Depression & Low Mood | Onsen Bathing as Complementary Therapy

Nestled in a tranquil Yamanashi City village, Shotokuji Onsen is a simple, therapeutic hot spring, cherished by locals for generations. Its highly alkaline waters, boasting a pH of 9.5, offer a thick, serum-like texture. As you slowly immerse yourself in the lukewarm bath, daily stiffness gently melts away, offering deep relaxation and potential pain relief. After your soak, anticipate surprisingly silky skin and a renewed sense of rejuvenation, perfect for those seeking an escape from the hustle to indulge in self-care.

Once beloved by the local community as "Morizane Onsen," this spring was reborn in 2003 as "Yasuragi no Sato Yamakuni." Gushing from 1,000 meters underground at the foot of Mt. Hiko in Yamakuni, the Yasuragi no Sato Yamakuni Gensen is a gentle simple spring nurtured by the rich nature of Oku-Yabakei. Its mildly alkaline water, with a pH of 7.9, is exceptionally soft on the skin and minimally irritating, making it suitable for everyone from children to the elderly.

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.

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.

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.

As its name "Asagiri no Yu" (Morning Mist Bath) suggests, this source gushes forth in a location overlooking the Yufuin Basin's magical morning mist. It is a private source nurtured by one of Yufuin's most historic establishments, founded in 1911. The alkaline simple spring is gentle on the skin. Its abundant metasilicic acid helps to wash away old skin cells, leaving your skin feeling silky smooth. It is a renowned spring perfect for days when you wish to quietly reset your mind and body at the foot of Mt. Yufu.

The Oyado Yuraku Gensen is a private source bubbling up in the central area of Yufuin Onsen, a town known for its idyllic rural landscapes at the foot of Mt. Yufu. Many of Yufuin's springs, a long-cherished health resort area, are classified as simple hot springs gentle on the skin. This source is one of them, characterized by its mild and soft touch. Immersing yourself in its waters feels like being embraced by the serene nature of Yufuin, offering a peaceful respite for resetting mind and body away from daily life.

This is one of the private sources gushing in Yufuin Onsen, one of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts. The "On-yu" source is a simple hot spring drawn from within the property, known for being gentle and suitable for everyone due to its low mineral content. Its weak alkalinity of pH 8.2 gently removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth. Rich in metasilicic acid, a natural moisturizing component, it helps hydrate the skin after bathing. This spring is recommended for those seeking a gentle bath to unwind both body and soul while surrounded by the majestic nature of Mount Yufu.

The Sanso Tensui source is a private spring nestled in the mountains of Amagase Onsen, one of Oita's three great hot springs alongside Beppu and Yufuin. Established in 1995 on a vast 10,000-tsubo (approx. 33,000 m²) estate overlooking the famous Sakurataki Falls, this relatively new source gushes forth pure, heavenly water. The high-temperature 64.5°C spring water is used free-flowing with added cool water, known for its gentle, smooth touch on the skin. Surrounded by the murmur of a clear stream and lush greenery, it offers deep healing and tranquility to those wishing to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

Hakone Yumoto Onsen, said to have been discovered in the Nara period, is home to Yumoto Onsen No. 3. This source quietly gushes from its location in the deepest part of the area, along the Sugumo River valley. Excavated as a horizontal tunnel during the Meiji period, this naturally gushing spring yields soft, alkaline waters that gently envelop the skin. After a bath, one can expect a feeling of lightness, both in body and mind. It continues to be cherished and utilized by surrounding onsen facilities, beloved by those seeking to quietly restore their body and mind amidst abundant nature.

Gushing in the renowned Yufuin Onsen region, the Nurukawa Onsen source is beloved for its tranquil setting despite being conveniently located near Lake Kinrin. This spring is characterized by its soft, clear, and gentle water, a classic simple onsen cherished by many facilities in Yufuin. Its weakly alkaline nature is mild on the skin, leaving you feeling refreshed yet deeply warmed after bathing. It's the perfect spring for days when you want to gently unwind both mind and body amidst the idyllic scenery of Mount Yufu.

Born in Fukuji Onsen, nestled in the mountains of Okuhida, where multiple sources merge into one. This special blend embodies the blessings of a land long cherished for its therapeutic waters. The soft, near-neutral water with a pH of 7.16 gently envelops the skin, while the high 95°C source delivers warmth to your core. This onsen is for those seeking to escape the everyday hustle, deeply relax their mind and body, and cherish themselves in a tranquil moment.

