Yukawa no Yu

Analysis Verified
湯川の湯
The Hidden Acidic Healing Spring

The Yukawa no Yu source is a lesser-known gem among the many springs of Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's three famous hot springs. Unlike high-temperature, high-flow sources like Yubatake or Bandaiko, it is characterized by its cooler 31.9°C natural flow. Its name likely derives from the acidic "Yukawa" river. Managed by a local cooperative, this spring's waters are supplied to a select number of facilities.

AI Generated
This source matches 3 spring types· Tap to switch
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
2.4
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
31.9
Low Temperature Spring
Feels lukewarm. Preferred as a cool soak in summer.
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
33.0 mg/kg

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

Fluoride ionSee detail
7.1 mg/kg

A trace antibacterial component that keeps skin clean.

Metasilicic acidSee detail
165 mg/kg

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

Iron(II) ionSee detail
11.0 mg/kg

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

Free hydrogen sulfideSee detail
0.9 mg/kg

The aroma typical of sulfur springs, with circulatory and antibacterial effects.

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
Usage status is unknownInformation from facility postings or official sites has not been confirmed. Please check with staff on site.
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 dermatitisPsoriasis vulgarisImpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)PyodermaChronic pain or stiffness in muscles and jointsMuscle stiffness due to motor paralysisPoor circulationPeripheral circulatory failureGastrointestinal dysfunctionHigh blood pressure (mild)DyslipidemiaMild asthma or emphysemaHemorrhoid painAutonomic instabilityStress-related symptomsPost-illness recoveryFatigue recoveryHealth promotion
General indications (bathing)
Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles or joints (chronic phase of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritisosteoarthritislow back painneuralgiafrozen shoulderbruisessprains)muscle stiffness from motor paralysispoor circulationperipheral circulatory failuregastrointestinal dysfunction (stomach heavinessgas)mild high blood pressureimpaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)mild hypercholesterolemiamild asthma or emphysemahemorrhoid painautonomic instabilitystress-related symptoms (sleep disordersdepression)post-illness recoveryfatigue recoveryhealth promotion
Contraindications
Individuals with sensitive skin or mucous membraneselderly individuals with dry skinacute phase of illness (especially with fever)active tuberculosisadvanced malignant tumors or severe anemiasevere heart or lung disease causing shortness of breath with light activitysevere kidney disease with swellinggastrointestinal bleedingvisible bleedingacute exacerbation of a chronic illness
BATHING TIPS
AI Generated

With a strong acidity of pH 2.4, this water may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin or open wounds. Avoid long soaks and it is recommended to rinse off with fresh water after bathing. As the source temperature is low, it is typically enjoyed in heated baths.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

With a pH of 2.4, this is one of Japan's most acidic springs, traditionally used for balneotherapy due to its sterilizing properties. This characteristic is associated with immune system stimulation and may soothe chronic skin conditions. Furthermore, with a high metasilicic acid content of 165 mg/kg, it may help promote skin metabolism, leading to silky skin.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

Due to its strong acidity, caution is advised for those with sensitive skin or elderly individuals with dry skin. It will sting if it gets in your eyes. Rinse your body thoroughly after bathing.

※ See the analysis data below for detailed contraindications

ANALYSIS DATAView all analysis fields ▼

Source Info

Source name
Yukawa no Yu
Spring type
Acidic Aluminum Sulfate and Chloride Hot Spring
Source temperature
31.9℃
pH
2.4
Flow type
自然湧出
Osmotic pressure
低張性

Analysis Document

Analysis date
2018-08-07
Analyst organization
一般社団法人 群馬県薬剤師会
Registration No.
群馬薬第2号

Cations

Hydrogen ion H⁺
4.5 mg/kg
Sodium ion Na⁺
33.4 mg/kg
Potassium ion K⁺
15.8 mg/kg
Magnesium ion Mg²⁺
21.4 mg/kg
Calcium ion Ca²⁺
49.8 mg/kg
Aluminum ion Al³⁺
33.0 mg/kg
Manganese ion Mn²⁺
1.1 mg/kg
Iron(II) ion Fe²⁺
11.0 mg/kg
Lead ion Pb²⁺
0.00 mg/kg
Copper ion Cu²⁺
0.00 mg/kg
Total cations
0.17 mg/kg

Anions

Fluoride ion F⁻
7.1 mg/kg
Chloride ion Cl⁻
170 mg/kg
Sulfate ion SO₄²⁻
424 mg/kg
Hydrogen sulfate HSO₄⁻
63.8 mg/kg
Total anions
0.67 mg/kg

Undissociated Components

Sulfuric acid H₂SO₄
0.70 mg/kg
Metasilicic acid H₂SiO₃
165 mg/kg
Metaboric acid HBO₂
3.9 mg/kg
Total undissociated
0.17 mg/kg

Dissolved Gas

Free carbon dioxide CO₂
47.7 mg/kg
Free hydrogen sulfide H₂S
0.90 mg/kg
Total dissolved gas
0.05 mg/kg

Totals

Total dissolved substances
1.0 mg/kg
Component total
1.1 mg/kg
Evaporation residue
1.0 mg/kg

Usage

Usage status
Unknown

Indications & Contraindications

Bathing indications
Atopic dermatitis, Psoriasis vulgaris, Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), Pyoderma, Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles and joints, Muscle stiffness due to motor paralysis, Poor circulation, Peripheral circulatory failure, Gastrointestinal dysfunction, High blood pressure (mild), Dyslipidemia, Mild asthma or emphysema, Hemorrhoid pain, Autonomic instability, Stress-related symptoms, Post-illness recovery, Fatigue recovery, Health promotion
General indications
Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles or joints (chronic phase of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains), muscle stiffness from motor paralysis, poor circulation, peripheral circulatory failure, gastrointestinal dysfunction (stomach heaviness, gas), mild high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia, mild asthma or emphysema, hemorrhoid pain, autonomic instability, stress-related symptoms (sleep disorders, depression), post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion
Contraindications
Individuals with sensitive skin or mucous membranes, elderly individuals with dry skin, acute phase of illness (especially with fever), active tuberculosis, advanced malignant tumors or severe anemia, severe heart or lung disease causing shortness of breath with light activity, severe kidney disease with swelling, gastrointestinal bleeding, visible bleeding, acute exacerbation of a chronic illness

Drinking

Drinkability
Not drinkable
FACILITY INFO
Official site
Tattoo
No tattoosGuests with tattoos are requested to refrain from using the public baths. Private baths are available.
Private bath (Kashikiri)
Available
Room with private open-air bath
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
Public and private baths are available 24 hours a day, but may be temporarily unavailable for cleaning or maintenance. According to JTB information, baths are closed for cleaning from 2:30 AM to 4:00 AM.
Transit
From JR Agatsuma Line (吾妻線) 'Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station' (長野原草津口駅), take a local bus to 'Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal' (草津温泉バスターミナル) (approx. 25 min), then a dedicated shuttle bus (approx. 5 min). A free shuttle bus (reservation required) is available from JR Karuizawa Station (軽井沢駅) South Exit, taking approx. 70-90 min. A scheduled shuttle bus (no reservation required) also operates from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
Parking
Approximately 70 free parking spaces are available on site. Parking is available from 11:00 AM before check-in and until 2:00 PM after check-out.
Facilities
Public BathOpen-air BathSaunaCold Plunge PoolStone Sauna (Ganbanyoku)Private BathPost-bath LoungeRestaurant
This information may change without notice. Please contact the facility directly for accurate details.
Last updated: 5/31/2026
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.

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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