52 Million Dollar Spring

## Overview 52 Million Dollar Spring is a public drinking spring located in the Kyoto area of Japan, near the coordinates 34.9688°N, 135.7853°E. Situated in a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage and reverence for natural water sources, this spring sits within the greater Kyoto Prefecture — an area where natural springs have been cherished for centuries, often tied to tea ceremony culture, temple rituals, and traditional sake brewing. The evocative name "52 Million Dollar Spring" suggests a site of considerable local significance, though the precise origin of the name remains unclear. In Japan, named springs (known as *meisui* or "famous waters") are often celebrated for their perceived purity and mineral qualities, and many have been used as drinking water sources by local communities for generations. Visitors have historically sought out springs like this one for their reputed freshness and taste. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in the Kyoto metropolitan area at GPS coordinates **34.968830, 135.785277**. 2. Using a GPS device or mapping application, navigate to these coordinates. The location falls within the eastern portion of Kyoto, in an area that is generally accessible by public transit or car. 3. If traveling by train, the nearest major rail hub is Kyoto Station. From there, local bus lines or the Kyoto subway system can bring you closer to the area — check a local transit map for the stop nearest to the coordinates. 4. Once in the vicinity, look for signage or local markers indicating the spring. Named springs in Kyoto are often marked with small stone monuments or wooden placards. *Note: These directions are based solely on GPS coordinates. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact access route using a local mapping service before setting out.* ## What to Expect As a designated public drinking spring, 52 Million Dollar Spring is expected to be an accessible water source that locals and visitors alike can use. Springs in the Kyoto region typically feature clear, cool water that flows from underground aquifers filtered through layers of granite and sedimentary rock — a geological characteristic of the Kyoto Basin that has made the area famous for high-quality groundwater. The spring is likely equipped with a spout or basin for collecting water, as is common with public springs (*wakimizu*) throughout Japan. Many such springs in Kyoto are well-maintained by local community groups or municipal authorities. While the water from this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary with season and conditions. The spring's setting in the culturally rich Kyoto area means there are likely temples, shrines, and scenic walking paths nearby, making a visit to the spring a rewarding part of a broader exploration of the region.