Kumamoto

<p>The sign for the Ikeyama Fountainhead</p>

The sign for the Ikeyama Fountainhead (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Kumamoto

Ikeyama Fountainhead

Hidden spring in the grassy highlands of the Aso region

Mandy Bartok Dec 09, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The sign for the Ikeyama Fountainhead</p>

<p>The bridge leading back to the spring itself</p>

<p>The area is incredibly peaceful and little visited, except by locals</p>

<p>In autumn, the maples here turn a spectacular shade of red</p>

<p>The spring, which has been supplying the Ubuyama community with fresh water for generations</p>

<p>More maples a bit downstream from the spring</p>

<p>Locals fill their water bottles with the spring's water</p>

<p>Autumn foliage near the spring</p>

It's a bit of a surprise to come across the Ikeyama Fountainhead, hidden down a narrow lane that winds through the grassy highlands of the Ubuyama area north of Mt Aso. While Japanese silver grass covers most of the highland area in the autumn, this small pocket surrounding one of the area's pure water sources is ablaze with colorful maple trees. It's a popular spot in any season for locals to come and fill up their water jugs and it's worth popping a coin into the donation box to take away your own refreshing taste of the mountains.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.