Tsunan station | ||
| View Map |