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.

Gushing in the Kannawa Onsen area, one of the eight springs of Beppu, Japan's top onsen destination, the Akari no Yado Tougetsu Gensen is a relatively new source, drilled and pump-lifted for a facility that opened in 2019. It offers modern relaxation while inheriting the traditions of Kannawa, long-famed as a therapeutic spa area. With a neutral pH of 6.8, close to human skin, the water is gentle and suitable for everyone. Immersing yourself in these waters helps you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life, deeply relaxing both mind and body.

The Miyagino Combined Spring supplies the Gora Onsen area, one of Hakone's 17 famous springs. Since successful drilling around 1965, this source has supported the development of the Miyagino district as a health resort. By blending multiple sources, it maintains a stable volume and quality. The soft, weakly alkaline water is gentle on the skin, leaving it feeling smooth after bathing. It is recommended for those seeking a moment of peace to gently unwind both body and mind amidst Hakone's rich nature.

This Radon-sen No. 1 source plays a key role as one of the "Ginsen" (Silver Springs) that color the history of Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three ancient hot springs. In contrast to the reddish-brown "Kinsen" containing iron, Ginsen is characterized by its clear, smooth feel. The water from this source is said to gently stimulate cells and vitalize the body as it's absorbed through breathing.

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 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.

A new 'Wa-modern' current emerged in Noboribetsu Onsen's history in 2006. This distinctive spring, with its faintly fragrant sulfur, evokes a sense of travel, while its chloride and sulfate composition gently infuses the skin with rich warmth. The heat gradually permeates the body's core, offering a pleasant restorative warmth that endures post-bath. It is perfectly suited for those desiring deep relaxation for mind and body in a sophisticated ambiance, far from daily clamor.

Since its discovery in 1866 by the ascetic monk Miizumi Jozan, Jozankei Onsen has been cherished as Sapporo's secluded hot spring retreat. Its springs, naturally gushing approximately 8,600 liters per minute from the riverbed near Tsukimibashi and Takayamabashi on the Toyohira River, are colorless, clear, and possess a subtly salty taste. This water envelops the skin like a delicate veil of salt, delivering restorative warmth deep into the body's core. It is highly recommended for those seeking deep relaxation and liberation of mind and body, away from urban clamor, while immersed in the valley's changing seasons.

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.

Onsenmura No. 114, a chloride spring drawn from approximately 100 meters underground at Miyanoshita Onsen—one of Hakone's renowned Seven Hot Springs—carries a rich history. This area flourished as a therapeutic hot spring resort since the Edo period, evolving into an international destination during the Meiji era. The spring's unique feature is its gentle embrace, forming a 'salt veil' on the skin that slowly warms the body from its core. The restorative warmth lingers long after your bath, promoting deep relaxation for both mind and body. It is highly recommended for those seeking to soothe daily fatigue while immersing themselves in history.

This unique created hot spring utilizes the fumaroles of Owakudani, which were formed by volcanic activity approximately 3000 years ago. In the early Showa period, Hakone Onsen Kyokyu Co., Ltd. developed this source to supply hot water to areas like Sengokuhara and Gora. The water, created by mixing volcanic gas and water, offers a distinct, tingling, and tightening sensation upon contact with the skin. The powerful energy from the earth delivers restorative warmth deep into the body, a warmth that lingers long after your bath. It is ideal for those seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation, wishing to refresh their mind and body.

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.

Gora Onsen is a unique "steam-created spring," established in the early Showa period, born from the reaction between volcanic steam from Owakudani and water from Sengokuhara. This blessing embodies the fusion of Hakone's natural power and human ingenuity. A gentle salt veil envelops the skin, delivering heat deep into the body's core, ensuring restorative warmth that lingers long after your bath. It's the perfect spring to soothe the fatigue of an active day and quietly replenish your vitality for tomorrow.

The Atagoyama Sengen, gushing forth in Arima Onsen—one of Japan's three ancient hot springs—is a prime example of the "Kinsen" (gold spring), which turns a vivid reddish-brown upon contact with air. Its history is deep, having long supported the therapeutic bathing culture of Arima. The water from this source, rich in salt and iron, offers a powerful warmth that heats the body to its core. Steeping in this bath envelops you in a warmth that feels infused with the earth's blessings, a sensation that lingers long after you emerge.

