Hot Springs for Atopic Dermatitis | Sulfur & Acidic Springs: Indications and Precautions

Shibu Onsen, said to have been discovered by the monk Gyoki in the Nara period, is home to the No.1 Boring source, which gushes up on its own from a deep borehole at 97.6°C, close to boiling. Nearly clear and carrying a faint whiff of sulfur, the water wraps the body in salty, sulfate-rich warmth yet leaves a light, refreshed feeling afterwards. It suits travelers pausing between cobbled bathhouse visits and anyone seeking deep warmth on a cold mountain night.

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.

Okudogo No. 4-1 Gensen is drawn from the gorge upstream along the Ishite River from Dogo's historic spa town. Its lukewarm 38.7°C water is alkaline at pH 9.4 and pairs hydrosulfide ions with radon, an uncommon combination. A faint sulfur scent and slippery feel suit bathers who like long, unhurried soaks to the sound of the stream.

Bessho Onsen No.4 Source is one of the springs of Bessho Onsen, a 1,400-year-old spa some link to the "Nanakuri no yu" praised in The Pillow Book, and it is said to feed the drinking fountain at Kitamuki Kannon temple. Nearly clear, the water carries a toasty sulfur aroma and an alkaline softness that wraps the skin in a slippery smoothness. It suits travelers who want a quiet soak at the gate of an ancient temple.

Amagase Onsen is one of Bungo's three great hot springs, alongside Beppu and Yufuin. The Ukihabekan Shinshiyo source is drawn via a 150-meter deep powered drill from a hillside site. With over 1,300 years of history, Amagase's waters were mentioned in the ancient "Bungo Fudoki" chronicles and have long been cherished for therapeutic bathing. This source combines pH 8.9 alkalinity with sulfur properties, gently removing old skin cells for a smooth feel. You can enjoy a silky skin sensation after bathing, perfect for those seeking to refresh mind and body.

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.

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.

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.

In 1954, mineral flowers were found blooming on the banks of the Agano River, and a well was dug to open this comparatively young spa; the area's name was even changed to "Sakihana," meaning blooming flowers. Colorless when drawn, the water turns a clear yellow-green in the bath, leaving white mineral flakes on spouts and rails. A toasted, almost smoky sulfur aroma and a slick, weakly alkaline feel make it a favorite for sulfur-spring lovers.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled in Noboribetsu Onsen, famously called the "Department Store of Hot Springs" and rooted in the Ainu "Nupur-pet" (deeply colored river), the historic "Uma no Yu" source has flowed since Taisho 6 (1917). Its faint sulfur aroma gently unwinds the mind and body. The waters, softly enveloping the skin, warm the body to its core, providing restorative warmth that lingers. Overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden, this tranquil spring offers deep relaxation, a serene escape from daily commotion.

Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido's renowned hot spring, often called a 'department store of hot springs,' began its formal history in the Edo period when Takimoto Kinzo established a therapeutic bath. Despite the rugged landscape of 'Jigokudani' (Hell Valley), an explosive crater site said to be home to demons, the waters, a bounty from this earth, are filled with powerful healing. This acidic, sulfur-scented spring water thoroughly cleanses the skin and delivers restorative warmth deep into the body. It is highly recommended for those who wish to feel the energy of nature and experience a dynamic rejuvenation of mind and body.

Nakabusa Onsen is a lone mountain inn in the Northern Alps, where legend says the general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro healed his wounded soldiers; a bathhouse opened here in 1821 alongside alum mining. With nearly 30 naturally flowing sources, each tub offers a different spring. This mixed spring feeds the Oyu bath, combining Mushiburo No. 1 and Konabetate and cooling the water by heat exchange and air rather than adding water. The alkaline water is silky enough to make the floor slippery, with a faint sulfur scent and valley views from the open-air tub.

Kurami No. 3 is a spring of Kurami Onsen, tucked into the hills of northern Kakegawa, where some 10.7 liters per minute well up naturally. Kurami No. 3 emerges nearly colorless with a faint whiff of hydrogen sulfide, and its pH 9.5 alkalinity gives the water a silky, slippery touch that lingers on the skin after bathing. It suits anyone hoping to unwind quietly in a mountain village while caring for their skin.

Shiobetsu Onsen was first claimed in 1901; the Nomura mining company built a staff retreat here in 1960 and opened it to the public as "Ryokan Tsurutsuru Onsen" in 1970. The water blends two wells, Nomura No. 5 and No. 7, which pour into the indoor bath and flow generously into a spacious open-air bath reached by a small bridge. At pH 9.6 it is strongly alkaline with a faint egg-like scent, leaving skin slippery-smooth — "tsurutsuru," just as the name promises.

