Obuki

Analysis Unverified
大噴
Fierce Acid Spring from the Earth

Obuki is the roaring source at the heart of the steaming geothermal field of Tamagawa Onsen, on the southern slopes of Hachimantai. Its output from a single vent is often said to be the largest in Japan, and the fumarole field around it has long produced mineral deposits and the rare hokutolite stone. Every bath in the spa draws on this one source, served either straight or cut with fresh water. At pH 1.13 the water tingles sharply on the skin while warming the body to the core, and it has welcomed long-stay therapeutic bathers for generations, a spring for those who want to meet nature at full strength.

AI Generated
This source matches 4 spring types· Tap to switch
酸
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
1.1
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
97.3℃
Very Hot Spring
Near boiling, extremely hot. Requires substantial cooling or 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
142 mg/kg

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

Fluoride ionSee detail
59.5 mg/kg

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

Metaboric acidSee detail
68.0 mg/kg

Undissociated boric acid with antibacterial action that keeps the skin surface clean.

Iron(II) ionSee detail
112 mg/kg

An iron-rich spring whose water turns yellow-brown to red-brown when exposed to air. Strong heat retention.

Metasilicic acidSee detail
449 mg/kg

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

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.

EFFECTS
Spring-specific indications (bathing)
Atopic dermatitisPlaque psoriasisEpidermal suppurationImpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)Cuts and grazesPeripheral circulatory failurePoor circulationAutonomic instabilityDepressionXeroderma
General indications (bathing)
High blood pressure (mild)Rheumatoid arthritisInsomniaChronic 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)Sensitive skin or mucous membranes, eye conditions (acidic springs)
BATHING TIPS
AI Generated

At pH 1.13 the water is very harsh on the skin, so start with short soaks and get used to it in the diluted baths first. Keep it away from your eyes and any cuts, and rinse off with fresh water before leaving to avoid skin irritation.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

With 74.56 mg/kg of hydrogen ion and a pH of 1.13, this strongly acidic spring is traditionally associated with immune system stimulation. Its 3134 mg/kg of chloride holds warmth in the body, while 2217 mg/kg of free carbon dioxide may support circulation and rejuvenation after bathing.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

Because of the strong acidity, people with sensitive skin, the elderly and small children should avoid long soaks and watch for skin irritation. The source is very hot, and any drinking water must be diluted with fresh water.

※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications

ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼

Source Info

Source name
Obuki
Spring type
Acidic Carbon dioxide-containing Iron (II) Chloride Hot Spring
Old spring type name
塩化物泉、二酸化炭素泉、含鉄泉、酸性泉
Source temperature
97.3℃
pH
1.13
Osmotic pressure
低張性

Analysis Document

Analysis date
2014-12-26
Analyst organization
株式会社 秋田県分析化学センター
Registration No.
秋田県第2号

Cations

Hydrogen ion H⁺
74.6 mg/kg
Lithium ion Li⁺
< 0.1 mg/kg
Sodium ion Na⁺
40.7 mg/kg
Potassium ion K⁺
26.4 mg/kg
Ammonium ion NH₄⁺
0.10 mg/kg
Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
33.6 mg/kg
Calcium ion Ca²⁺
107 mg/kg
Aluminum ion Al³⁺
142 mg/kg
Manganese ion Mn²⁺
1.4 mg/kg
Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
112 mg/kg
Iron(III) ion Fe³⁺
< 0.1 mg/kg
Zinc ion Zn²⁺
0.60 mg/kg
Lead ion Pb²⁺
0.95 mg/kg
Strontium ion Sr²⁺
0.20 mg/kg
Barium ion Ba²⁺
0.40 mg/kg
Copper ion Cu²⁺
< 0.1 mg/kg
Cadmium ion Cd²⁺
0.01 mg/kg
Total cations
0.54 mg/kg

Anions

Fluoride ion F⁻
59.5 mg/kg
Chloride ion Cl⁻
3134 mg/kg
Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
330 mg/kg
Bromide ion Br⁻
3.3 mg/kg
Iodide ion I⁻
1.5 mg/kg
Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
825 mg/kg
Hydrogen thiosulfate HS₂O₃⁻
< 0.1 mg/kg
Nitrate ion NO₃⁻
< 0.1 mg/kg
Total anions
4.4 mg/kg

Undissociated Components

Sulfuric acid H₂SO₄
154 mg/kg
Phosphoric acid H₃PO₄
3.1 mg/kg
Arsenious acid HAsO₂
2.9 mg/kg
Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
449 mg/kg
Metaboric acid HBO₂
68.0 mg/kg
Total undissociated
0.68 mg/kg

Dissolved Gas

Free carbon dioxide CO₂
2217 mg/kg
Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
0.30 mg/kg
Total dissolved gas
2.2 mg/kg

Totals

Total dissolved substances
5.6 mg/kg
Component total
7.8 mg/kg

Usage

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

Indications & Contraindications

Bathing indications
Atopic dermatitis, Plaque psoriasis, Epidermal suppuration, Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), Cuts and grazes, Peripheral circulatory failure, Poor circulation, Autonomic instability, Depression, Xeroderma
General indications
High blood pressure (mild), Rheumatoid arthritis, 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), Sensitive skin or mucous membranes, eye conditions (acidic springs)

Drinking

Drinkability
Not drinkable
Drinking notes
Drinking is permitted, but due to the extreme acidity, it must be diluted with fresh water at least 7-fold to raise the pH above 3 before consumption. Limit intake to around 100 mL at a time, with a daily total of 200-500 mL.
FACILITY INFO
AI draft (unverified)
Official site
Private bath (Kashikiri)
Available
About tattoos and onsen
Travelers with tattoos can still bathe comfortably in a private bath (Kashikiri) or a room with a private open-air bath.
Hours
Weekdays: 10:00〜15:00
Weekends & holidays: 10:00〜15:00
Day-trip bathing hours (Last admission: 14:30).
Closed days: Winter season (November 30 - late April)
Transit
From JR Tazawako Station (JR 田沢湖駅): Approx. 70-80 min by Ugo Kotsu Bus 'Express Tamagawa Line' (羽後交通バス「急行玉川線」). From Akita Airport (秋田空港): Approx. 180 min by 'Akita Airport Liner Tamagawa-go' (あきたエアポートライナー玉川号). By car: Approx. 110 min from Tohoku Expressway Morioka IC (東北自動車道盛岡IC) via National Route 46 and National Route 341. National Route 341 (国道341号線) is closed during winter (November 30 - late April).
Parking
Free parking available for regular cars.
Day use fee
¥1,000Adult fee. Revised from April 16, 2026. Child fee: 500 yen. Day-use lounge (hiro-ma) access: 1,500 yen (10:00-15:00).
Facilities
Public BathPrivate BathIndoor Stone Sauna (Ganbanyoku)Foot BathShopHot Spring Therapy Consultation RoomLaundryShared Kitchen
House rules
Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉) is a therapeutic hot spring inn (toji ryokan) for recuperation. Many guest rooms do not have toilets, TVs, or refrigerators. Due to the highly acidic nature of the spring water, it may cause pain if it comes into contact with wounds or mucous membranes such as the eyes.
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
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Tamagawaonsen

From¥6,930/ person / night (tax incl.)
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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