Types and Characteristics of Hot Springs

Carbon Dioxide Spring (Carbonated Spring)

Hot springs rich in carbon dioxide are one of the types of hot springs found in some regions of Japan. The carbon dioxide dissolved in the water forms bubbles on the skin, which are absorbed through the skin, dilating peripheral blood vessels and promoting blood flow. This can reduce the burden on the heart and lower blood pressure. Carbonated springs also have a warming effect on the body, providing a gentle warming sensation from within and a pleasant relaxation effect.

Typical Effects	Improvement of heart function, high blood pressure, cold sensitivity, fatigue recovery
Main Usage	Used for bathing and drinking, particularly for improving circulatory system issues, indigestion, and constipation. Drinking the spring water can activate the digestive system and improve indigestion and constipation.
Famous Hot Springs	Naganoyu Onsen in Oita Prefecture is famous for its high concentration of carbonated springs, offering a unique fizzy sensation to bathers.

Carbon Dioxide Spring (Carbonated Spring)

Hot Springs in Gifu

Bicarbonate Spring

Hot springs rich in bicarbonate ions, known for their gentle effects on the skin. The water is generally smooth to the touch and is popular among women as 'beauty water.' Alkaline bicarbonate springs soften and remove old keratin, leaving the skin smooth and soft, similar to a moisturizer, and are effective for dry skin. Acidic bicarbonate springs are also expected to have antibacterial effects.

Typical Effects	Beauty effects, skin diseases (eczema, etc.), neuralgia, joint pain
Main Usage	Often used for bathing and skincare due to its high moisturizing effect. Suitable for chronic skin diseases and minor burns.
Famous Hot Springs	Ureshino Onsen in Saga Prefecture and Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture are famous, attracting visitors seeking smooth skin.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Chloride Spring

Chloride springs contain a high concentration of sodium chloride, making it difficult for the body to cool down after bathing. Known as 'heat water,' it helps improve cold sensitivity and maintain body temperature. The salt forms a thin protective film on the skin, preventing dryness and enhancing moisturizing effects. It also has antibacterial properties, aiding in wound healing.

Typical Effects	Warming effect, cold sensitivity, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery
Main Usage	Effective for cold seasons and those with cold sensitivity, forming a protective film on the skin. High-concentration chloride springs are also used for drinking, stimulating the digestive system.
Famous Hot Springs	Atami Onsen in Shizuoka Prefecture and Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture are popular resort destinations.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Sulfate Spring

Sulfate springs contain calcium, sodium, and sometimes magnesium sulfate. They are expected to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, aiding in the prevention of arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease. They also have anti-inflammatory effects, promoting recovery from injuries and burns, and are used for skin diseases and eczema.

Typical Effects	Arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, wound recovery, skin disease treatment
Main Usage	Used for drinking to improve digestive disorders and suitable for chronic diseases and skin conditions.
Famous Hot Springs	Ibusuki Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture is famous, combining sulfate springs with sand baths for enhanced circulation and detoxification.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Iron Spring

Rich in iron, these springs turn reddish-brown when iron oxidizes upon exposure to air. They are expected to improve anemia and cold sensitivity due to iron deficiency. Drinking the spring water is recommended for iron intake, although bathing can also absorb trace amounts of iron.

Typical Effects	Improvement of anemia, cold sensitivity, menstrual irregularities
Main Usage	Primarily used for drinking to directly intake iron, suitable for those with iron deficiency anemia.
Famous Hot Springs	Kannawa Onsen in Oita Prefecture and Akayu Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture are famous for their distinctive reddish-brown water.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Sulfur Spring

Characterized by a distinctive sulfur smell, sulfur springs have high antibacterial properties, often used for treating skin diseases and disinfection. They may be too strong for sensitive skin or allergies. They are expected to improve skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, eczema, and acne, and promote blood circulation, aiding in rheumatism and neuralgia.

Typical Effects	Improvement of skin diseases, antibacterial effect, blood circulation promotion, cold sensitivity, rheumatism relief
Main Usage	Used for chronic skin diseases and neuralgia, with drinking aiding in digestive issues.
Famous Hot Springs	Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture and Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido are popular for their sulfur springs.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Acidic Spring

Known for its strong acidity and high antibacterial power, acidic springs are expected to improve skin diseases and infections, particularly eczema, atopic dermatitis, and acne. They promote metabolism and help eliminate waste from the body. However, they can be harsh on sensitive skin or wounds.

Typical Effects	Improvement of skin diseases, antibacterial effect, metabolism promotion, infection prevention
Main Usage	Used for chronic skin diseases, rheumatism, and arthritis, with short baths recommended for sensitive skin.
Famous Hot Springs	Tamagawa Onsen in Akita Prefecture is famous for its strong acidic water, effective for skin disease improvement.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Radioactive Spring (Radium Spring)

Containing radioactive substances like radium, these springs emit low levels of radiation that activate cell metabolism and boost immunity. They are expected to promote metabolism and enhance natural healing, particularly for chronic pain like neuralgia and rheumatism.

Typical Effects	Metabolism promotion, immunity enhancement, neuralgia, rheumatism
Main Usage	Long-term stays for bathing are effective, with low health risks and safety standards met.
Famous Hot Springs	Misasa Onsen in Tottori Prefecture is renowned for its radium springs, attracting visitors for health maintenance and therapy.

Hot Springs in Gifu

Simple Spring

Simple springs have low specific components, with total mineral content less than 1g per kg, making them gentle and suitable for all ages and sensitive skin. They are ideal for post-illness recovery and those with weakened health, offering relaxation and stress relief.

Typical Effects	Fatigue recovery, relaxation effect, stress relief
Main Usage	Suitable for long baths due to low mineral content, ideal for daily relaxation and long-term stays.
Famous Hot Springs	Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture is a representative simple spring, known for its clear, soft water and relaxation effects.

Hot Springs in Gifu