Watanoyu Gensen

Analysis Verified
わたの湯
The Cotton-Wrapped Spring

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.

AI Generated
This source matches 4 spring types· Tap to switch
SPRING TYPE
Sulfur Spring

These springs have an aroma that recalls boiled-eggs and can be cloudy white, blue or green. They boast strong antibacterial qualities and can be effective at healing wounds and relieving inflammatory skin conditions while also promoting circulation.

See features & indications
Bathing indications
Atopic dermatitisPlaque psoriasisChronic eczemaEpidermal suppuration
Drinking indications
Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol)

※ Only at facilities permitted to serve drinking water. 200–500 mL/day recommended.

Cautions
  • 皮膚または粘膜の敏感な方、高齢者の皮膚乾燥症の方は禁忌です。
  • 肌が弱い方は入浴後に真湯で洗い流してください。
Definition :Contains 2 mg/kg or more of total sulfur.
Source: 環境省「あんしん・あんぜんな温泉利用のいろは」(監修:日本温泉気候物理医学会)Read full article
PH VALUE
2.1
Acidic
Acidic ← 07 Neutral14 → Alkaline
Acidic spring (pH < 3). Antibacterial and skin-softening effects. Known for a refreshing bathing experience.
Caution: Avoid prolonged bathing. Rinse with fresh water after bathing. Not recommended for those with open wounds.
TEMPERATURE
50.2
Hot Spring
Quite hot. Often diluted with water for a comfortable bathing temperature.
KEY MINERALS

The bar length shows how abundant each component is compared to thresholds that make it "distinctive" (therapeutic spring standards, beauty spring criteria, etc.).

Aluminum ionSee detail
44.3 mg/kg

Strong astringent action that tightens skin. A key component of acidic springs, suited to oily or acne-prone skin.

Free hydrogen sulfideSee detail
10.5 mg/kg

The source of the distinctive sulfur smell. Dilates blood vessels via skin and inhalation to strongly boost circulation.

Fluoride ionSee detail
9.6 mg/kg

Mild antibacterial action keeps the skin clean. Trace transdermal absorption supports tooth and bone health.

Metasilicic acidSee detail
225 mg/kg

A natural moisturizer also used in skincare lotions. Forms a thin veil on the skin to reduce moisture loss after bathing.

Iodide ionSee detail
2.3 mg/kg

Trace component with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.

CHARACTER · COMPOSITION PROFILE
1234StimulationBactericidalSkin BeautyHeat RetentionRelaxation

Scores are calculated from mineral analysis data based on the Mineral Spring Analysis Guidelines (Ministry of Environment, Japan). They are unrelated to facility atmosphere or service quality.

USAGE
Usage status is unknownInformation from facility postings or official sites has not been confirmed. Please check with staff on site.
Note

The temperature, pH and component values shown here are based on the hot spring analysis (source). Actual values in the bath may differ depending on heating, dilution, recycling and filtration. Please check current usage status at the facility.

SENSORY TEST
Color
無色、白色浮遊物あり
Smell
硫化水素臭
EFFECTS
Spring-specific indications (bathing)
Atopic dermatitisPlaque psoriasisChronic eczemaEpidermal suppurationImpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)Cuts and grazesPeripheral circulatory failurePoor circulationDepressionXerodermaNeuralgiaMuscle painStiff shouldersMotor paralysisBruisesSprainsPoor circulationConvalescenceFatigue recoveryCuts and grazesBurnsChronic skin diseaseFrail childrenChronic women's diseasesArteriosclerosisDiabetesHigh blood pressure
General indications (bathing)
High blood pressure (mild)Rheumatoid arthritisAutonomic instabilityInsomniaChronic pain or stiffness in muscles and jointsMuscle stiffness due to motor paralysisGastrointestinal dysfunction
Contraindications
Acute illness (especially with fever)Active tuberculosisMalignant tumorsSevere heart diseaseRespiratory failureRenal failureBleeding disordersSevere anemiaAny actively progressing illnessPregnancy (especially early and late stages)Severe chronic dermatitis (sulphur springs)Sensitive skin or mucous membranes, eye conditions (acidic springs)Acute illness (especially with fever)Active tuberculosisMalignant tumorsSevere heart diseaseRespiratory failureKidney failureBleeding disordersSevere anemiaOther progressive diseasesSensitive skin or mucous membranes (especially photosensitivity)Xeroderma in the elderly
BATHING TIPS
AI Generated

With a very strong acidity of pH 2.03, those with sensitive skin should be cautious of irritation. It's best to start with short baths of 3 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the time. If you feel the water is too harsh, rinsing off with fresh water after your bath is recommended.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

Known for its powerful sterilizing effects, this strongly acidic spring with a pH of 2.03 is expected to be effective for chronic skin diseases and cuts. With a high metasilicic acid content of 225.8 mg/kg, it is said to leave the skin feeling moisturized. Its high temperature of 50.2°C warms you to the core, making it ideal for improving circulation and recovering from fatigue.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

Due to its high acidity, individuals with sensitive skin or elderly persons with dry skin should exercise caution. Bathing should be avoided by those with acute illnesses, active tuberculosis, severe heart disease, bleeding disorders, or severe anemia.