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.

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.

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.

The Sakura no Yu source rises unaided in the Nasu range, high in the Okunasu district of Omaru Onsen, delivering 189 litres a minute without a pump. The waters of this pocket of the mountains have been tended for more than two centuries, and in the Meiji era General Nogi Maresuke is said to have come each year to take the cure. Emerging at 77.9°C, the water is all but colourless and clear, neither scented nor tasting of much. Rich in metasilicic acid, it feels rounded on the skin and leaves a soft, unhurried lightness once the bathing is done. It suits anyone who wants to steep quietly, without sting or drama, in the hush of the mountains.

Makukawa No.1 Source gushes naturally deep in the folds of the Azuma mountain range, beside the Makukawa stream at around 1,300 meters. Emerging at 54.2°C, the clear water mellows as it travels through the pipes, and its 154 mg/kg of metasilicic acid lends a gentle, moisturizing touch. It suits travelers who wish to unwind slowly in mountain silence.

Kurume Onsen rises in Yunosaka, on the eastern edge of Kurume overlooking the Chikugo Plain, where drilling in the late Showa era struck a spring that flows by its own pressure. It still gushes 94 liters a minute at over 50°C without pumps. The alkaline water carries a faint scent of sulfur and leaves a squeaky-clean, smooth feel, an unpretentious beauty bath right on the city's doorstep.

Kintaro Onsen gushes in Tenjinno, Uozu, close to Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, where the edge of an alluvial fan looks up to the Tateyama range. The Kintaro Onsen source unites the qualities of a chloride spring and a sulfur spring: a dense, hypertonic water holding 4790.0 mg/kg of sodium and 1401.0 mg/kg of calcium, with thiosulfate and free hydrogen sulfide lending a sulfur scent. White and grey mineral flakes drift through the water, suiting bathers who want a hot, deeply warming soak and lovers of both salt and sulfur.

The Yuhanazawa No.3, No.5 and No.6 Combined Source gathers three springs welling up in the Yuhanazawa district of Takayu Onsen, a spa said to have opened in the Keicho era and once counted among the "Three Takayu of Oshu" alongside Zao and Shirabu. Tart at pH 2.6 and scented with powdery sulfur, its water gushes from the spouts in a blizzard of white mineral flakes, steeping the tubs in a milky blue. It suits travelers seeking a genuine mountain sulfur soak.

Ubayu Gensen gushes naturally from fissures in acidic welded tuff at roughly 1,250 metres on the flank of Mount Dainichi in the Azuma range. Tradition holds that Endo Okura, a gold prospector, found it in 1533 after meeting a mountain crone — the yamauba whose name the source still carries. Carried down by gravity through vinyl piping and cooled in troughs that harvest sulphur flowers, its pH 2.6 waters bubble with hydrogen sulphide, tightening the skin and leaving a clean lightness behind. It suits travellers who want deep mountain stillness.

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.

Housen-no-Yu, a precious spring at Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, has naturally gushed from bedrock for approximately 1200 years. Distinct from major sources like Yubatake and Bandaiko, this rare water gently envelops the skin with its sulfurous aroma. Its crisp quality offers a sensation of purifying both mind and body. After bathing, your skin will feel wonderfully silky, and the restorative warmth from deep within will invite deep relaxation, supporting overall rejuvenation. It is highly recommended for those seeking to escape daily life and reset themselves with a truly special hot spring experience.

Myoban Onsen prospered in the Edo period through alum production and still keeps rows of thatched huts where yunohana sulfur flowers are made. Here the Okamotoya Ryokan source gushes naturally at 74.4°C in Myoban 3-kumi; colorless as it emerges, it turns a milky, bluish white once it meets the air in the bath. Its acidity gently loosens old skin cells, leaving a soft, light feeling afterward, and it suits anyone who wishes to steep in dense sulfur water amid mountain steam.

Unzen Onsen Kojigoku Source rises in Kojigoku, among Unzen's steaming "hells," where a bathhouse for toji cures is said to have opened in 1731, and the scholar Yoshida Shoin is said to have visited. Clear as it gushes, the water turns milky white in the air and soothes the skin with a sulfurous aroma. Plentiful in volume, it suits travelers seeking a rustic, unhurried soak in the Unzen highlands.

Sarugawa Onsen has long been known as a cold spring seeping naturally from the left bank of the Saru River in a national forest, with piping to the baths beginning in 1973. As the natural flow dwindled, an 80-meter well was drilled in 1997 and now feeds the baths. The pH 9.4 alkaline water carries a faint hint of sulfur and leaves skin feeling smooth, suiting skiers and campers who want to unwind in the Hidaka hills.

