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Sango Hot Spring

Water profile

Sango Hot Spring

Spring chemistry and what it does, with the research behind it.

ChlorideCalcium-Sodium Chloride spring

A calcium- and sodium-led chloride spring sitting right at isotonic mineralization (9.1 g/kg dissolved solids) — close to seawater concentration, with strong heat-retaining body. At the wellhead the water carries a salty-bitter tang and a faint hint of hydrogen sulfide, giving it a distinctly mineral character.

Good for

Warming

Salt forms a film on the skin that slows heat loss, so the warmth lingers long after the bath (the classic heat-keeping water, nettō 熱の湯).

cold sensitivity

On the certificate:Cold sensitivity

Skin conditions

Sulfur and acidic waters are antibacterial and keratolytic, studied for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

atopic skin, eczema

On the certificate:慢性皮膚病

Circulation

Skin-absorbed CO₂ and hydrogen sulfide relax the vessel walls; carbon-dioxide springs can raise peripheral blood flow several-fold.

tired legs

On the certificate:HemorrhoidsChronic gynecological conditions

Cuts

Mineral-rich chloride, sulfate and sulfur waters have a long-recorded soothing effect on minor cuts and slow-healing skin.

minor wounds

On the certificate:Cutsやけど

Recovery

Warmth and buoyancy lower stress markers and improve sleep; habitual bathing is linked to lower rates of depression.

fatigue, stress

On the certificate:ConvalescenceFatigue recoveryGeneral health improvement

Take care

Sensitive-skin caution

Strongly acidic or sulfur-rich water can sting broken, atopic-flare, or dry elderly skin. Ease in slowly and rinse off if it stings.

broken or dry skin

Contraindications
  • 急性疾患(特に熱のある場合)
  • Active tuberculosis
  • Malignant tumor
  • 重い心臓病
  • 呼吸不全
  • Renal failure
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Severe anemia
  • その他一般に病勢進行中の疾患
  • 妊娠中(特に初期と末期)
  • 腎臓病
  • 高血圧症、その他一般にむくみのあるもの
  • 甲状腺機能亢進症のときはヨウ素を含有する温泉を禁忌とする

Full composition

The bar is each ion's share of charge (mval%) within its group; over 20% names the spring. Gases, silica and trace metals are measured by mass only.

Cationsshare of charge (mval%)
  • Calcium2,042mgP98 national
  • Sodium1,327mgP88 national
  • Magnesium8.5mgP59 national
  • Potassium22.3mgP67 national
  • FeTotal0.30mgP51 national
  • Manganese0.30mgP53 national
  • Aluminum< —mg
Anionsshare of charge (mval%)
  • Chloride5,694mgP94 national
  • Bicarbonate13.7mgP9 national
  • Thiosulfate0.40mgP62 national
  • Sulfate0.40mgP4 national
  • BO2< —mg
  • Carbonate< —mg
  • Fluoride< —mg
  • Hydrogen sulfide< —mg
  • HSiO3< —mg
  • Hydroxide< —mg
Non-dissociatedmeasured by mass
  • Metasilicic acid23.3mgP8 national
  • Metaboric acid< —mg
Dissolved gasesmeasured by mass
  • Free carbon dioxide0.40mgP14 national
  • Free hydrogen sulfide2.1mgP81 national
Trace metalsmeasured by mass
  • Cadmium< —mg
  • Copper< —mg
  • Mercury< —mg
  • Lead< —mg

Measured at the source

pH
6.70
Neutral
Source temperature
35.4°C
Warm
Tonicity
9.13g/kg
Isotonic
Flow rate
250L/min
Typical
Free CO₂
0.40mg/kg
Low
Free H₂S
2.10mg/kg
High

On the certificate

  • 神経痛
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Motor paralysis
  • Joint stiffness
  • Bruises
  • Sprains
  • Chronic digestive disorders
  • Chronic digestive disorders
  • Chronic constipation

Evidence

  1. Maeda M. 温泉の医学的効果とその科学的根拠. J. Hot Spring Science 70:197–207, 2021.
  2. Kario K et al. Hemodynamic Effects of Hot Spring Bathing. Hypertension Research 46(3):711–720, 2023.
  3. Tei C, Kihara T. Waon Therapy for Chronic Heart Failure. J. Cardiology 53(2):214–218, 2009.
  4. Coavoy-Sánchez SA et al. Hydrogen sulfide and dermatological diseases. Int. J. Dermatology, 2019.
  5. Naito Y et al. A Hot-Spring Water Improves Inflammatory Conditions in an Atopic Dermatitis Model. Biomedicines 13(11):2707, 2025.
  6. Akiyama H et al. Antimicrobial effects of acidic hot-spring water on S. aureus. J. Dermatological Science 24(3):193–200, 2000.
  7. Toriyama T et al. Carbon dioxide foot bathing on critical limb ischemia. International Angiology 21(4):367–373, 2002.
  8. Takeda M et al. Hot spring bathing practices have a positive effect on mental health in Japan. Heliyon 9(9):e19631, 2023.
  9. Ministry of the Environment, Japan. 禁忌症及び入浴又は飲用上の注意事項 (2014 notice).official

Educational, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, consult a physician before onsen therapy.