I was unsure, on what to do today; but then, going through my guide book and the tourist map, I saw recommendations for a handicraft center about 20min out of town. So far, I had discarded this one as too far out (without car)… but, as I checked now, there was a direct bus going there from right in front of the hotel. So – here I went … the center was interesting, though left a souvenir shop aftertaste. From here I decided for a walk over to Tsunagi-Onsen, with stops at an old Iwate farmhouse (open to the public as sort of mini-museum), a viewpoint over the lake, a small botanical garden and a first opportunity to put my bear bell into action. I got into Tsunagi-Onsen in time for super-good-value-for-money lunch – before heading out to explore this small spa town.