Mild Asthma & Emphysema | Onsen Bathing and Respiratory Function

This hot spring embodies the enduring passion of pioneers, delivered from Kuronagi Onsen in the upper reaches of the Kurobe River to Unazuki Onsen, approximately 7km downstream, after arduous wooden pipe laying construction in Taisho 12 (1923). Gushing at an abundant rate of approximately 2,000 liters per minute, its colorless and transparent waters seem to embody the pristine clarity of the gorge itself. With a soft touch that gently envelops the skin, it slowly warms the body to its core. Ideal for those seeking to unwind their mind and body, embraced by nature, at the various inns and public bathhouses throughout the town.

This private source is pumped from 300 meters underground in the port area of Beppu, Japan's premier onsen city. Drilled exclusively for the Hotel Sun Valley Annex, this spring delivers the blessings of Beppu's waters to its visitors. [3] The simple, mildly alkaline thermal water is gentle and characterized by a smooth texture that softly envelops the skin. After bathing, the skin feels silky and deeply moisturized. It is an ideal spring for those seeking to gently unwind both body and mind amidst the energy of Beppu.

Nestled in Kasugai-cho, Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, a region renowned for its grape cultivation, this gentle hot spring is a true blessing from the earth, cherished by locals for generations. Its lukewarm waters, around 36.3℃, offer a comfort that invites you to linger indefinitely. The soft, weakly alkaline water delicately envelops the skin, gradually releasing tension from the body's core. It's a soothing retreat for those seeking to alleviate daily fatigue and find deep relaxation in mild waters.

Namari Onsen, said to have opened some 600 years ago, is the single-inn spa of the Hanamaki Minami hot spring area. Legend tells of a white monkey bathing in water welling up at the foot of a katsura tree, remembered in the names of the Katsura-no-yu source and the naturally gushing Hakuen-no-yu rock bath. Fuji San Ryokan, founded in 1841, uses several sources bath by bath. This analysis covers a blend in which the cooler Shimo-no-yu is added to the hotter Katsura-no-yu to reach a comfortable temperature, feeding baths such as Shiraito-no-yu overlooking the Shiraito Falls. The weakly alkaline water feels smooth and invites deep relaxation to the sound of the river.

Tobira Onsen lies deep in the Utsukushigahara highlands up the Susukigawa valley from Matsumoto, within Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park. Its name comes from the legend that the god Ame-no-Tajikarao, who pulled open the heavenly rock door, rested in these waters and left the door behind, and the spring has long been called a bathing place of the gods. Hinoki-no-Yu is a drilled, naturally flowing alkaline source of around 40°C, rich in sulfate with calcium and sodium in near-equal balance, suited to quiet soaks beside a mountain stream.

This private spring gushes near Lake Kinrin in Yufuin, one of Japan's premier onsen destinations. The ETAVIA Yufuin Kinrinko Gensen is a simple hot spring, blessed by Mt. Yufu, known for being gentle and non-irritating to the skin. Within the history of Yufuin, long cherished as a health resort, this water has quietly soothed the minds and bodies of its visitors. Surrendering to the bath, you'll feel a smooth, lotion-like texture envelop your skin, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is a spring full of gentleness, recommended for those seeking a moment of peace.

Said to have soothed people since the Ainu era, Bankei's water once welled up naturally along the Osaru River. Today natural riverside springs and wells drilled in the Showa and Heisei eras are blended and piped by the town; the 70°C water is cooled to bathing heat, staying clear and soft on the skin.

Hakone-Yumoto Onsen, said to have opened in the Nara period, boasts the oldest history in Hakone. This Yumoto No. 29 & 46 Goko-sen is a blend of multiple sources from this historic spa town. It is used in public bathhouses along the old Tokaido road, having soothed weary travelers for centuries.

Kidachi Onsen Yugashima No. 23 takes its name from a legend that Minamoto no Yoritomo, spotting steam among the rocks while hunting, pried them up with a wooden sword and released the water. Set beside the Kano River in literary Amagi-Yugashima, its calcium and sodium share the cations almost equally while sulfate and bicarbonate balance the anions. Clear, tasteless and odorless, it is a quiet, unassuming water.

Komaki Onsen was struck in 1971, when drilling for spa tourism tapped water about 1 km beneath Komakiyama in Misawa. It gushes at 43.4°C with an alkaline pH of 9.1, clear and dotted with fine white mineral threads. Mild yet rich in metasilicic acid, the Komaki source leaves skin soft and smooth, soothing travelers who want to linger and unwind in Aomori's northern countryside.

