A silent sentinel stands before us. This is the Tenshin Tensan Water Underneath Stele in Takarazuka. Its weathered stone whispers tales of a bygone era. This unassuming monument holds a significant piece of Takarazuka’s history. It marks the spot where a crucial part of Takarazuka’s past was nearly lost.
The Takarazuka Tensan hot spring has a history stretching back 800 years. Its existence was known even in the Heian period. During the Meiji period its reputation as a source of mineral-rich water grew. People used it for drinking and bathing. In 1887 Hyogo Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture jointly opened the Takarazuka Tensan hot spring. The spring flourished. However the initial hot spring facility closed in 1892. The reason was surprisingly simple: not enough customers.
Later the Takarazuka Tensan hot spring reopened. This was after a major flood in 1897 damaged the original facility. The reopening coincided with the opening of the Hankyu Railway line in Takarazuka. The rebuilt hot spring was impressive. Many hotels and shops sprang up around it. It was a major spa destination.
However the hot spring’s fortunes shifted. The rise of modern residential areas and the Great Hanshin earthquake led to a decline in visitors. Today only a few establishments still use the Takarazuka Tensan spring’s water. These are Hotel Wakamizu Takarazuka Washinton Hotel and Naturalspa Takarazuka. They preserve the memory of Takarazuka’s history.
The stele we see today isn’t the original. The original stele was lost in the 1897 flood. This one was erected later as a memorial. It’s a poignant reminder of Takarazuka’s resilience.
This unassuming stone is more than just a marker. It symbolizes the town’s enduring spirit. It also represents the area’s rich history with carbonated water. It is a place of quiet reflection. It encourages us to contemplate the passage of time and Takarazuka’s remarkable journey. The Tenshin Tensan Water Underneath Stele stands as a testament to Takarazuka’s past its present and its future. It is a legacy etched in stone. Let us remember this spot in Takarazuka.