※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications

ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼

Source Info

Source name
Watanoyu Gensen
Spring type
酸性・含硫黄-アルミニウム-硫酸塩・塩化物温泉
Source temperature
50.2℃
pH
2.1
Flow type
自然湧出
Osmotic pressure
低張性

Analysis Document

Analysis date
2014-11-05
Analyst organization
一般社団法人 群馬県薬剤師会 環境衛生試験センター
Registration No.
群馬第2号

Cations

Hydrogen ion H⁺
8.9 mg/kg
Sodium ion Na⁺
56.3 mg/kg
Potassium ion K⁺
27.5 mg/kg
Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
34.1 mg/kg
Calcium ion Ca²⁺
76.7 mg/kg
Aluminum ion Al³⁺
44.3 mg/kg
Manganese ion Mn²⁺
1.0 mg/kg
Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
16.5 mg/kg
Total cations
0.27 mg/kg

Anions

Fluoride ion F⁻
9.6 mg/kg
Chloride ion Cl⁻
299 mg/kg
Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
201 mg/kg
Bromide ion Br⁻
1.4 mg/kg
Iodide ion I⁻
2.3 mg/kg
Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
669 mg/kg
Total anions
1.2 mg/kg

Undissociated Components

Sulfuric acid H₂SO₄
4.5 mg/kg
Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
225 mg/kg
Metaboric acid HBO₂
7.2 mg/kg
Total undissociated
0.24 mg/kg

Dissolved Gas

Free carbon dioxide CO₂
167 mg/kg
Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
10.5 mg/kg
Total dissolved gas
0.18 mg/kg

Totals

Total dissolved substances
1.9 mg/kg
Component total
1.9 mg/kg
Evaporation residue
1.5 mg/kg

Usage

Usage status
Unknown

Indications & Contraindications

Bathing indications
Atopic dermatitis, Plaque psoriasis, Chronic eczema, Epidermal suppuration, Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), Cuts and grazes, Peripheral circulatory failure, Poor circulation, Depression, Xeroderma, Neuralgia, Muscle pain, Stiff shoulders, Motor paralysis, Bruises, Sprains, Poor circulation, Convalescence, Fatigue recovery, Cuts and grazes, Burns, Chronic skin disease, Frail children, Chronic women's diseases, Arteriosclerosis, Diabetes, High blood pressure
General indications
High blood pressure (mild), Rheumatoid arthritis, Autonomic instability, Insomnia, Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles and joints, Muscle stiffness due to motor paralysis, Gastrointestinal dysfunction
Contraindications
Acute illness (especially with fever), Active tuberculosis, Malignant tumors, Severe heart disease, Respiratory failure, Renal failure, Bleeding disorders, Severe anemia, Any actively progressing illness, Pregnancy (especially early and late stages), Severe chronic dermatitis (sulphur springs), Sensitive skin or mucous membranes, eye conditions (acidic springs), Acute illness (especially with fever), Active tuberculosis, Malignant tumors, Severe heart disease, Respiratory failure, Kidney failure, Bleeding disorders, Severe anemia, Other progressive diseases, Sensitive skin or mucous membranes (especially photosensitivity), Xeroderma in the elderly

Drinking

Drinkability
Not drinkable
FACILITY INFO
AI draft (unverified)
Official site
Tattoo
No tattoosGuests with tattoos (including fashion and religious tattoos) are not permitted to use the baths, as they may cause discomfort to other guests.
Room with private open-air bath
Available
About tattoos and onsen
Travelers with tattoos can still bathe comfortably in a private bath (Kashikiri) or a room with a private open-air bath.
Hours
Weekdays: 14:0010:00
Weekends & holidays: 14:0010:00
The main public bath is available all night. The private baths are available from 15:00 to 10:00 the next morning (paid bathing card ¥3,000, limited to 20 groups per day).
Closed days: Open daily
Transit
From JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (JR長野原草津口駅), take a JR bus for approx. 25 minutes and alight at Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (草津温泉バスターミナル). From the bus terminal, it's about a 5-minute walk or a free shuttle bus is available. From Karuizawa Station (軽井沢駅), it's about an 80-minute bus ride.
Parking
Available (free), capacity for 200-300 cars. Outdoor flat parking, available for use before check-in.
Facilities
Main Public BathOpen-air BathRestaurantTea LoungeKaraoke RoomOutdoor PoolRelaxation Lounge (after bath)Shop
This information may change without notice. Please contact the facility directly for accurate details.
How Long to Stay (Toji)
Start with 2 nights / 3 days

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment notes that even a short stay refreshes you. For a full therapeutic cure, around 2–3 weeks is the guideline.

More on toji length
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The descriptions, catch phrases, and translations on this page are generated by AI (Claude). pH, temperature, and component values are OCR-extracted from the official analysis report. Learn more