The Shiroyu source is one of four springs of differing character that rise within about 50 meters of one another at Yunotai, said to be the oldest bathing ground of Nyuto Onsen, where records of a spa date back to the Edo period. Long called the "beauty spring" and the "spring for chills," it bubbles up beneath an open-air bath and is also piped to nearby lodgings. Its bluish, cloudy water carries a gentle sulfur scent and a soft, smooth touch, leaving skin supple and warmth that lingers long after a soak, a spring for anyone who wants to unwind slowly in the beech forest.

Kinosaki Onsen's centrally managed mixed spring gathers water from several wells into a large storage tank, where its temperature is steadied before it flows through a looped pipe beneath the streets to the town's public bathhouses and inns. Managed as a shared resource by the Yushima property ward of Kinosaki, this faintly salty water wraps the body in warmth that lingers long after bathing, suiting travellers who stroll from bath to bath in yukata.

Iwanai Onsen spreads across the heights of Iwanai, a town facing the Sea of Japan, at the foot of Mt. Iwanai in the Niseko range. The town-owned Well No. 5 is pumped at a generous 290 L per minute and supplied to inns such as Takashima Ryokan below. The water is clear and nearly tasteless and odorless, with a balance of bicarbonate and chloride, and its smooth touch has earned it a reputation as a skin-beautifying bath. At Takashima Ryokan the source flows straight into the indoor bath and a wooden outdoor tub, where fine bubbles rise through the fresh water.

Kaminoyu Onsen is a quiet spa in the hills beyond central Yakumo. Seiryuen's spring gushes naturally at 98°C and 60 liters per minute; because it is so hot, the water is tempered with added water, yet both indoor and outdoor baths are free-flowing. The salty water can turn faintly milky, and in the open-air bath a long hose is used to cool it on the way in.

Kinosaki Onsen's centrally managed mixed spring gathers water from several wells into a large storage tank, where its temperature is steadied before it flows through a looped pipe beneath the streets to the town's public bathhouses and inns. Managed as a shared resource by the Yushima property ward of Kinosaki, this faintly salty water wraps the body in warmth that lingers long after bathing, suiting travellers who stroll from bath to bath in yukata.

Shirahatage Genzen, located in Kusatsu Onsen and adjacent to Yubatake (Kusatsu's central hot-water field), is said to have been discovered by Minamoto no Yoritomo. Historically, it served as the stage for 'Jikan-yu' (timed bathing), supporting balneotherapy culture, and is truly considered the soul of Kusatsu. Its distinctive aroma and powerful waters, which feel as though they firm the skin, seem to awaken the mind and body from within. Surrendering to its embrace offers a pure moment to shed daily clamor and rediscover one's true self. This spring is a sanctuary for those seeking a fresh start and rejuvenation.

Nestled in the scenic town of Matsuyama, this spring has long been cherished for relieving traveler fatigue, boasting robust eagle-like properties. The hypertonic chloride waters envelop the skin, smoothly expelling excess fluids and metabolic waste. The lightness after bathing and deep-penetrating warmth soothe the mind and body, freeing you from daily stress. Ideal for those with chronic stiffness or cold extremities, and perfect for weekend rejuvenation.

Kinosaki Onsen's centrally managed mixed spring gathers water from several wells into a large storage tank, where its temperature is steadied before it flows through a looped pipe beneath the streets to the town's public bathhouses and inns. Managed as a shared resource by the Yushima property ward of Kinosaki, this faintly salty water wraps the body in warmth that lingers long after bathing, suiting travellers who stroll from bath to bath in yukata.

The Yubatake source, naturally gushing from Kusatsu Onsen's iconic Yubatake (Kusatsu's central hot-water field), holds a distinguished history. During the Edo period, it was ranked as the highest-ranking Ozeki in the Onsen Banzuke, recognized alongside the Shirahata source as one of Kusatsu's two major hot springs. Its powerful, pH2 water, permeated with a sulfurous aroma, imparts a refreshing, tightening sensation upon the skin. A soak in this historic, renowned hot spring cleanses the body and mind, offering deep relaxation and rejuvenation from daily fatigue. It is a must-visit for those seeking to feel the energy of a historic hot spring and desire a complete refresh.

Misasa Onsen is said to have been discovered some 850 years ago when a samurai who spared a white wolf was guided to the spring in a dream, and its name is linked to the belief that "by the third morning, ailments are healed." It is known for radium springs with some of the world's highest radon levels. Rakusen wells up naturally from the ground along the Mitoku River, and hot water rises constantly from the spring pocket at the bottom of the tub.

