Watanoyu Gensen
Analysis VerifiedThe Watanoyu source is an exceptionally rare spring that naturally gushes from the basement of a building called Gensenkaku, located right next to Kusatsu Onsen's iconic Yubatake. [6, 8, 11] It was named for its remarkably soft feel on the skin, like being wrapped in cotton, despite its strong acidity. [8, 19] Known for having the richest "yunohana" mineral deposits in Kusatsu, its water is characteristically slightly cloudy. [6] Though once used in a public bathhouse, it disappeared in the Taisho era (1912-1926) and is now a precious resource supplied only to select facilities and villa areas. [8]
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.
Mild antibacterial action keeps the skin clean. Trace transdermal absorption supports tooth and bone health.
A natural moisturizer also used in skincare lotions. Forms a thin veil on the skin to reduce moisture loss after bathing.
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 a very strong acidity of pH 2.03, those with sensitive skin should be cautious of irritation. It's best to start with short baths of 3 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the time. If you feel the water is too harsh, rinsing off with fresh water after your bath is recommended.
Known for its powerful sterilizing effects, this strongly acidic spring with a pH of 2.03 is expected to be effective for chronic skin diseases and cuts. With a high metasilicic acid content of 225.8 mg/kg, it is said to leave the skin feeling moisturized. Its high temperature of 50.2°C warms you to the core, making it ideal for improving circulation and recovering from fatigue.
Due to its high acidity, individuals with sensitive skin or elderly persons with dry skin should exercise caution. Bathing should be avoided by those with acute illnesses, active tuberculosis, severe heart disease, bleeding disorders, or severe anemia.
※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications
ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼
Source Info
- Source name
- わたの湯
- Spring type
- 酸性・含硫黄-アルミニウム-硫酸塩・塩化物温泉
- Source temperature
- 50.2℃
- pH
- 2.1
- Flow type
- 自然湧出
- Osmotic pressure
- 低張性
Analysis Document
- Analysis date
- 2014-11-05
- 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.
- 群馬第2号
Cations
- Hydrogen ion H⁺
- 8.9 mg/kg
- Sodium ion Na⁺
- 56.3 mg/kg
- Potassium ion K⁺
- 27.5 mg/kg
- Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
- 34.1 mg/kg
- Calcium ion Ca²⁺
- 76.7 mg/kg
- Aluminum ion Al³⁺
- 44.3 mg/kg
- Manganese ion Mn²⁺
- 1.0 mg/kg
- Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
- 16.5 mg/kg
- Total cations
- 0.27 mg/kg
Anions
- Fluoride ion F⁻
- 9.6 mg/kg
- Chloride ion Cl⁻
- 299 mg/kg
- Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
- 201 mg/kg
- Bromide ion Br⁻
- 1.4 mg/kg
- Iodide ion I⁻
- 2.3 mg/kg
- Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
- 669 mg/kg
- Total anions
- 1.2 mg/kg
Undissociated Components
- Sulfuric acid H₂SO₄
- 4.5 mg/kg
- Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
- 225 mg/kg
- Metaboric acid HBO₂
- 7.2 mg/kg
- Total undissociated
- 0.24 mg/kg
Dissolved Gas
- Free carbon dioxide CO₂
- 167 mg/kg
- Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
- 10.5 mg/kg
- Total dissolved gas
- 0.18 mg/kg
Totals
- Total dissolved substances
- 1.9 mg/kg
- Component total
- 1.9 mg/kg
- Evaporation residue
- 1.5 mg/kg
Usage
- Usage status
- Unknown
Indications & Contraindications
- Bathing indications
- Neuralgia, Muscle pain, Stiff shoulders, Motor paralysis, Bruises, Sprains, Poor circulation, Convalescence, Fatigue recovery, Cuts and grazes, Burns, Chronic skin disease, Frail children, Chronic women's diseases, Arteriosclerosis, Diabetes, High blood pressure
- Contraindications
- Acute illness (especially with fever), Active tuberculosis, Malignant tumors, Severe heart disease, Respiratory failure, Kidney failure, Bleeding disorders, Severe anemia, Other progressive diseases, Sensitive skin or mucous membranes (especially photosensitivity), Xeroderma in the elderly
Drinking
- Drinkability
- Not drinkable