This rare, naturally gushing source emerges from beneath 'Gensenkaku,' nestled beside Kusatsu Onsen's iconic Yubatake (Kusatsu's central hot-water field). Despite its strong acidity, its waters offer a remarkably soft bathing sensation, akin to being enveloped in silk floss. The milky-white waters, renowned for having Kusatsu's finest 'yunohana' (hot spring minerals), gently embrace the skin, contributing to silky skin and providing a restorative warmth that lingers deep within the body. Known as a 'phantom spring' for its history of disappearing once during the Taisho era, it now offers a profound escape from daily life, inviting deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

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.

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.

This is one of the most well-known sources in Noboribetsu, a leading onsen destination in Hokkaido. It continuously flows at a high temperature of 96.5°C, embodying the raw power of the earth. The highly acidic water, with a pH of 2.2, provides a tingling sensation on the skin and a refreshing feeling after bathing. Its rich iron and sulfate content offers a powerful bathing experience that feels as if it's awakening both mind and body. It's a spring for those who wish to reset from daily fatigue, gain new vitality, and feel nature's energy throughout their entire being.

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 Uwanari Gensen is a primary source for Arima Onsen's famous "Kinsen" (Golden Spring). Its name, meaning "jealousy spring," comes from a legend that the water would gush violently with envy whenever a beautiful woman passed by. [3, 6, 7] Once an intermittent spring, it is now drilled and its waters are distributed to many establishments in Arima via other sources like the Gosho Sengen. [3, 6, 7] Rich in iron and salt, this spring is known for its characteristic reddish-brown color upon oxidation and its ability to warm the body to its core.

This is a representative 'Kinsen' (golden spring) of Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three ancient hot springs. Rich in iron and salt, its waters turn a distinctive reddish-brown upon contact with air. These dense minerals provide deep, lasting warmth, while a salt veil on the skin helps retain moisture, leaving it feeling smooth. Perfect for those struggling with chronic fatigue or poor circulation, or anyone seeking to refresh mind and body. It supports those wishing to regain vitality through the power of its potent waters.

Discovered in 1992, Kumihama Onsen, drilled from 1500m underground, emerges in the scenic Kumihama Bay area of northern Kyoto Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. Its colorless, transparent, and mild waters are renowned for a gentle, skin-enveloping veil of salt. This unique quality delivers restorative warmth deep into the body's core, ensuring a lasting sense of comfort long after you leave the bath. It's an ideal retreat for those seeking deep relaxation and a profound escape from daily life amidst stunning rias coastlines.

Hirayu Onsen, nestled deep within Okuhida Onsenkyo and embraced by the Hida Mountains, is an ancient hot spring said to have been discovered by Takeda Shingen's defeated warriors. Its waters, rich in chloride and bicarbonate springs, gently refine the skin, promoting a silky skin sensation, while delivering restorative warmth deep into the body. This pleasant warmth lingers long after your bath, feeling like a blessing from the mountains. It is highly recommended for those seeking deep relaxation and a respite from daily life while admiring the Northern Alps, or for hikers wishing to soothe their weary bodies.

The Niseko-cho source is pump-lifted from the base of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort. Developed by the Hokkaido Chuo Bus Group, its colorless, clear waters are widely supplied to nearby hot spring facilities. Drawn from abundant natural forests, this spring offers a soft touch and provides restorative warmth, gently heating the body to its core. A subtle salt veil envelops the skin, leaving a lasting warmth that offers deep relaxation for bodies fatigued from outdoor activities. It is highly recommended for those seeking rejuvenation amidst grand nature.

Found near the Saga Yamato Interchange, "Yamato no Yu" stands as one of Kyushu's premier high-concentration carbonated springs. This source boasts an impressive 1600mg/kg of carbon dioxide gas, significantly surpassing the legal definition for a carbon dioxide spring of 1000mg/kg. Fresh, pump-lifted water is directly supplied, ensuring its purity. As you immerse yourself in the lukewarm bath, countless silver bubbles envelop your skin, their gentle effervescence stimulating circulation throughout your body. It's an ideal hot spring for those seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation for both mind and body.

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.

Nestled along the Tone River, Yujuku Onsen has been a beloved hot spring in a quiet post town, cherished by travelers and literati since the Edo period. Its waters, smooth as silk, envelop the skin in a veil of moisture, offering a truly silky skin experience. This restorative warmth penetrates deep into the body's core, gently releasing daily tensions and promoting deep relaxation. It is a renowned spring for those seeking rejuvenation and a peaceful recuperation amidst the tranquil mountain scenery, with its comforting warmth lingering long after bathing.