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Unkai Kusushi Onsen

Water profile

Unkai Kusushi Onsen

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

SulfateSodium-Magnesium-Calcium Sulfate-Bicarbonate spring · +Bicarbonate

A sodium-calcium-magnesium sulfate spring with a bicarbonate sub-type — settled, mineral-rich body with bicarbonate softness layered in. Neutral pH and 46.6 °C at the source, with metasilicic acid at 127.7 mg/kg leaving a thin silica film for noticeably smoother skin. A modest 18 mg/kg of free hydrogen sulfide gives the water a faint rotten-egg note and a metallic edge at the wellhead.

Good for

Aches & joints

Warmth eases stiffness and raises the pain threshold. Radon and sulfate springs show the strongest evidence for joint and muscle pain.

stiff shoulders

On the certificate:神経痛Muscle painJoint painFrozen shoulderMotor paralysisJoint stiffnessBruisesSprains

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:Hemorrhoids動脈硬化症

Smooth skin

Bicarbonate and alkalinity gently lift dead keratin while silica hydrates, leaving skin smooth. This is the basis of the beautifying-water (bijin-no-yu 美人の湯) reputation.

dry, rough skin

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)

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%)
  • Sodium211mgP53 national
  • Magnesium42.0mgP84 national
  • Calcium75.6mgP66 national
  • Potassium23.4mgP68 national
  • Iron (II)2.0mgP72 national
  • Lithium0.20mgP40 national
  • Strontium0.50mgP68 national
Anionsshare of charge (mval%)
  • Sulfate547mgP88 national
  • Bicarbonate219mgP59 national
  • Chloride82.3mgP36 national
  • Hydrogen sulfide0.60mgP59 national
  • Fluoride0.40mgP31 national
Non-dissociatedmeasured by mass
  • Metasilicic acid128mgP64 national
  • Metaboric acid4.8mgP36 national
  • Metaarsenious acid< —mg
Dissolved gasesmeasured by mass
  • Free hydrogen sulfide18.0mgP97 national
  • Free carbon dioxide17.5mgP49 national

Measured at the source

pH
7.14
Neutral
Source temperature
46.6°C
Hot
Tonicity
1.34g/kg
Hypotonic
Free CO₂
18mg/kg
Low
Free H₂S
18mg/kg
Very high
Radon
13Bq/kg
Low

On the certificate

  • Chronic digestive disorders
  • Cold sensitivity

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. Tei C, Kihara T. Waon Therapy for Chronic Heart Failure. J. Cardiology 53(2):214–218, 2009.
  3. Coavoy-Sánchez SA et al. Hydrogen sulfide and dermatological diseases. Int. J. Dermatology, 2019.
  4. Naito Y et al. A Hot-Spring Water Improves Inflammatory Conditions in an Atopic Dermatitis Model. Biomedicines 13(11):2707, 2025.
  5. Akiyama H et al. Antimicrobial effects of acidic hot-spring water on S. aureus. J. Dermatological Science 24(3):193–200, 2000.
  6. Toriyama T et al. Carbon dioxide foot bathing on critical limb ischemia. International Angiology 21(4):367–373, 2002.
  7. Donaubauer AJ et al. Serial radon spa therapy on pain in musculoskeletal disorders. Frontiers in Immunology, 2024.
  8. Verhagen AP et al. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews CD000518, 2015.
  9. Li H et al. Bicarbonate Ionized Water Bathing Enhances Natural Killer Cell Activity. Scientific Reports 14:51851, 2024.
  10. Takeda M et al. Hot spring bathing practices have a positive effect on mental health in Japan. Heliyon 9(9):e19631, 2023.
  11. 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.