Poor Gastrointestinal Function & Onsen | Carbon Dioxide Springs Explained

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.

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.

Nestled within the grounds of Suzuka Circuit, one of the world's premier racing courses, this unique hot spring has offered a soothing retreat to race fans and families since its 1994 opening. Its weakly alkaline waters, drawn from underground, are gentle on the skin with minimal irritation, effortlessly permeating the body. Ideal for cooling race excitement and gently refreshing an uplifted mind and body, this spring continues its legacy of healing in a renewed form since 2023, providing tranquility to all visitors.

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.

Opened in 2004, Ohara Onsen in Kyoto's Ohara district offers a colorless, transparent spring nestled in a mountain village near renowned temples like Sanzen-in and Jakkō-in. Its signature feature is a gentle, soft texture that delicately envelops the skin. Immersing yourself in this weakly alkaline, smooth water amidst the ancient capital's tranquility will slowly release tension from your stiff body and mind. This onsen is perfect for those seeking serene moments surrounded by abundant nature, far from the daily hustle.

In the renowned Yufuin Onsen, nestled at the foot of Mt. Yufu, the "Kawamoto Bettei Garden Gensen" is drawn from 150 meters underground. This source was developed exclusively for a private lodging, born to provide a serene bathing experience enveloped by Yufuin's tranquil nature. The weakly alkaline water gently embraces the skin, leaving it feeling smooth after bathing. It is a special, healing spring perfect for days when you want to escape the hustle and bustle and cherish time for yourself.

Gently bubbling forth in the Yufuin basin at the foot of the famed Mount Yufu, Tanokura Onsen is one of the area's many distinctive springs. This region has long been cherished as a therapeutic hot spring destination. This specific source is characterized by its silky-smooth texture, a gift of its weak alkalinity with a pH of 8.4. The water gently envelops the skin, leaving it feeling deeply moisturized after bathing. It is a tranquil spring that offers solace to those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle and unwind in a serene, natural setting.

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.

Hakone Yumoto Onsen, the historic gateway to Hakone Onsenkyo, opened in the Nara period and flourished as the foremost of the 'Hakone Nanayu' (Seven Hot Springs of Hakone) during the Edo period. This particular hot spring vein, a pillar of the region's heritage, offers thick, soft waters that gently envelop the skin, promoting deep relaxation for both mind and body. After bathing, the wonderfully smooth skin feel provides a comforting embrace, inviting guests to forget daily hustle and bustle and indulge in self-care.

The Poppo-an source is a private wellspring drilled in the tranquil countryside of Yufuin, one of Japan's premier onsen destinations. Located amidst serene landscapes with views of Mt. Yufu, its name is said to derive from the beloved local train that runs nearby. This alkaline simple spring is characterized by its gentle, non-irritating waters that seem to smoothly envelop the skin. After bathing, your skin will feel deeply moisturized, filling both mind and body with profound relaxation.

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.

This naturally gushing mixed source is located about 7km upstream from Unazuki Onsen, nestled within the Kurobe Gorge's Kuronagi Onsen area. Since its water was first drawn through wooden pipes in Taisho 12 (1923), it has continuously supplied a generous 2,100 liters per minute of hot spring water to the Unazuki Onsen town. Renowned as Japan's clearest, its soft waters gently embrace the skin and offer a restorative warmth that permeates deep into the body. It is highly recommended for those seeking deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and a chance to forget daily fatigue amidst the blessings of magnificent nature.

Kuronagi Onsen, a major source gushing from the Kuronagi River, a tributary of the Kurobe River, was discovered in 1645 by Tarozaemon of Otozawa Village. During the Edo period, it was renowned as a hidden hot spring of the Kaga Domain. Its colorless, transparent, and soft waters gently envelop the skin, warming the body to its core. After bathing, you feel surprisingly light, with a sense of rejuvenation from within. This blessed spring, whose waters are also delivered to Unazuki Onsen about 7 kilometers away, offers solace to those seeking to liberate mind and body amidst grand nature and rediscover their true self.

This ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa Tsuboyu Gensen source was developed using modern drilling techniques on a highland overlooking the historic, steam-filled streets of Kannawa, Beppu, a renowned therapeutic bathing area since the Kamakura period. A key feature is the dissolved salt, which gently envelops the skin to provide long-lasting warmth after bathing. It offers a moment of deep release for those seeking to connect with Beppu's magnificent nature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gokuraku Gensen is a source for the iconic "Kinsen" (gold spring) of Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three ancient hot springs. It was once called "Negai no Yu" (Spring of Wishes) and its history is tied to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had its waters channeled to his private bathhouse. The rich water, which turns a reddish-brown when exposed to air, has been cherished by therapeutic bathers for centuries. Its high salt concentration envelops the skin, providing long-lasting warmth after bathing. Steeping in this historic spring, you can feel the deep warmth that once soothed samurai warlords, offering a true escape from daily fatigue.

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.

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 source, naturally gushing 200 liters per minute from the Toyohira River riverbed in Jozankei Onsen town, began supplying surrounding hot spring facilities in 1997, named after its founder, Jozan Miizumi. Its colorless, clear waters, with a faint hint of sulfur, are characterized by a gentle salt veil that envelops the skin. The heat slowly penetrates to the body's core, providing restorative warmth that lingers long after bathing. It is a renowned spring offering deep relaxation for those seeking to escape daily hustle and warm their mind and body.

This specific spring, pump-lifted from the underground of Higashi 3-chome in Jozankei Onsen—Sapporo's tranquil retreat—has been affectionately known since ancient times as 'Atsu no Yu,' or the 'Hot Water Spring.' Its unique salt components form a delicate veil on the skin, providing a restorative warmth that gently permeates the body's core. The comforting heat continues long after your bath, aiding in deep relaxation and relieving daily tension. It's a soothing haven for those wishing to escape urban hustle and achieve a profound sense of rejuvenation.

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 New Heartopia Onsen, located in Nagashima-cho, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, an area famous for Nagashima Resort, is sourced from deep underground through drilling and pump-lifting. Its soft, saline waters create a delicate veil on the skin, gently warming the body from its core. The restorative warmth lingers long after bathing, offering deep relaxation for both mind and body. This spring provides a soothing embrace for those seeking profound tranquility after a day of enjoyment in this vibrant leisure destination.

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.

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.

The 'Mixed Source No. 9 and 10' naturally gushes from the riverbed of the Toyohira River, which flows through Jozankei Onsen. By blending multiple private sources, this unique and rich hot spring water is created. A gentle salt veil envelops the skin, delivering warmth deep into the body's core, and a pleasant restorative warmth lingers long after bathing. This blessing from the earth is especially recommended for those seeking to release daily fatigue and experience deep relaxation.

Pumped from 1,000 meters beneath the Kuju Highlands in Aso-Kuju National Park, the Tenku no Daichi Kuju Kogen Hotel source is a true all-star spring, combining the properties of chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate waters. Rich in metasilicic acid, a natural moisturizer, it leaves skin feeling smooth during the bath and wonderfully soft afterward. It's perfect for days when you want to deeply soothe body and soul while gazing at the majestic nature of the Kuju mountain range and Mount Aso.

Hakone Yumoto Onsen's history is said to date back to the Nara period, making it Hakone's oldest hot spring village. [2, 4] The Hakone no Yu Kamon source is a private spring drilled in this historic land. This sodium/calcium-chloride/sulfate spring follows in the tradition of famous waters once presented to the Shogun's family during the Edo period. [10] Its waters gently envelop the skin, providing a characteristic warmth that lingers long after bathing. It is recommended for those seeking to release mind and body in historic, nature-rich Hakone.

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.

This private source, Kusunoyu, gushes forth in the Beppu Onsen area, one of the eight springs of Beppu. While its name is associated with the historic "Kusunoki Onsen" public bath dating back to the Kamakura period, that bathhouse is now closed. This source features a balanced blend of skin-smoothing bicarbonate ions and core-warming chloride ions at a gentle pH of 8.2. As you steep in its waters, the slightly viscous texture envelops your skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and restoratively warm long after you emerge. It is perfect for those seeking to unwind both body and soul in a historic spa town.

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 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.

Emerging from a tea field near the gate of Kurama-dera Temple in Kyoto's "inner parlor" during the late Meiji era, this rare and esteemed hot spring offers subtly sulfur-scented waters. Its gentle, weak alkaline touch smoothly envelops the skin, leaving it with a silky feel. After bathing, a refreshing lightness of body and mind promotes rejuvenation. It provides deep relaxation, helping to relieve pain from journeys exploring Kifune Shrine and Kurama-dera Temple, allowing visitors to deeply refresh amidst the beauty of nature through the four seasons.