Healing Springs: Japan’s Sacred Water Worship Explained
When travelers first arrive at a Shinto shrine in Japan, their first interaction with the sacred space is almost always through water. At the temizuya (purification pavilion), visitors rinse their hands and mouths, a ritual act that bridges the gap between the profane world and the sacred realm of the Kami (gods). However, this ritual is merely the surface of a profound, ancient cultural current known as Reisui Shinko (Spirit Water Worship).
Japan, a volcanic archipelago blessed with abundant rainfall and rushing rivers, has revered water not just as a resource, but as a living spiritual entity for millennia. From the mountain springs believed to heal illnesses to the deep pools inhabited by dragon deities, Reisui Shinko offers a fascinating lens through which to view Japanese history, spirituality, and geography.
The Origins of Water Worship
The roots of Sacred Water Worship are deeply embedded in the indigenous faith of Shinto, which is animistic by nature. Ancient Japanese people believed that spirits, or Kami, resided in all natural phenomena, with water being one of the most potent. Water was seen as the source of life for rice cultivation—the backbone of ancient Japanese society—and as a powerful purifying agent.
This belief system is centered on the concept of Misogi, or ritual purification by washing the entire body. In ancient times, before the construction of elaborate shrine buildings, worship occurred directly in nature. Rivers, waterfalls, and springs were the original sanctuaries. The purity of water was synonymous with moral and spiritual purity. If one accumulated kegare (pollution or spiritual withering), only the vitality of fresh, flowing water could wash it away and restore the spirit to its original, vibrant state.
As Buddhism entered Japan in the 6th century, it syncretized with these indigenous beliefs. Buddhist monks, particularly those of the esoteric sects like Shingon, practiced waterfall meditation (Takigyo) to cultivate mental fortitude and cleanse bad karma, further cementing water’s status as a conduit for spiritual awakening.
Legends of the Deep: Deities and Dragons
Japanese folklore is teeming with legends regarding Reisui (spiritual water). Perhaps the most famous mythological basis for water purification comes from the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), Japan’s oldest historical record. The text describes the deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto, who, after escaping the filth of the Underworld, bathed in a river to purify himself. From the washings of his face, the three most important Shinto deities were born: Amaterasu (Sun Goddess), Tsukuyomi (Moon God), and Susanoo (Storm God). This foundational myth established water as the medium of divine birth and renewal.
Another pervasive legend involves the Ryujin, or Dragon God. In rural Japan, deep pools at the base of waterfalls or calm parts of a river are often designated as the Dragon Palace. It is believed that the Dragon God controls the rain and the flow of water. In times of drought, farmers would perform rain dances or ceremonies at these sacred springs to appease the dragon.
Furthermore, there are countless local legends surrounding figures like Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Traveling across Japan, he is often credited with striking the ground with his staff to bring forth springs of “miracle water” (Kobo-no-mizu) to save parched villages. These springs are still visited today by those seeking healing for physical ailments.
Modern Culture and “Power Spots”
In contemporary Japan, Reisui Shinko has evolved but remains vibrant. The religious awe has blended with health consciousness and the tourism trend of visiting “Power Spots”—locations believed to be charged with special spiritual energy.
The Japanese Ministry of the Environment has even designated the “Top 100 Famous Waters of Japan” (Meisui Hyakusen), a list that highlights springs and rivers with exceptional clarity and historical significance. These locations often attract long lines of people carrying empty plastic jugs, waiting to collect the water for tea, cooking, or drinking raw, believing it possesses superior health benefits and spiritual energy.
This reverence is also evident in the commercial sector. Water sourced from sacred mountains like Mount Fuji or Mount Tenkawa is marketed not just for its mineral content, but for its spiritual lineage. The ancient idea that water carries the essence of the mountain god is still very much alive in the modern consumer mindset.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing Sacred Water
For travelers looking to experience Reisui Shinko, here are a few ways to immerse yourself in the culture:
- Kibune Shrine (Kyoto): Dedicated to the god of water and rain, this shrine offers a unique fortune-telling experience called Mizu-ura Mikuji. You purchase a blank slip of paper and place it on the surface of the sacred water; the fortune only reveals itself when wet.
- Waterfall Meditation: For the adventurous, some temples near Tokyo and Osaka offer Takigyo experiences, where you can wear white robes and stand under a freezing waterfall under the guidance of a monk.
- Etiquette at Springs: If you visit a famous natural spring (like the springs of Oshino Hakkai near Mt. Fuji), observe the locals. Do not throw coins into ponds unless explicitly permitted, as it pollutes the water. If collecting water to drink, ensure it is designated as potable (inryosui).
- The Temizuya Ritual: Always perform the cleansing ritual when entering a shrine. Scoop water with the ladle, rinse your left hand, then your right, pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth (do not touch the ladle to your lips), and finally lift the ladle vertically to wash the handle.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. This text contains the foundational myths of Izanagi’s purification.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides historical context on early imperial rain rituals.
- Shinto: The Way Home by Thomas P. Kasulis. Offers philosophical insight into the concept of purity and nature.
- Sacred High City, Sacred Low City by Steven Heine. Discusses the role of water in urban religious practices.