A Historic Spring Linked to the Secrets of Classical Poetry
Sogi Sui is a famous clear spring in Honmachi, Gujo Hachiman, selected as the number-one spot on the Ministry of the Environment’s “100 Best Waters of Japan” list. Also called Hakuun Sui, it is famous as the historic place where the poet Iio Sogi and the local lord To Tsuneyori exchanged farewell poems in 1471, when secret teachings of poetry were passed down. A traditional water system unique to Gujo Hachiman, Mizubune, is still taking places. The water is divided into steps: the source, drinking water, washing food, and rinsing clothes. This design shows the clever wisdom of old time daily life. In summer, the town holds the “Sogi Sui Shin-sai Festival” to thank nature for the water, creating a lively atmosphere together with the Gujo Odori festival.
