Imagine a tea master’s surprise long ago. He discovered water better than the famed Uji River water. This marked the beginning of the story we explore today at the Chawankonomizu Stele.
The Chawankonomizu Stele marks a site of local legend. A clear spring flows beside a small Jizo hall. It is known as one of Kyoto’s famous waters.
Long ago a tea master residing in the capital always used water from the Uji River. He used it to prepare tea. A servant was tasked with fetching this water from the river near Uji Bridge.
One day the servant spilled the Uji River water on the way back. Near the current site he refilled the container. Unknowingly he used water from this local spring.
The tea master immediately noticed a difference. He saw it was not the usual water. Upon questioning, the servant confessed. He told the entire story with fear.
Instead of scolding the servant the tea master was impressed. He declared this spring water superior to Uji River water. After that there was no need to travel far to Uji. This spring became the tea master’s preferred source. It is now known as Chawankonomizu.
In June 2014 local efforts improved the area around the Chawankonomizu well.
Walking a little south of Honmachi Street past JR Inari Station, you will find the Chawankonomizu Stele. You have to turn east about 200 meters to cross the train tracks. The stele stands not within a temple but along a residential street.
A sign cautions visitors against drinking the spring water.
Near the well stand two song monuments. One displays a poem by Fujiwara Toshinari. He was a poet and courtier from the late Heian period. The poem reflects on the autumn wind in a deep village.
The second monument features a poem by Ota Shokusanjin. He was a Edo-period kyoka poet. His poem humorously references roasting sparrows. He alters Toshinari’s verse.
A Jizo statue stands within the grounds. This adds a spiritual presence to the site.
The tale of Chawankonomizu is a story of discovery. It is a story of unexpected delight and local pride. It reminds us that sometimes the best treasures are found close to home. They are often found in the most unexpected places. As we conclude our visit to the Chawankonomizu Stele let us carry its story. Let us appreciate the simple gifts around us.