All Columns›Spring Types
CHLORIDE

Chloride Springs: Benefits, Indications & Recommended Onsen

Published May 5, 2026·2min read

Chloride springs (Cl⁻ as the main anion) are known as "the hot-retaining waters" because the salt coating on your skin keeps body heat from escaping after bathing. Excellent for cold sensitivity and dry skin.

Chloride Springs: Benefits, Indications & Recommended Onsen
Analysis records
14 records
Prefectures
5 prefectures
Table of Contents
  1. What is a Chloride Spring?
  2. Indications for Bathing
  3. Indications for Drinking
  4. How to Bathe in a Chloride Spring
A chloride spring onsen
Shogetsu Grand Hotel
北海道 Minami Ward, Sapporo
Photo: Partner facility

What is a Chloride Spring?

A chloride spring is an onsen whose dominant anion is the chloride ion (Cl⁻). Its composition resembles seawater, and you will find many along Japan’s coastlines.

Salt content forms a protective barrier on the skin and prevents moisture and heat from escaping the body even after bathing. Because of this heat-retention quality, it has long been called "the hot-retaining waters" (熱の湯) in Japan.

Indications for Bathing

  • Cuts and grazes
  • Peripheral circulatory failure
  • Poor circulation (cold sensitivity)
  • Depression
  • Xeroderma (dry skin)

Indications for Drinking

Where the operator has obtained drinking permission, chloride springs may help with:

  • Atrophic gastritis
  • Constipation

How to Bathe in a Chloride Spring

  1. Hydrate before and after bathing — you sweat more in this type of spring.
  2. Limit each soak to 10–15 minutes; 2–3 short baths beat one long bath.
  3. Pat the skin dry without rinsing to keep the moisturizing minerals on your body.

Recommended Onsen Sequence

Bathe in a bicarbonate spring first to remove old keratin, then move to a chloride spring to seal in moisture. This pair is the classic "beauty-skin onsen tour" recommended by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment multilingual manual.

Related Onsen Facilities

Chloride Spring
Awaiting analysis
TRY IT NOW

Find This Onsen on the Map

References

Related Articles

Simple Springs (Tanjun Onsen): Gentle Waters for Everyone
SPRING TYPEMay 5, 2026· 1min read

Simple Springs (Tanjun Onsen): Gentle Waters for Everyone

Simple springs have dissolved components below 1,000 mg/kg and a source temperature of 25°C or above. Mild and non-irritating, they are safe for all ages. Alkaline simple springs (pH 8.5+) are famous for leaving skin silky smooth.

Sulphate Springs: "The Healing Waters" for Wounds, Skin & Digestion
SPRING TYPEMay 5, 2026· 1min read

Sulphate Springs: "The Healing Waters" for Wounds, Skin & Digestion

Sulphate springs (SO₄²⁻ as the main anion) are called "the healing waters" for their anti-inflammatory, skin-moisturizing properties. Indicated for bathing (cuts, cold sensitivity, dry skin, depression) and drinking (biliary dysfunction, dyslipidemia, constipation).

Bicarbonate Springs: "Beauty Waters" for Smooth, Glowing Skin
SPRING TYPEMay 5, 2026· 2min read

Bicarbonate Springs: "Beauty Waters" for Smooth, Glowing Skin

Bicarbonate springs (HCO₃⁻ as the main anion) are known as "the beauty waters" because bicarbonate gently removes dead skin cells and sebum, leaving skin silky smooth. Indicated for bathing (cuts, cold sensitivity, dry skin) and drinking (gastroduodenal ulcers, diabetes, gout).

MINERALMay 5, 2026· 1min read

Sodium ion: Main Effects & Top 5

Sodium ion (Na⁺) is the key component of chloride and bicarbonate springs. It forms a thin salt film on the skin, locking in warmth long after bathing.

SYMPTOMSMay 6, 2026· 1min read

Hot Springs for Wound Healing | 4 Spring Types with Antiseptic & Regenerative Effects

Chloride, bicarbonate, sulphate, and carbon dioxide springs all carry official bathing indications for cuts and skin wounds. Their antiseptic, skin-softening, and circulation-boosting properties are believed to support tissue recovery.