Explanations by Spring Quality

Hot springs of beautiful skin for prevent of blemishes／
Hot springs for lifestyle-related diseases

Hot springs with more than 2mg of total sulfur (S) in 1 kg of hot spring water. The “Total sulfur (S)” of 2 mg/kg or more, which is considered a condition for “Sulfur springs”, means the sum of ①Hydrogen Sulfide Ion （HS^-）, ②Thiosulfate Ion （S₂O₃^2-） and ③Free Hydrogen Sulfide （H₂S）. Strictly written, the calculation is [Hydrogen Sulfide Ion×0.970 + Thiosulfate Ion×0.572 + Free Hydrogen Sulfide×0.941], which is 2 mg/kg or more. And the “Sulfur springs” are classified into two types as follows.
“Sulfur type” ・・・・・・・・Mainly composed of ①Hydrogen Sulfide Ions and ②Thiosulfate IonsSulfur type
“Hydrogen sulfide type” ・・・Mainly composed of ③Free Hydrogen Sulfide
The classification method is calculated in units of mol. If ①＋②＞③, it is “Sulfur type”. If ①＋②＜③, it is classified as “Hydrogen sulfide type”.　The pH value tends to be neutral to alkali for the “Sulfur type” and acid for the “Hydrogen sulfide type”.　 The color of the hot water may appear clear and colorless or emerald green in the case of the "Sulfur type". In many cases, the color of "Hydrogen sulfide type" water is cloudy white. “Sulfur spring” has strong bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects, and reduces symptoms of skin diseases such as Atopic dermatitis, Plaque psoriasis, Chronic eczema, and Epidermal suppuration. In other words, this spring known as a “Hot springs for skin diseases” effective against various problems on the surface of the skin. In the “Hydrogen sulfide type”, hydrogen sulfide is absorbed through the skin and dilates peripheral blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow. This is why it is also effective for Peripheral circulatory disturbance.
By drinking “Sulfur springs”, insulin action is enhanced, sugar metabolism is promoted, and blood glucose levels are lowered, making it effective against Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes). It is also effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels and is effective in treating Hypercholesterolemia. This is because the sulfur component helps the metabolism of cholesterol and promotes its elimination from the body. For these reasons, it is also called “Hot springs for lifestyle-related diseases” or “Hot springs for metabolic syndrome”.
“Sulfur springs” removes excess sebum, making it a good match for acne-prone and oily skinned people. It is also called “Hot springs for preventing spots” because it suppresses the production of melanin, the substance that causes spots, and can be expected to have a whitening effect as well. In short, “Sulfur springs” are “Hot springs for beautiful skin”. The reducing effect of sulfur also reacts with active oxygen, a substance that causes aging, so a skin-rejuvenating effect can be expected.　“Hydrogen sulfide type” is sometimes called “Hot springs for phlegm” because it relieves asthma and improves the sharpness of phlegm.　Like “Acidic springs”, “Sulfur springs” are highly irritating springs, so the sickly, elderly, and those with sensitive skin should be careful and are prone to “hot spring fatigue”. Contraindications for bathing by spring quality includes hypersensitive skin or mucous membranes, and dry skin in the elderly .　One thing to keep in mind is that metal items such as rings and necklaces can discolor due to sulfur components, so remember to remove them when bathing.

• ■Old spring name・・・Sulfur springs (Sulfur springs of sulfur type)
  Hydrogen sulfide springs (Sulfur springs of hydrogen sulfide type)
• ■Color of water・・・“Sulfur type”: Clear and colorless to emerald green
  “Hydrogen sulfide type”: Cloudy white/ Milky white
• ■Taste & Smell・・・“Sulfur type”: Bitter taste and sulfur smell
  “Hydrogen sulfide type”: Bitter and sour taste, smell like rotten boiled egg
• ■Water texture・・・
  “Sulfur type” if Alkaline, smooth and moistly, if strongly Alkaline, thick feeling
  “Hydrogen sulfide type” if the Acidity is strong, tingling feeling while bathing
• ■Major hot spring inns・・・
  "Sulfur type": "Kajikaso" Onogawa Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture／"Hotaru-no-Nagaya" Hirayama Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture
  "Hydrogen sulfide type": "Okushiobara Kogen Hotel" Shiobara Onsengo, Arayu Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture／"Manza Prince Hotel" Manza Onsen, Gunma Prefecture／"Sansuikan Sinano" Norikura Kogen Onsen, Nagano Prefecture／"Unzen-Fukudaya" Unzen Onsen, Nagasaki Prefecture
List of inns with this spring quality