Biratori has bathed in cold mineral water since 1979, first trucking in water that seeped naturally across the river. In 2011 a 1,503 m borehole was sunk at Nibutani on the Saru River, a place that still carries Ainu culture, and tapped a new cold spring. At 12.1°C and a mildly alkaline pH 8.3, it holds 22.06 g/kg of minerals, led by 6,303 mg of sodium, 2,016 mg of calcium and 13,400 mg of chloride, close to seawater in strength. Clear, colorless and intensely salty, it feels like ancient sea water sleeping deep beneath Hokkaido.

Yugawara Onsen, sung of in the Man'yoshu as the water that "springs forth in the valley of Dohi in Ashigari," is one of Japan's oldest recorded hot springs. The Yugawara Onsen Mixed Source (Gongenyama Service Center) blends several of the town's wells into a single supply at 61.7°C and pipes it to inns across the resort. Its chloride and sulfate content gives a soft, enveloping feel, and warmth lingers on the skin long after bathing, suiting travelers who seek quiet recovery in the hills.

Obuki is the roaring source at the heart of the steaming geothermal field of Tamagawa Onsen, on the southern slopes of Hachimantai. Its output from a single vent is often said to be the largest in Japan, and the fumarole field around it has long produced mineral deposits and the rare hokutolite stone. Every bath in the spa draws on this one source, served either straight or cut with fresh water. At pH 1.13 the water tingles sharply on the skin while warming the body to the core, and it has welcomed long-stay therapeutic bathers for generations, a spring for those who want to meet nature at full strength.

Toyotomi Onsen began in 1926, when hot water burst out with natural gas during oil exploration. A 2020 analysis of the mixed water from five wells recorded 34.2°C and pH 7.5, with sodium 4432 mg/kg, chloride 5952 mg/kg, bicarbonate 2136 mg/kg, iodide 16.1 mg/kg and metaboric acid 494.6 mg/kg, for 13.32 g/kg of dissolved solids. Pale yellow, cloudy and faintly oily in scent, it is a lukewarm yet deeply enveloping water with the steady, unpretentious character of a craftsman.

A blessed spring gushing forth in Okuhida Onsen-go, nestled in the heart of the Northern Alps. With a long history of healing the minds and bodies of travelers and bathers, this source is renowned as a 'silky skin spring' due to its abundant bicarbonate ions that smooth the skin. As you immerse yourself, the faint scent of hydrogen sulfide will help release you from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is recommended for those who wish to refresh both mind and body and seek deep tranquility in nature.

Nestled in Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's three most renowned hot springs, Jizo-no-yu has been cherished since ancient times, deeply intertwined with Kusatsu's unique `yumomi` (hot water stirring) culture. This powerful spring, known for its invigorating touch, seems to cleanse away physical and mental stagnation. It provides a deep, restorative warmth that penetrates to the core, offering a refreshing sensation akin to rejuvenation after your bath. Jizo-no-yu offers solace to travelers seeking relief from persistent fatigue or skin discomfort, and those desiring an authentic hot spring experience.

This renowned hot spring of Jozankei Onsen traces its origins to a legend from 1897, where a wild deer was said to have healed its wounds on the banks of the Toyohira River. Rich in salt, the waters gently envelop the skin like a protective veil, delivering a soothing warmth that penetrates deep into the body's core. The pleasant, lingering warmth after bathing feels akin to being embraced by nature's blessings. This source offers a serene retreat for those seeking to unwind from daily fatigue while listening to the tranquil murmuring of the valley.

Iwanai Onsen spreads across the heights of Iwanai, a town facing the Sea of Japan, at the foot of Mt. Iwanai in the Niseko range. The town-owned Well No. 5 is pumped at a generous 290 L per minute and supplied to inns such as Takashima Ryokan below. The water is clear and nearly tasteless and odorless, with a balance of bicarbonate and chloride, and its smooth touch has earned it a reputation as a skin-beautifying bath. At Takashima Ryokan the source flows straight into the indoor bath and a wooden outdoor tub, where fine bubbles rise through the fresh water.

Kinosaki Onsen's centrally managed mixed spring gathers water from several wells into a large storage tank, where its temperature is steadied before it flows through a looped pipe beneath the streets to the town's public bathhouses and inns. Managed as a shared resource by the Yushima property ward of Kinosaki, this faintly salty water wraps the body in warmth that lingers long after bathing, suiting travellers who stroll from bath to bath in yukata.

Kinosaki Onsen's centrally managed mixed spring gathers water from several wells into a large storage tank, where its temperature is steadied before it flows through a looped pipe beneath the streets to the town's public bathhouses and inns. Managed as a shared resource by the Yushima property ward of Kinosaki, this faintly salty water wraps the body in warmth that lingers long after bathing, suiting travellers who stroll from bath to bath in yukata.

