Kusatsu Kan
草津館
Gunma Kusatsu, Agatsuma District
群馬県 吾妻郡草津町

Waka-no-Yu Spring

Analysis Unverified
若の湯
Strong Acidic Spiritual Hot Spring

Kusatsu Onsen has long been celebrated as a premier "medicinal spring" across Japan, drawing pilgrims from across the nation during the Edo period to seek therapeutic bathing. Wakanoyou stands as one of its naturally gushing sources, keeping alive the healing traditions of Kusatsu's thermal culture. It holds particular promise for those battling chronic skin conditions or poor circulation, and those seeking a profound reset from daily stress.

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
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 ion
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 sulfide
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
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
無色透明
Smell
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 other chronic stages)muscle stiffness due to motor paralysisgastrointestinal dysfunction (stomach heavinessintestinal gas buildupetc.)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 infections of the epidermischronic eczemacuts and grazesperipheral circulatory failurepoor circulationdepressionxeroderma.
Contraindications
Active disease phase (particularly when fever is present)active tuberculosisadvanced malignant tumors or severe cases of physical weakness such as marked anemiasevere heart or lung disease causing breathlessness with minimal activitysevere kidney disease with edemagastrointestinal hemorrhagevisible bleedingacute exacerbation of chronic diseases. People with sensitive skin or mucous membranesxeroderma in elderly patients.
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
若の湯
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)(低張性酸性高温泉)
Source temperature
50.5℃
pH
2
Flow type
自然湧出
Osmotic pressure
低張性

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
Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles and joints (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, contusions, sprains and other chronic stages), muscle stiffness due to motor paralysis, gastrointestinal dysfunction (stomach heaviness, intestinal gas buildup, 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 infections of the epidermis, chronic eczema, cuts and grazes, peripheral circulatory failure, poor circulation, depression, xeroderma.
Contraindications
Active disease phase (particularly when fever is present), active tuberculosis, advanced malignant tumors or severe cases of physical weakness such as marked anemia, severe heart or lung disease causing breathlessness with minimal activity, severe kidney disease with edema, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, visible bleeding, acute exacerbation of chronic diseases. People with sensitive 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