Mitsui Historic Well: A Protected Water Source near Hōrin-ji
Follow a small lane to a nationally protected well whose unusual ceramic-brick lining reveals a side of ancient Ikaruga beyond its temples.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Mitsui Historic Well: A Protected Water Source near Hōrin-ji
The well called Mitsui is easy to overlook beside Ikaruga's famous temple towers. It stands west or northwest of Hōrin-ji, within the area of that temple's old precinct, and sits under a protective roof in the Mii settlement. Local tradition credits Prince Shōtoku with digging it as one of three wells, calling it Akazome-no-i. Excavation in 1932 instead gives the visitor something tangible to inspect: a deep, shaped shaft lined with stone below and curved fired-clay blocks above. The protected well connects the monumental Buddhist landscape to everyday water, settlement and later memory without turning the legend into a proved seventh-century construction story.
Look at the lining, not just the roof
Ikaruga Town recorded a depth of about 4.25 metres and a mouth roughly 91 centimetres across when the buried well was investigated in 1932. Four stones at the base form a square around the place where water emerged; the lower wall is irregular stonework, while the upper section is built with fan-shaped sen, fired ceramic blocks. Nara Prefecture identifies this mixed construction as a main reason for its national Historic Site designation. A present-day visitor may not be able to see the entire shaft from the safe viewing position, so the dimensions describe the excavated structure rather than a promise of an unobstructed view into it.
Separate the Prince Shōtoku story from the excavation
The well is traditionally one of three associated with Prince Shōtoku and is called Akazome-no-i. Another strand of local tradition links its water to the first baths of Yamashiro no Ōe and other children. Nara Prefecture and the temple present these as transmitted stories; the presence of a historic well does not prove who dug it or who used its water in the seventh century. Hōrin-ji's own history describes the well as a seventh-century remain, while the town's archaeological page focuses on its excavated construction and its relationship to the temple; both should be read with that distinction in mind.
Why the old Hōrin-ji connection matters
The well lies within what Ikaruga Town calls Hōrin-ji's former precinct. The temple is also known as Mii-dera or Miidera, reflecting the Mii district and well traditions. Town archaeologists note roof tiles from Hōrin-ji stamped with the characters for 'royal well', an additional reason to consider a long historical relationship between the religious site and this water source. It does not make the well part of Hōrin-ji's current paid hall visit. From the temple, the operator estimates roughly three minutes on foot to this separate protected feature.
A site recovered and used again
The local tourism guide says the well had been buried in the Meiji period, was excavated in 1932 and continued in practical use until the 1950s. That sequence gives the place a second life beyond its ancient origins: investigation returned a once-obscured water source to public knowledge, while village use continued in modern times. Historical use does not establish present drinking-water quality or permission to draw water. Treat the well and its cover as heritage fabric, not a working refill station or a place to lower a bucket.
Plan a short, respectful stop
The Hōryūji i Center estimates about 35 minutes on foot from JR Hōryūji Station to Mii 1562. Hōrin-ji is the more practical local landmark, about a three-minute walk away by the temple's account. A prefectural walking guide places the covered well down a lane between residential walls; take care not to block homes or wander through private plots. Neither the reviewed local listing nor the temple publishes a staffed schedule, drinking-water service, dedicated parking or step-free route for the well. Check current signs and visit as an exterior heritage stop; Hōrin-ji's opening hours and admission apply to the temple, not automatically to Mitsui.
What to look for
Stone base and distinctive fan-shaped sen brick lining
Tradition of Prince Shōtoku's Akazome-no-i
Three-minute link from Hōrin-ji through the Mii settlement
Photo notes
No well or temple image is licensed to MyNara. Photograph only from a lawful public position, without lifting a cover, reaching into the well, entering private property or blocking the narrow residential lane. Ask the site manager about professional filming or unusual equipment.
Make a day of it
Explore guides close to this map point, then check the actual route before travelling. Distances below are straight lines, not walking distances or travel times; map points may not be entrances.
Sources & editorial status
Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 19 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Ikaruga Town — excavation dimensions, brickwork and temple relationship
- Nara Prefecture heritage — national designation, construction and traditions
- Hōryūji i Center — address, 35-minute station walk and later use
- Hōrin-ji official history — three-minute link and Mii-dera name
- Nara Prefecture walking guide — covered well in a residential lane