11. Katsuragawa (Yamanashi)

Photographer’s comments: The source of this river is a subterranean spring that wells up from beneath Mt. Fuji, bubbling up through the lava beneath the sacred mountain after a 50- to 100-year journey from deep within the earth. People have traditionally called this the water of the gods.

River data: The river rises in Lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes; waters from subterranean streams join the river in Oshino Hakkai springs. After merging with numerous tributaries, the river enters Kanagawa Prefecture, where it becomes the Sagamigawa. Combined length: 113km.