Although this hidden spring valley often gets confused for being in the city of Niseko, Fukidashi park actually resides in the rural town of Kyogoku. The journey is only an hour ride from Sapporo station by car. It provides fresh spring water to hundreds, if not thousands of Japanese people weekly. Before reaching Fukidashi park, you must first go through the town of Kyogoku. This area at first seems rather silent, but once you stop and look around there is more that the eyes can see. In a small shop just 20 minutes from the spring, there are many things to discover. A small farmers market, a popular soba restaurant, and even a place to get Takoyaki. Here, there are many things to uncover, if you choose to actually take the time to (Which I highly recommend). After visiting the town you may proceed to the spring valley. Along the way the stunning view of the snow top mountain will simply take your breath away.
From my personal experience I can only describe it in one word. Serenity. Being able to experience this as a foreigner was an exciting treat. Being from Indiana the nearest fresh spring water is unknown to me so, Kyogoku piqued my interest from the start. The plants that grew around this spring were extraordinary. Pictures could not do the plants justice as they were the most vibrant green anyone may have ever seen. Seeing the plants flourishing from the water causes the mind to wonder what the water can provide for the humans who consume It. Before I carry on with the spring itself, I must first describe the journey. The car ride offers time to experience good conversation with whomever you travel with while enjoying the views of the farmland. While you are about halfway there you might get hungry so consider stopping at Satonoeki Hotto Kimobetsu. This is only listed as a roadside station, but it is so much more than that. Inside includes a small farmers market, two restaurants, and the love of many locals In the area. Satonoeki Hotto Kimobetsu features many local farmers’ produce that they are looking to sell. Some things were very experimental to me. They sold many homemade sauces, dips, and desserts. Along with produce and other goods, restaurants were also included in this “Roadside station.” Talking with some of the locals allows foreigners to get a better understanding of how important this place is for many townspeople. This station is a place for local farmers to sell their produce and get more exposure for their products and businesses as well. After leaving this town you are allowed to enjoy the view of the beautiful snow top mountains. You might even ask the driver to stop so you can capture a few photos of the stunning view that presents itself before you. (I indeed did stop to capture some photos). Upon reaching Fukidashi there were many people who were already collecting water for the day. Make sure to bring several jugs for water. This spring produces about 8 tons of water daily! Tours were being led throughout the park as well. Around the area included some Buddhist statues that add more emphasis on just how sacred this area was. People would stop to pray to the statues and give thanks for keeping this spring flourishing. A moss covered rock sat in the middle of the spring covered in a variety of green. The water was transparent as you could clearly see the thriving greenery at the bottom. The water maintains a consistent 6.5ºC (43.7ºF) throughout the year. This ensures that even if it is a hot day you can gather cool drinking water after your travels. Several spouts at the entrance of the park allow you to grab your water, but before that I would venture into the park area a bit. There you will find several spots to sit in the shade, enjoy nature, and chat for a bit. There is also a fitness challenge of about 150 stairs to climb. At the top isn’t much, but the view is simply stunning. Once you’ve enjoyed the park a bit and climbed the unlawful amount of stairs, it is a good idea to drink some of that water. The various spouts that are connected to the flowing water allow easy access. Once you have quenched your thirst, you will be able to fill any jugs you may have brought. This might be helpful to save a few dollars per week by not having to buy water. On the way out of Fukidashi park, there are an abundant amount of stands selling food and merchandise that are run by the locals of Kyogoku.
Yes, getting free water might not sound that exciting for most, but once you take the time to explore the park you can make it your own experience. Making the trip was interesting along the way to and from the park. The culture was interesting to take in. On our ride home we stopped at a local Udon restaurant. It is run by a local Japanese man, but he also had two workers who spoke no Japanese at all. This is a rare occurrence but also something that is becoming more common recently in Japan. Being able to discover things like this has been a privilege and it will always be on my list of places to come back and see when I visit Japan again.
-Jenna Owens
