As is the case with the clear water of Ikancho, this water used to be used for domestic use by local people. While it had not been used after the water service was established in the district, it made a comeback as water for the pond when the Hananotani Park was developed 10 years ago. In 2008 when the spring water group of Katashina Village was selected as one of the 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of the Heisei period, this spring water resumed its raison d'être.

Mr. Tamakichi Hoshino, whose family have lived in Katashina Village for generations, was consulted by the Village Office about the construction of the intake of spring water that can serve as a symbol of the park. Mr. Hoshino then consulted his friend Mr. Hisaki Hoshino and his nephew Mr. Yukio Kuwabara. They offered cooperation, leading to the establishment of this unique intake.

Tamakichi thought that it was not exciting to create just a conventional square-type water bucket. Hisaki then offered a 15-meter Zelkova log. They thought they could make an interesting intake using the log. However, the log was not only too hard to cut, but also very heavy. They had to use a crane to move it and when trying to hollow it out, a drill did not move into it and screws broke. It was tough to process the log. However, they wanted to create a nice-looking intake. Yukio must have had a hard time designing the overall structure.

The construction work that started in August took two months from the completion of the formation of the intake to the completion of underground work for the water supply and drainage system. It was finally completed in October. Since this place has good accessibility as it faces Route 120, many tourists drop by this place. Nearby residents also come here with empty plastic bottles to get some spring water. When used in cooking, the spring water makes steamed rice, coffee, and tea tastier (of course, it is good for making whiskey and water).

Tamakichi (on the left in the above photo) does not think that his work ended with the completion of the intake since he thinks that it is his responsibility to keep the park clean. He cleans the intake, maintains the pond, mows the lawn, and takes care of trees. For getting rid of weeds from flowerbeds, members of the elderly group lend him a hand (photo on the right). Tamakichi thinks that the entire park is his workplace. He comes to the park every day in spring, summer and autumn. Please talk to him when you drop by to get some water. Since he is a friendly person, he will tell you his interesting experience: "I used to hunt for bears often. One day, I caught a bear cub and kept it for a while in a cage."

Visitor parking is available.