Watanoyu Gensen

Analysis Verified
わたの湯
The Cotton-Wrapped Spring

The 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]

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
2.1
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
50.2
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
44.3 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
10.5 mg/kg

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

Fluoride ionSee detail
9.6 mg/kg

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

Metasilicic acidSee detail
225 mg/kg

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

Iodide ionSee detail
2.3 mg/kg

Trace component with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.

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、白色浮遊物あり
Smell
硫化水素臭
EFFECTS
Spring-specific indications (bathing)
NeuralgiaMuscle painStiff shouldersMotor paralysisBruisesSprainsPoor circulationConvalescenceFatigue recoveryCuts and grazesBurnsChronic skin diseaseFrail childrenChronic women's diseasesArteriosclerosisDiabetesHigh blood pressure
Contraindications
Acute illness (especially with fever)Active tuberculosisMalignant tumorsSevere heart diseaseRespiratory failureKidney failureBleeding disordersSevere anemiaOther progressive diseasesSensitive skin or mucous membranes (especially photosensitivity)Xeroderma in the elderly
BATHING TIPS
AI Generated

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.

EFFECT STORY
AI Generated

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.

CAUTIONS
AI Generated

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
Watanoyu Gensen
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
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.

More on toji length
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Yuyado Tokinoniwa

From ¥27,500 / 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