Kusatsu Onsen
草津温泉
Gunma Kusatsu, Agatsuma District
群馬県 吾妻郡草津町

Nishinokawara Gensen (Cho-yu)

Analysis Unverified
西ノ河原源泉(町有)
Strong Acidic Legendary Hot Spring - Nishinokawara-no-yu

Nishinokawara Gensen is one of Kusatsu's most celebrated springs, cherished by generations of visitors seeking the healing power of hot spring bathing. The area around Nishinokawara Park is famed for its otherworldly landscape of steaming streams, lending a dramatic atmosphere unique to Kusatsu. This spring is especially well-suited for those troubled by skin conditions or chronic fatigue, or anyone seeking a powerful escape from the stresses of modern life.

AI Generated
SPRING TYPE
Acidic Spring

These springs have a strong antibacterial effect which can result in a mild tingling sensation on contact. Effective for healing wounds and relieving inflammatory skin conditions. Those with sensitive skin should rinse with fresh water after bathing.

See features & indications
Bathing indications
Atopic dermatitisPlaque psoriasisEpidermal suppurationImpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)
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 1 mg/kg or more of hydrogen ions.
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
53.7
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 ion
55.8 mg/kg

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

Fluoride ionSee detail
13.6 mg/kg

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

Metasilicic acidSee detail
278 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
12.4 mg/kg

A trace component with gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.

Iron(II) ionSee detail
16.5 mg/kg

Iron content that boosts heat retention and may tint the water.

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
HeatedNo
DilutedNo
RecycledNo
FilteredNo
DisinfectedNo
AdditivesNo

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
僅かに硫化水素臭有り
EFFECTS
Spring-specific indications (bathing)
Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles and joints (rheumatoid arthritisosteoarthritislow back painneuralgiafrozen shouldercontusionssprains and similar conditions in their chronic phase)muscle stiffness due to motor paralysisgastrointestinal dysfunction (gastric distressintestinal gas accumulationetc.)high blood pressure (mild)dyslipidemia (mild)mild asthma or emphysemahemorrhoids painautonomic instabilitystress-related symptoms (sleep disordersetc.)post-illness recovery periodfatigue recoveryhealth promotion. Atopic dermatitispsoriasis vulgarisimpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)pyogenic skin infectionchronic eczemacuts and grazesperipheral circulatory failurepoor circulationdepressionxeroderma.
Contraindications
Acute phase of illness (especially with fever)active tuberculosisadvanced malignant tumors or cases of severe physical weakness such as severe anemiasevere heart or lung disease causing shortness of breath with minimal exertionsevere kidney disease with edemagastrointestinal bleedingvisible bleedingacute exacerbation of chronic illness. For bathing: hypersensitivity of skin or mucous membranesxeroderma in elderly patients.
BATHING TIPS
AI Generated

Due to the strongly acidic pH of 2.04, those with sensitive skin are advised to rinse off with fresh water after bathing. First-time bathers should start with 3–5 minutes and gradually extend to 10–15 minutes as they acclimate. Since the source temperature is 53.7°C, always take a thorough pre-bath rinse, and rest for at least 30 minutes after each session.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

With a pH of 2.04, a source temperature of 53.7°C, and high concentrations of sulfate (721.5 mg/kg) and chloride (416.3 mg/kg), this spring is officially indicated for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, and psoriasis, as well as cuts, poor circulation, and cold sensitivity. It is also recognized for relieving chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, and neuralgia.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

Those with sensitive skin or mucous membranes, and elderly individuals with dry skin conditions, should avoid bathing. Due to the strong acidity, people with delicate skin are advised to rinse off with fresh water after bathing.

※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications

ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼

Source Info

Source name
西ノ河原源泉(町有)
Spring type
酸性アルミニウム-硫酸塩・塩化物温泉(低張性酸性高温泉)
Source temperature
53.7℃
pH
2.04
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⁺
9.6 mg/kg
Sodium ion Na⁺
80.6 mg/kg
Potassium ion K⁺
34.2 mg/kg
Ammonium ion NH₄⁺
0.30 mg/kg
Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
51.7 mg/kg
Calcium ion Ca²⁺
99.8 mg/kg
Aluminum ion Al³⁺
55.8 mg/kg
Manganese ion Mn²⁺
2.4 mg/kg
Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
16.5 mg/kg
Lead ion Pb²⁺
0.00 mg/kg
Copper ion Cu²⁺
0.00 mg/kg
Total cations
0.35 mg/kg

Anions

Fluoride ion F⁻
13.6 mg/kg
Chloride ion Cl⁻
416 mg/kg
Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
722 mg/kg
Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
232 mg/kg
Total anions
1.4 mg/kg

Undissociated Components

Sulfuric acid H₂SO₄
5.6 mg/kg
Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
278 mg/kg
Metaboric acid HBO₂
12.4 mg/kg
Total undissociated
0.30 mg/kg

Dissolved Gas

Free carbon dioxide CO₂
66.0 mg/kg
Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
0.00 mg/kg
Total dissolved gas
0.07 mg/kg

Trace Components

Total sulfur S
0.89 mg/kg

Totals

Total dissolved substances
2.0 mg/kg
Component total
2.1 mg/kg
Evaporation residue
1.8 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, low back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, contusions, sprains and similar conditions in their chronic phase), muscle stiffness due to motor paralysis, gastrointestinal dysfunction (gastric distress, intestinal gas accumulation, etc.), high blood pressure (mild), dyslipidemia (mild), mild asthma or emphysema, hemorrhoids pain, autonomic instability, stress-related symptoms (sleep disorders, etc.), post-illness recovery period, fatigue recovery, health promotion. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), pyogenic skin infection, chronic eczema, cuts and grazes, peripheral circulatory failure, poor circulation, depression, xeroderma.
Contraindications
Acute phase of illness (especially 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 bleeding, visible bleeding, acute exacerbation of chronic illness. For bathing: hypersensitivity of skin or mucous membranes, xeroderma in elderly patients.

Drinking

Drinkability
Not drinkable

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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