Named after a peak resembling Switzerland's Weisshorn, this spring in the hills of Kyowa was discovered in 1968 by a borehole drilled to explore metal ore deposits. As the flow declined, a 731 m No. 2 well was drilled in 1975 and an 848 m No. 3 well in 1979, and the two are now blended. The alkaline chloride-sulfate water leaves skin feeling smooth, suiting drivers on the national highway who want to soak away a long journey.

The Yubatake source, naturally gushing from Kusatsu Onsen's iconic Yubatake (Kusatsu's central hot-water field), holds a distinguished history. During the Edo period, it was ranked as the highest-ranking Ozeki in the Onsen Banzuke, recognized alongside the Shirahata source as one of Kusatsu's two major hot springs. Its powerful, pH2 water, permeated with a sulfurous aroma, imparts a refreshing, tightening sensation upon the skin. A soak in this historic, renowned hot spring cleanses the body and mind, offering deep relaxation and rejuvenation from daily fatigue. It is a must-visit for those seeking to feel the energy of a historic hot spring and desire a complete refresh.

Hotel New Tsuruta Gensen 1-go is a private source located in the Kitahama area, the central district of the Beppu Onsen region, which boasts the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan. This source feeds the hotel's panoramic bath, known as "Nijo-no-yu," and is descended from a historic spring said to have been flowing since the Tenpo era (1830-1844). The mildly alkaline chloride spring is gentle on the skin and warms the body to its core. It is recommended for those who wish to unwind and experience a moment of luxury while soaking in historic waters with a view of Beppu Bay.

Kinosaki Onsen's centrally managed mixed spring gathers water from several wells into a large storage tank, where its temperature is steadied before it flows through a looped pipe beneath the streets to the town's public bathhouses and inns. Managed as a shared resource by the Yushima property ward of Kinosaki, this faintly salty water wraps the body in warmth that lingers long after bathing, suiting travellers who stroll from bath to bath in yukata.

Namegawa Onsen, one of the eight hot springs of Yonezawa, is a mountain healing retreat in the Azuma range said to have opened in the Edo period with permission from the Uesugi domain. The Uenoyu source gushes beside the Maekawa stream, its bluish milky-white water carrying a gentle scent of sulfur. The water feels weighty and smooth, leaving the skin soft and light after bathing. Deep in the mountains, it suits those who want a quiet soak to the sound of the gorge.

The Shari Onsen source gushed from a 1,000 m borehole in 1976 beside the Shari River near the town center of Shari, the gateway to Shiretoko. Drilling began after a slope was spotted where snow melted first each spring, and the water has since been piped to local inns, a community rest house and nearby homes. Clear and pale brown like oolong tea, this moor water carries plant-derived humus, and its slippery touch leaves skin soft and smooth, gently easing the fatigue of travel.

Nestled at the foot of the Northern Alps in Okuhida Onsen-go, 'Fuku no Yu' (Spring of Fortune) is a blessed hot spring said to bring good fortune to its visitors. With a gentle, skin-friendly neutral pH of 7.2, its abundant bicarbonate ions wash away old skin cells, leaving your skin smooth to the touch. As you immerse yourself in the water, you'll feel the hustle and bustle of daily life fade away, accompanied by a faint scent of sulfur. This calm and pure spring embraces all who wish to reset their mind and body and gain new vitality.

On the Dogashima coast of western Izu, famed for sculpted rocks and sea caves, two Nishina sources are blended at the town's distribution station and piped in. Calcium makes up about 70 percent of the cations and sodium about 30, while sulfate exceeds 90 percent of the anions: a classic Izu gypsum-type sulfate spring. Alkaline at pH 8.8 yet moderately rich at 2.290 g/kg, the 52.4°C water wraps a body chilled by Suruga Bay breezes, an honest water to sink into as the sea turns gold at sunset.

Tengu no Yu gushes naturally in the mountain hollow of Doroyu Onsen, a spa said to have opened in the early Heian period. Its name comes from a legend: a sick maiden too shy to bathe in clear water was helped by a tengu who clouded the spring white, and she was healed after soaking in it. The Tengu no Yu source swirls with white mineral flakes and mud-like sediment, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple, a steeping place for anyone who loves cloudy, remote hot springs.

Nekonaki Onsen rises beside the Kitasu River in Ishikawa, central Fukushima. Legend says that when the Heian-era poet Izumi Shikibu left for the capital, her cat cried for her until it fell ill, then recovered by bathing here, giving the spring its name, "crying cat." The Ishikawa area is dotted with radioactive springs, and Izutsuya Onsen No. 2, pumped from the ground at 18.4°C, is a cold mineral spring. Its total mineral content is a light 128.2 mg/kg, yet carbonate ions reach 36.1 mg, giving it a strongly alkaline pH of 10.1.