Hamanokawa Spring

Hamanokawa Spring in Shimabara exists because of a catastrophe. In 1792, an earthquake caused part of Mt. Mayuyama to collapse into the sea, pushing the coastline outward and exposing springs that had been underwater. The spring water comes not from the sea but from rainwater filtered through volcanic rock in the mountains. Locals use the four terraced pools for washing food, rinsing dishes, and laundry, following strict rules to keep the water clean. You can drink directly from the channel before it reaches the first pool. This same water is a key ingredient in kanzarashi, the local rice cake dessert.