The Kashio no Yu No. 1 source draws seawater-strength brine from the heart of the Southern Alps, far from any coast, and the place name Kashio, "deer salt," is said to recall deer that gathered to lick the salty water. For generations this brine has been boiled down to make mountain salt. Its dense salts and gentle sulfur aroma wrap the body, letting warmth linger long after the bath. It soothes travelers who wish to steep quietly in a rare salt spring deep in a mountain village.

The Bandaiko source, which unexpectedly erupted from within the Bandai Sulfur Mine in 1970, now stands as Kusatsu's primary hot spring, boasting the largest output and supporting the town. Named with the wish for 'eternal prosperity' (万代), this powerful source was born in the mountains, far from the Yubatake (Kusatsu's central hot-water field). Its colorless, transparent waters deliver a stimulating tingle that awakens both mind and body, while its robust warmth permeates to the very core. This energetic spring is a perfect companion for those seeking liberation from daily routines and a crisp mental and physical rejuvenation.

The Mandaiko source, originating from traces of past mining development, is deeply intertwined with Kusatsu Onsen's unique yumomi culture and its long history of toji (therapeutic bathing). Its highly acidic waters, among Japan's most potent, deliver a distinctive tingling sensation, awakening both mind and body and offering a sense of rejuvenation. The high-temperature blessings penetrate deep into the core, leaving you with a surprisingly light and refreshed feeling after your bath. We invite those seeking a genuine toji experience, a true escape from daily life to restore their mind and body, to discover the profound power of this spring.

The Taenoyu Onsen (Kin no Yu) source gushes naturally in the gorge of the Sendatsu River that runs through the Nyuto Onsenkyo, and it earns the name "golden water" as its iron shifts from gold to deep brown on meeting the air. At pH 2.9 its acidic water tightens the skin while its sulfates let warmth linger in the body. It suits travelers who wish to restore body and mind in a spirited spring to the sound of the mountain stream.

The Mandaiko source, originating from traces of past mining development, is deeply intertwined with Kusatsu Onsen's unique yumomi culture and its long history of toji (therapeutic bathing). Its highly acidic waters, among Japan's most potent, deliver a distinctive tingling sensation, awakening both mind and body and offering a sense of rejuvenation. The high-temperature blessings penetrate deep into the core, leaving you with a surprisingly light and refreshed feeling after your bath. We invite those seeking a genuine toji experience, a true escape from daily life to restore their mind and body, to discover the profound power of this spring.

The Mandaiko source, originating from traces of past mining development, is deeply intertwined with Kusatsu Onsen's unique yumomi culture and its long history of toji (therapeutic bathing). Its highly acidic waters, among Japan's most potent, deliver a distinctive tingling sensation, awakening both mind and body and offering a sense of rejuvenation. The high-temperature blessings penetrate deep into the core, leaving you with a surprisingly light and refreshed feeling after your bath. We invite those seeking a genuine toji experience, a true escape from daily life to restore their mind and body, to discover the profound power of this spring.

The Nuruyu source has been known since the Kyoho era (1716-1735), welling up at about 920 m on the eastern foot of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. This acidic sulfate water carries iron and aluminum, emerging colorless and turning yellowish-white after a day. Though only 31.8°C, it lets warmth linger slowly in the body, leaving skin cool and smooth. It suits summer bathers and anyone who loves long, unhurried soaks in a water traditionally prized for the eyes.

Ishida Onsen's source flows naturally on the flanks of Mt. Esan, an active volcano, and is piped about 2.5 km down, inheriting the spring once used by a highland hotel. The 1984 analysis shows pH 2.1 and 5.518 g/kg of dissolved solids, with 2,972 mg/kg of sulfate plus abundant aluminum and iron, in the lineage of classic alum and green-vitriol springs. Clear at the source, the water oxidizes to a cloudy yellow-brown in the bath, with a squeaky feel, sour taste and metallic scent that speak of the volcano.

The Mandaiko source, originating from traces of past mining development, is deeply intertwined with Kusatsu Onsen's unique yumomi culture and its long history of toji (therapeutic bathing). Its highly acidic waters, among Japan's most potent, deliver a distinctive tingling sensation, awakening both mind and body and offering a sense of rejuvenation. The high-temperature blessings penetrate deep into the core, leaving you with a surprisingly light and refreshed feeling after your bath. We invite those seeking a genuine toji experience, a true escape from daily life to restore their mind and body, to discover the profound power of this spring.