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Ikime Onsen

Water profile

Ikime Onsen

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

湯Simple

A gentle simple thermal spring, given on its efficacy panel as simple thermal water and nothing more — mild and low in stimulus. The documented bathing indications run wide: neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, joint stiffness, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, bruises and sprains, chronic digestive complaints, hemorrhoids and cold sensitivity, fatigue recovery, and a skin-beautifying effect. Drinking is not permitted — the panel states the water has had no drinking analysis and holds no drinking permit — and the same notice advises easing in with soaks of three to ten minutes, once a day for the first few days.

Good for

Recovery

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

fatigue, stress

On the certificate (date unknown):Fatigue recoveryGeneral health improvement

Take care

Contraindications

The analysis date is not recorded on our copy of the certificate.

This list uses the wording the Ministry of the Environment replaced in 2014, so it may not match a current certificate. Items marked † were removed from the official list of contraindications then, or include a condition that was. If you have a health condition, ask a doctor before bathing.

  • Acute illness (when fever is present)
  • Active tuberculosis
  • Malignant tumor
  • Severe heart disease
  • Respiratory failure
  • Renal failure and bleeding disorders
  • Severe anemia
  • Pregnancy (especially early and late stages) (dropped from the official list in 2014)

On the certificate

The analysis date is not recorded on our copy of the certificate.

This list uses the wording the Ministry of the Environment replaced in 2014, so it may not match a current certificate.

  • Neuralgia
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Motor paralysis
  • Joint stiffness
  • Bruises and sprains
  • Chronic digestive disorders
  • Hemorrhoids and cold sensitivity
  • Skin-beautifying effect

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. Takeda M et al. Hot spring bathing practices have a positive effect on mental health in Japan. Heliyon 9(9):e19631, 2023.

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