[Access] Take the JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, then take the bus bound for Hanashiki Onsen and get off at the final stop.
[Fee] 500 yen

Hanashiki Onsen Sekiseikan Honkan (unfortunately, it is currently closed). It’s a cozy, quiet little spot located right next to Shiriyaki Onsen. The name itself is quite poetic—legend has it that when Minamoto no Yoritomo discovered this spring long ago, the water was covered in cherry blossom petals, which is how it got its name. It’s also known as an inn associated with the poet Wakayama Bokusui.
Since I’d been soaking in the river baths at Shiriyaki Onsen, I felt like I wanted to give myself a proper wash. Plus, I messed up the bus schedule and couldn’t bear the thought of waiting in the scorching sun for over 30 minutes (haha), so I decided to pop in.
The inn seems to have an outdoor bath, but day-trip visitors are directed to the indoor one. The tub is small, but the slightly hot water gushes out in a constant, free-flowing stream. The water is actually drinkable and is colorless, transparent, and odorless. It’s a calcium-sulfate/chloride spring that leaves you feeling nice and refreshed after your soak.