Nikawa Spring
Analysis UnverifiedNikigawa Spring stands among Kusatsu's most cherished historic sources, honored as one of Japan's Three Premier Hot Springs. True to its name—'nikigawa' evokes water boiling with fierce intensity—this source captivates visitors with dramatic convulsions that embody Kusatsu's raw, untamed geothermal power. Here, those seeking relief from stubborn skin afflictions, weary travelers longing to dissolve chronic stiffness and fatigue, or anyone yearning to break free from daily stress will discover transformative waters worthy of pilgrimage.
The bar length shows how abundant each component is compared to thresholds that make it "distinctive" (therapeutic spring standards, beauty spring criteria, etc.).
Strong astringent action that tightens skin. A key component of acidic springs, suited to oily or acne-prone skin.
The source of the distinctive sulfur smell. Dilates blood vessels via skin and inhalation to strongly boost circulation.
A natural moisturizer also used in skincare lotions. Forms a thin veil on the skin to reduce moisture loss after bathing.
Mild antibacterial action keeps the skin clean. Trace transdermal absorption supports tooth and bone health.
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.
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.
With its potent pH 2.06 strong-acid composition, first-time bathers and those with sensitive skin should begin with brief 3–5 minute immersions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward to cleanse residual acidic minerals from the skin. As tolerance builds, divide soaks into 2–3 sessions daily for optimal therapeutic effect. Never forget to hydrate with a full cup of water before and after each bath.
The spring's extreme pH 2.06 acidity, combined with sulfate ions (669 mg/kg) and aluminum ions (48.2 mg/kg), gently dissolves excess skin keratin, offering remarkable relief for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic eczema sufferers. Dissolved hydrogen sulfide (5.4 mg/kg) invigorates circulation, targeting chronic joint and muscle rigidity with lasting comfort. At 48.8°C, this abundantly hot spring's thermal energy supports improved glucose tolerance and peripheral circulation—a blessing for those managing diabetes and circulation disorders.
Those with hypersensitive skin or mucous membranes, and elderly persons prone to xerosis, should refrain from bathing. For delicate complexions, post-bath rinsing with warm water is especially critical to remove mineral deposits and prevent irritation.
※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications
ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼
Source Info
- Source name
- 煮川源泉
- Spring type
- 酸性・含硫黄-アルミニウム-硫酸塩・塩化物温泉（硫化水素型）
- Old spring type name
- 低張性酸性高温泉
- Source temperature
- 48.8℃
- pH
- 2.06
- Flow type
- 自然湧出
- Osmotic pressure
- 低張性
Analysis Document
- Analysis date
- 2023-08-04
- 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.
- 群馬薬第2号
Cations
- Hydrogen ion H⁺
- 8.7 mg/kg
- Sodium ion Na⁺
- 62.7 mg/kg
- Potassium ion K⁺
- 25.1 mg/kg
- Ammonium ion NH₄⁺
- 0.20 mg/kg
- Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
- 38.0 mg/kg
- Calcium ion Ca²⁺
- 77.6 mg/kg
- Aluminum ion Al³⁺
- 48.2 mg/kg
- Manganese ion Mn²⁺
- 1.9 mg/kg
- Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
- 17.3 mg/kg
- Total cations
- 0.28 mg/kg
Anions
- Fluoride ion F⁻
- 9.3 mg/kg
- Chloride ion Cl⁻
- 303 mg/kg
- Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
- 669 mg/kg
- Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
- 196 mg/kg
- Total anions
- 1.2 mg/kg
Undissociated Components
- Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
- 237 mg/kg
- Metaboric acid HBO₂
- 8.5 mg/kg
- Total undissociated
- 0.25 mg/kg
Dissolved Gas
- Free carbon dioxide CO₂
- 95.4 mg/kg
- Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
- 5.4 mg/kg
- Total dissolved gas
- 0.10 mg/kg
Totals
- Total dissolved substances
- 1.7 mg/kg
- Component total
- 1.8 mg/kg
- Evaporation residue
- 1.5 mg/kg
Usage
- Heating
- No
- Dilution
- No
- Recycle / Filter
- No
- Additives
- No
- Disinfection
- No
Indications & Contraindications
- Bathing indications
- Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles and joints (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lumbago, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains and similar chronic conditions), Muscle stiffness due to motor paralysis, Gastrointestinal dysfunction (gastric heaviness, intestinal gas accumulation, etc.), High blood pressure (mild), Dyslipidemia (mild), Mild asthma or emphysema, Hemorrhoid pain, Autonomic instability, Various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, etc.), Recovery period after illness, Fatigue relief, Health promotion, Atopic dermatitis, Psoriasis vulgaris, Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), Pyogenic skin infections, Chronic eczema, Cuts and grazes, Peripheral circulatory failure, Poor circulation, Depression, Xeroderma
- Contraindications
- Active phase of disease (particularly with fever), Active tuberculosis, Advanced malignant tumors or cases of severe physical weakness such as severe anemia, Severe heart or lung disease causing shortness of breath with minimal exertion, Severe kidney disease with edema, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Visible bleeding, Acute exacerbation of chronic disease, Hypersensitive skin or mucous membranes, Xeroderma in elderly people
Drinking
- Drinkability
- Not drinkable