Waka-no-Yu Spring

Analysis Unverified
若の湯
Strong Acidic Spiritual Hot Spring

Kusatsu Onsen, renowned as a 'yakuto' (medicinal spring) since ancient times, drew people seeking therapeutic benefits during the Edo period. Here, Wakanoyu stands as a naturally gushing source, preserving Kusatsu's rich hot spring culture to this day. Its distinctly acidic waters offer a tingling sensation that invigorates both mind and body, leaving you feeling remarkably light and refreshed after your bath. This spring is highly recommended for those suffering from chronic skin issues or sensitivity to cold, and for anyone seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation from daily stress.

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
Strongly Acidic
Acidic ← 07 Neutral14 → Alkaline
Strongest class of acidic springs. Very strong antibacterial and skin-softening effects. Kusatsu Onsen (pH 1-2) is a representative example.
Caution: Avoid prolonged bathing. Rinse with fresh water or weakly alkaline water after bathing. Those with sensitive skin or mucous membranes should refrain from bathing.
TEMPERATURE
50.5
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
49.4 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
6.0 mg/kg

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

Metasilicic acidSee detail
234 mg/kg

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

Fluoride ionSee detail
9.3 mg/kg

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

Iron(II) ionSee detail
18.8 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
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
無色透明
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 its potent acidity—pH 2.0—newcomers should begin with brief 3-5 minute soaks, carefully observing skin response before gradually extending time. After bathing, tradition calls for patting dry without rinsing away the mineral essence; however, those with sensitive skin should opt for a gentle lukewarm rinse. Bathe once or twice daily, hydrating generously with a full cup of water both before and after immersion.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

The 50.5°C waters of this powerfully acidic spring—pH 2.0—deliver sulfate ions (701 mg), chloride ions (327 mg), and metasilicic acid (234 mg) that gently refine skin texture and show remarkable efficacy against stubborn conditions: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic eczema. The hydrogen sulfide compounds further enhance peripheral circulation, addressing cold sensitivity, fatigue, and melancholic states through profound systemic renewal.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

Those with sensitive skin, delicate mucous membranes, or age-related xerosis should refrain from bathing. Due to the strong acidity, rinse thoroughly in warm water post-bath, monitor closely for thermal illness (onset 3 days–1 week), and start conservatively with short, infrequent soaks.

※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications

ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼

Source Info

Source name
Waka-no-Yu Spring
Spring type
Acidic sulfur-containing aluminum sulfate chloride spring (hydrogen sulfide type) (low-temperature acidic hot spring)
Source temperature
50.5℃
pH
2
Flow type
Natural spring
Osmotic pressure
Hypotonic

Analysis Document

Analysis date
2019-12-02
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⁺
10.2 mg/kg
Sodium ion Na⁺
56.1 mg/kg
Potassium ion K⁺
26.9 mg/kg
Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
35.4 mg/kg
Calcium ion Ca²⁺
73.9 mg/kg
Aluminum ion Al³⁺
49.4 mg/kg
Manganese ion Mn²⁺
1.8 mg/kg
Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
18.8 mg/kg
Total cations
0.27 mg/kg

Anions

Fluoride ion F⁻
9.3 mg/kg
Chloride ion Cl⁻
327 mg/kg
Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
701 mg/kg
Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
242 mg/kg
Total anions
1.3 mg/kg

Undissociated Components

Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
234 mg/kg
Metaboric acid HBO₂
7.9 mg/kg
Total undissociated
0.25 mg/kg

Dissolved Gas

Free carbon dioxide CO₂
110 mg/kg
Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
6.0 mg/kg
Total dissolved gas
0.12 mg/kg

Totals

Total dissolved substances
1.8 mg/kg
Component total
1.9 mg/kg
Evaporation residue
1.8 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
FACILITY INFO
AI draft (unverified)
Official site
Hours
Weekdays: 12:0014:00
Weekends & holidays: 12:0014:00
Day-trip bathing hours
Closed days: Irregular holidays
Transit
From JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (長野原草津口駅), take a bus for approx. 25 minutes, alight at Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (草津温泉バスターミナル), then a 5-minute walk. Our facility is located behind Yubatake (湯畑) 'Shirahatano-yu' (白旗の湯), just a 0-minute walk from Kusatsu Onsen's main tourist attraction, Yubatake (湯畑).
Parking
Available (9 spaces), free, no reservation required. Please come to the front entrance to unload your luggage, then move your car to a nearby parking lot.
Facilities
Main Public BathSmoking AreaShopArt Gallery
House rules
No smoking inside the building from April 1, 2020 (including heated tobacco). For smoking, please use the designated smoking area to the left after exiting the building. Kusatsu's hot spring water has strong sterilizing properties, and the washing area is designed in a traditional, narrow style. The floor can be slippery, so please be careful not to fall.
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
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