[Yamagata, Obanazawa City] Oak Grove and Famous Springs of Longevity | One of Yamagata’s 100 Best Springs

2021/07/12 2025/09/16 This site contains advertisements.　Category: Going out

Hello!
Yamagata Prefecture is home to many springs certified as one of the “Yamagata’s 100 Famous Village Waters.”
Among these, the “Oak Grove, Longevity Water” in Obanazawa City is one of the most highly transparent springs, long beloved by locals.

This time, we’ll share our visit and introduce its charms.

TOC

What are the “Yamagata’s 100 Famous Village Waters”?

Yamagata's 100 Famous Village Waters

Yamagata Prefecture is dotted with springs that have been named one of the “100 Famous Village Waters of Yamagata.”
The springs selected must meet several criteria, including having good water quality and quantity, being involved in conservation activities by local residents, and being hydrophilic, being useful, and being in harmony with the natural landscape.

The Yamagata Prefecture official website also introduces the locations of each spot, so it can be a useful reference for visiting these famous springs.

Yamagata Prefecture Official Website | Top 100 Village Waters of Yamagata

Today, we’ll take a drive to one of these waters, the “Oak Grove, Longevity Water” in Obanazawa City, to collect some water!

Access to “Oak Grove, Longevity Water” in Obanazawa City

Oak Grove – Famous Spring of Longevity is located about a 20-minute drive east from downtown Obanazawa, along National Route 347, just before the bridge.
Locally, this spring water has long been known as “Naranugidazu no Mizu” (Naranugidazu no Mizu), and it has been beloved by villagers.

Even today, on holidays, many people from inside and outside the prefecture visit with plastic bottles in hand to draw a cup of the famous spring water.
The cool, refreshing spring water is sure to quench your thirst.

Oak Grove, Sign for Longevity Water Source 1
After driving for a while, you’ll see something on your left…

Oak Grove, Sign for Longevity Water Source 2
There’s a long, narrow sign like this.
Spring water sign

It’s easy to find, even for first-time visitors.

Located in a nature-rich area, upon arrival, you’ll be soothed by the quiet surroundings, echoing with the sounds of birds and insects.

Spot Name	Oak Grove and Famous Spring of Longevity
Phone Number	–
Business Hours	–
Closed Days	–
Address	〒999-4331 Habukuro, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	Approximately 18 minutes by car from Obanazawa IC
Parking	Available
Official Website & Social Media	–

I was amazed by the clarity of the spring water! I went and saw it for myself

The spring water is located a little way down from the road.

Clear Spring Water

The water is so clear you can see the bottom as you get closer, and it’s so clear you’ll find yourself peering into it.

Filling a plastic bottle with water

Filled plastic bottle with water
When I filled the plastic bottle I brought with me, it was so cold that the outside instantly became foggy!

Water Quality Test Chart
The results of the water quality test are posted nearby, demonstrating that the water is carefully managed by the local community.

Whether or not to drink it is up to you, but if you’re concerned, boiling it first is a safe option.

Try brewing coffee with this famous water!

Make coffee

It’s often said that the taste of coffee changes with the water.
I couldn’t help but imagine how delicious this clear, cold water would be in coffee or tea.
It would also be wonderful to collect some of this famous spring water and take it home to enjoy at home.

Summary

Oak Grove/Longevity Spring in Obanazawa City is a spring known for its exceptional clarity and coolness.
In this quiet place surrounded by nature, I was able to refresh my mind while collecting this famous spring water.
If you’re visiting Obanazawa, be sure to stop by. It’s the perfect place for a break during a drive or a girls’ trip.

Other recommended spots in Obanazawa City

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