In July 2022, "IZUMI PEAK BASE," a camping and workation facility equipped with hot bath amenities,
celebrated its grand opening in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. This venture marks the first
initiative in a series of camping and workation destination development projects spearheaded by the
general construction company, JDC Corporation. The development of the hot spring, a key feature of
the facility, was managed by DRICO Corporation, a member of the Asahi Yukizai Group responsible for
water treatment and resource development operations. Following its launch, DRICO has continued to
oversee various water treatment tasks for IZUMI PEAK BASE, including those related to the hot
spring. We spoke with Mr. Takashi Komoto of the Real Estate Business Department 2, Affiliated
Business Division at JDC Corporation, who is overseeing the IZUMI PEAK BASE project, to learn about
DRICO's contributions from the initial survey phase to the current operations.
Professionals in Hot Springs with the Highest Number of Drillings Nationwide
Our company has owned approximately 40 hectares (ha) of idle land on the hillside of Mt. Izumigatake
since the mid-1970s. The IZUMI PEAK BASE project aimed to utilize 9.58 ha of that land, with the key
theme underpinning its development being the creation of new tourism resources. From the very
beginning, the concept involved a campground with hot springs, leading our company to decide on
conducting a survey of hot spring sources in January 2020. Given that Mt. Izumigatake is renowned
for the hot spring destinations at its base, there were expectations that our land could also harbor
hot spring water, yet no proof existed. We approached the survey with caution, knowing that the
absence of hot springs would completely undermine our concept. For this crucial survey, we turned to
DRICO, drawn by their extensive experience in hot spring development. Our confidence in DRICO
stemmed from their reputation as hot spring professionals, bolstered by their in-house geological
experts and the most comprehensive record of hot spring drillings in Japan, their hallmark
specialty.
Overlooking Sendai City Center from an Open-Air Bath Using Hot Springs
Flexibly and Swiftly Addressing a Wide Range of Water Treatment Needs
Our survey uncovered a hot spring source beneath our land, prompting us to commission DRICO for the
installation of a pumping system and hot spring piping, alongside the drilling work. The designed
pumping facilities aim to draw water from the hot spring, store it in a tank, and channel it to the
bathhouse, with a primary goal of achieving the highest possible water temperature to minimize CO2
emissions and boiler fuel expenses. Upon consulting DRICO, they provided several detailed proposals
for pumping equipment and systems, making it accessible for someone with limited knowledge in hot
spring equipment like myself to grasp. We are delighted to report that the hot water pumping
facility installed at IZUMI PEAK BASE ensures outstanding heat retention, much to the satisfaction
of our patrons.
Furthermore, at IZUMI PEAK BASE, we tasked DRICO with establishing a variety of water treatment
facilities beyond the hot spring amenities. These included septic systems, water well drilling, and
the conversion of well water into drinking water. Despite seeking competitive bids from numerous
firms for the water wells, we ultimately awarded the contract to DRICO, in addition to the hot
spring project, due to their promise of the swiftest construction timeline at a competitive cost.
Throughout the project, DRICO adeptly met our diverse needs related to the hot springs, water wells,
hot water and other water drainage systems. They were consistently open to consultation, addressing
any discovered issues with flexibility and promptness. Post-opening, their after-sales service has
been commendable, featuring regular facility checks and the swift resolution of any problems.
Pumping facility (hot spring well [left], gas separator [middle], hot water storage tank
[right])
Entrusted with Confidence: Rich Expertise and High Technical Skill
Initially, when we engaged DRICO for our hot spring drilling, we were unaware of their involvement
in operating water wells and wastewater treatment facilities. As the hot spring project progressed,
DRICO consistently offered a range of suggestions, drawing on their vast expertise and advanced
technical skills, revealing their capability to assist us beyond just hot springs. Moreover, their
in-house design and construction of these facilities allowed for rapid and responsive project
management, providing us with the confidence to entrust them with our endeavors.
We plan to further enhance IZUMI PEAK BASE, transforming it into a destination that attracts
numerous visitors. Our goal is to replicate this model for our second and third projects,
establishing the development of camping and workation facilities as a key component of our business
strategy. DRICO's outstanding water treatment solutions were pivotal for IZUMI PEAK BASE's
development. We would be immensely grateful to collaborate with them again in our upcoming
development phase.
Well water treatment facility (filter [middle], dosing system [right])