Daisetsuzan National Park

Asahidake Visitor Center Multilingual Guidance

The Blessing of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range: Water

The large amounts of rain and snow that fall in the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range penetrate into the ground or flow down the surface to the foot of the mountain. During this time, the volcanic ejecta stratum serves as a natural filter, removing small debris and organic matter. At the same time, natural minerals dissolve into the water. The “mineral water” created by the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range is used in agriculture, tourism and as drinking water, and supports the lives of residents in Higashikawa Town.

A Town with Groundwater for All Households

One major aspect that Higashikawa Town is proud of is that it is a "town without a water supply". A town with groundwater for all households is rare even in Japan, and Higashikawa is the only town in Hokkaido to have this system. The town's residents pump the groundwater, which is the "mineral water" created by the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range and which covers all of the residents' water requirements.

Cultivating Agricultural Products

The abundant water yielded by the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range is first stored in Lake Chubetsu before being drawn into Daisetsu Yusui Park. In early spring, there is a great deal of melted snow, making the water temperature low. Thus, after adjusting the temperature at Daisetsu Yusui Park, the water is supplied to the fields and is used to cultivate Higashikawa Town’s agricultural products, such as the brand-name “Higashikawa Rice (rice produced in Higashikawa)” and vegetables known by the general term “Higashikawa Salad (vegetables produced in Higashikawa)”.