Masugata Pond

In short

​Masugata Pond​ is a pond in Kokubunji City formed by spring water welling up below the Kokubunji Cliff Line. Together with the surrounding springs, the "Otaka no Michi and Masugata Pond Springs" are designated as one of the Ministry of the Environment's Selected 100 Exquisite Waters. The name originates from a legend that Tamatsukuri Komachi, who suffered from illness, purified herself with this water.

• ​Pond Shrine and Benzaiten​​: There is a small shrine at the pond where Benzaiten is enshrined. Inside the shrine, many ema (votive wooden plaques) depicting snakes are dedicated.
• ​Springs Below the Cliff​​: Water welling up from various points along the cliff flows through an irrigation channel into the Nogawa River. A copse of mixed woodland remains in the surrounding area.
• ​Otaka no Michi​​: A walking path of about 350 meters along the clear stream. From spring to early summer, calla lilies along the path are also popular.

History and Highlights

​Masugata Pond​ is a spring-fed pond located below the Kokubunji Cliff Line. This cliff was formed by erosion from the ancient Tama River and is known as Hake. Water welling up from various parts of the cliff flows into the Nogawa River via Masugata Pond and the Motomachi irrigation channel. The volume of water is about 1,000 cubic meters per day.

There is a legend behind the name of the pond. According to temple records handed down at Kokubun-ji, it occurred in 848, the first year of the Kasho era. Tamatsukuri Komachi, suffering from a severe illness, visited Kokubun-ji and prayed to Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) for 21 days. A young boy then appeared and led Komachi to the edge of the pond. Telling her to wash and purify herself with this water, the boy vanished. When she did as instructed, her illness was cured, and it is said that Komachi returned to her true, original appearance (masugata). From this tale, it came to be called "Masugata Pond."

This group of springs corresponds to the northeastern corner of the ancient Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple precincts. A city planning document speculates that it was an important water source supporting the temple.

In the Edo period, villages in the city were designated as an otaka-ba (falconry ground) for the Owari Tokugawa clan. The name "Otaka no Michi" (Path of the Falcon) for the path along the clear stream comes from this.

The springs below the cliff line, including Masugata Pond, were evaluated for their excellent environment in combination with Otaka no Michi and were chosen as one of the Selected 100 Exquisite Waters in 1985 (Showa 60). It is also designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Tokyo and is included among the "57 Selected Springs of Tokyo."

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​The Shrine at the Pond​​: Benzaiten is currently enshrined in the small shrine at the pond. Inside, many ema depicting snakes are dedicated. Some people visit to pray for recovery from illness or safe childbirth. The principal image is unveiled once every 12 years.
• ​Spring Water​​: While the water was used for drinking in the past, it is not suitable for drinking today.
• ​Copse and Stream​​: In the surroundings, trees such as zelkova, inushide hornbeam, cedar, and Konara oak are frequently seen. Although situated within the city, the landscape of a copse of mixed woodland is well preserved.

Walking Tips

It is a 15-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Kokubunji Station, and a 12-minute walk from the South Exit of Nishi-Kokubunji Station. From the Kokubunji Station side, walking along the clear stream from the entrance of Otaka no Michi will lead you to Masugata Pond. The path is about 1 meter wide and runs through a residential area with private houses lining the immediate side. Please walk quietly.

Otaka no Michi is a walking path of about 350 meters along the clear stream, popular for calla lilies from spring to early summer, as well as for fireflies. Above the cliff is the lushly green Tokyo Metropolitan Musashi Kokubunji Park.

The ​Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple Site​ is about 260 meters southwest from here. For those returning to Kokubunji Station, you can also stop by ​Tonogayato Gardens​​, which is about 880 meters northeast.