"Did Someone Sprinkle Gold Dust in the Spring?"... Rare Auspicious Sign in Japan Draws Crowds for the First Time in 21 Years

Spring Water at Temple Turns Golden
Summer Heat Suspected as Cause... Exact Reason Remains Unknown

A phenomenon in which spring water glows golden at a temple in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, has drawn attention.

The "Geumhwasu" phenomenon appeared within the Iwakakuji Temple grounds on Iwakaku Mountain in Hongu City, Fukuyama Prefecture. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter)

According to the Fukushima Minyu Shimbun, a phenomenon known as "Geumhwasu" (金花水) has appeared in the spring water within the grounds of Iwakakuji Temple on Iwakaku Mountain in Hongu City, Fukuyama Prefecture.

This phenomenon occurs irregularly on the surface of the spring water or surrounding rocks, creating the appearance of golden powder scattered across the water like blooming flowers, hence the name "Geumhwasu." It is the first time in 21 years that the Geumhwasu phenomenon has been observed at this location since 2004.

The Iwakaku Mountain Tourism Association explained that this spring is known as the "Geumhwasu Guardian Buddha." According to legend, it is the purification water used by the monk Jikakudaishi, who established the temple on this mountain, when he washed himself while carving a statue of Bishamonten.

There is speculation that the golden color of the water is related to the summer heat, but the exact cause remains unidentified. The timing of the first appearance of Geumhwasu is also unclear.

News of the Geumhwasu phenomenon has drawn crowds of worshippers to the temple hoping to witness it. One visitor said, "It's truly amazing. I never imagined it would be this beautiful. They say it's even prettier today than yesterday, so I'm glad I came at the right time." Another visitor remarked, "This is probably the first and last chance in my life to see this, so I came today."

This phenomenon was discovered on the morning of August 27, when a temple staff member was cleaning the grounds. In the past, Geumhwasu has appeared on the water's surface but usually disappears after about 10 days. Hiraharuo, head of the Iwakaku Mountain Tourism Association, said, "This is a rare and auspicious sign. I hope many people will come and see it for themselves."