Yubatake Spring

Analysis Unverified
湯畑
A renowned hot spring known for strong acidic sulfur

The Yubatake source, an iconic symbol of Kusatsu Onsen, has drawn countless literati, samurai, and commoners since the Edo period. Enveloped by its white steam and the purifying hydrogen sulfide scent, visitors are instantly transported to an extraordinary realm. This powerfully acidic water, with a pH of around 2, remarkably tightens the skin, offering a refreshing sensation akin to rejuvenation. It promises profound satisfaction for those seeking silky skin, deep relaxation from daily stress, and authentic hot spring experiences.

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
2.0
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
52.3
Very Hot Spring
Very hot. Cannot be bathed in without significant dilution.
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
49.1 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
6.2 mg/kg

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

Fluoride ionSee detail
10.1 mg/kg

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

Metasilicic acidSee detail
243 mg/kg

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

Metaboric acidSee detail
9.8 mg/kg

A trace component with gentle 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
Free-Flowing Onsen
Pure spring water — no dilution, no recirculation
HeatedNo
DilutedNo
RecycledNo
FilteredNo
DisinfectedNo
AdditivesNo
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
無色澄明
Smell
硫化水素臭有り
EFFECTS
Spring-specific indications (bathing)
Atopic dermatitisPlaque psoriasisChronic eczemaEpidermal suppurationImpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)Cuts and grazesPeripheral circulatory failurePoor circulationDepressionXeroderma
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)
BATHING TIPS
AI Generated

Given the strong acidity (pH 2.02), limit your first immersion to 3–5 minutes while monitoring your skin's response before gradually extending duration. The traditional practice is to pat dry with a towel without rinsing away thermal minerals; however, those with sensitive skin may gently rinse with warm water to reduce irritation. Begin with one to two daily immersions, progressively increasing to two or three as your body acclimates—this is the Kusatsu way.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

At 52.3°C and pH 2.02, the potent acidity tightens skin surface while free hydrogen sulfide (6.2 mg/kg) delivers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, offering scientific grounding for treating atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic eczema. Those managing glucose intolerance, peripheral circulatory disorders, and cold sensitivity find measurable improvement. Rich in sulfate ions (674.4 mg/kg), this water is widely utilized for alleviating chronic joint and muscle tension.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

Those with hypersensitive skin and mucous membranes, and elderly individuals prone to xerosis, should avoid this spring. Those with active disease, severe cardiopulmonary or renal conditions, or active bleeding should refrain from bathing. Due to strong acidity, those with delicate skin should rinse gently in warm water after bathing.

※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications

ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼

Source Info

Source name
Yubatake Spring
Spring type
Acidic, sulfur-containing, aluminum, sulfate, chloride hot spring (hydrogen sulfide type) (low-tension acidic high-temperature spring)
Source temperature
52.3℃
pH
2.02
Flow type
Natural spring
Osmotic pressure
Hypotonic

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⁺
10.0 mg/kg
Sodium ion Na⁺
59.7 mg/kg
Potassium ion K⁺
30.0 mg/kg
Ammonium ion NH₄⁺
0.50 mg/kg
Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
39.4 mg/kg
Calcium ion Ca²⁺
73.1 mg/kg
Aluminum ion Al³⁺
49.1 mg/kg
Manganese ion Mn²⁺
2.0 mg/kg
Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
17.8 mg/kg
Total cations
0.28 mg/kg

Anions

Fluoride ion F⁻
10.1 mg/kg
Chloride ion Cl⁻
329 mg/kg
Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
674 mg/kg
Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
227 mg/kg
Total anions
1.2 mg/kg

Undissociated Components

Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
243 mg/kg
Metaboric acid HBO₂
9.8 mg/kg
Total undissociated
0.26 mg/kg

Dissolved Gas

Free carbon dioxide CO₂
46.9 mg/kg
Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
6.2 mg/kg
Total dissolved gas
0.05 mg/kg

Totals

Total dissolved substances
1.8 mg/kg
Component total
1.8 mg/kg
Evaporation residue
1.6 mg/kg

Usage

Heating
No
Dilution
No
Recycle / Filter
No
Additives
No
Disinfection
No

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
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)

Drinking

Drinkability
Not drinkable
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
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