The unique aroma makes you feel like you are in a hot spring! Sulfur Springs in Hokkaido

The unique aroma makes you feel like you are in a hot spring! Sulfur Springs in Hokkaido

The smell of sulfur wafts from the hot spring area. The closer you get, the stronger the smell becomes, and your anticipation for the hot spring increases. The source of this distinctive smell is the hydrogen sulfide contained in the hot water. This type of hot spring is often found near volcanoes, and is popular for its various beneficial effects, including those for skin diseases.

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What kind of hot springs are sulfur springs?

There are about 500 sulfur springs in Japan. 1 kg of hot spring water contains 2 mg or more of total sulfur, which is called a sulfur spring. Indications for bathing include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, chronic eczema, and epidermal pyogenic disease. The color of the water is often milky white or emerald green. The color of the water may be a factor in its popularity, as it seems to be efficacious.

Hydrogen sulfide gas oxidizes metals, which can cause accessories and other items to turn black. Please be careful when bathing in sulfur springs.

Enjoy the abundant spring water! Noboribetsu Hot Spring (Noboribetsu City)

Noboribetsu Hot Spring is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, and is called the "department store of hot springs" because of its nine different types of springs. There are many hot springs in the town, and the steam is seen here and there. There are many scenic spots unique to hot spring resorts, such as Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Noboribetsu Hell Valley), where volcanic gases are gushing out from the cracks in the rocks, and Oyunuma (Oyunuma Swamp), where white smoke rises from the hot water in the crater ruins of an explosion. The "Oyunuma River Natural Footbath," where hot water overflowing from the Oyunuma Swamp flows, is a perfect place to take a break during a stroll, as you can soak in the footbath while sitting on the deck and enjoying the forest bathing.

Experience the effects of strongly acidic hot water,Kawayu Hot Spring (Teshikaga Town)

Kawayu Hot Spring is located in Akan-Mashu National Park. Kawayu Hot Spring declares that 100% of its hot spring water is free-flowing. You can enjoy 100% free-flowing hot-spring water at all facilities. The greatest feature of the hot spring is that it is highly acidic. It is so acidic that if you soak a nail in it for a few days, it will dissolve and disappear. The spring water, which has outstanding medicinal properties that tighten the skin, is said to be highly effective in treating all kinds of skin diseases. The sulfur component in the hot spring water promotes melanin metabolism, making your skin smooth and smooth.

A river of hot spring water flows through the center of the hot spring resort, and the hot spring water emanates from the surface of the river. There are footbaths by the river and at JR Kawayu Onsen Station, where you can warm your feet after a cold walk. This is a recommended place that is popular among locals. Keep a towel in your luggage and you can enjoy the hot spring anytime.

Mt. Io, the source of Kawayu Hot Spring, is a 5-minute drive from the hot spring resort. The sulfur yellowish surface of the mountain emits a plume of smoke from start to finish, providing an up-close view of the overflowing power of the earth. This is a must-see spot when visiting Kawayu Hot Spring.

Enjoy the beauty of the valley, Sounkyo Hot Spring (Kamikawa Town)

Sounkyo Hot Spring is the largest hot spring resort in northern Hokkaido, located about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport. It is located in the Daisetsuzan National Park and extends along the Sounkyo Gorge with its sheer cliffs. The water is clear, colorless, tasteless, and odorless. The spring is a simple sulfur spring and is effective for dermatitis, rheumatism, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The water is mildly stimulating and gentle to the skin, making it safe for people with sensitive skin, the elderly, and small children.

There are many scenic spots in the surrounding area, including a sheer cliff that stretches for about 24 km, the famous waterfall "Ryusei no Taki Falls/Ginga no Taki Falls" in the middle of the cliff, and "Obako and Kobako" a little further away, where the huge columnar-jointed rock walls are breathtaking. You can enjoy the powerful scenery that can only be seen here.

We recommend this area for both sightseeing and hot spring bathing.

Onneyu hot spring, near Kitami (Kitami City)

Onneyu Hot Spring is a famous hot spring with a long history, said to derive from the Ainu words "onne" (big) and "yu" (hot). The spring is a simple sulfur spring. It is said to be "beauty water" that washes away dead skin cells and makes the skin smooth and silky. The freshness of the spring water, which is free-flowing from the source, can be expected to inhibit aging and have anti-aging effects. It has a faint scent of sulfur, but is reputed to be smooth and non-irritating to the skin. There is also a footbath in the hot spring resort area that is open seasonally (from the end of April to the end of October) and is popular among local residents.

The area is famous for its flowers, which bloom from spring to summer. In early May, when the Ezomurasaki azaleas are in full bloom, the "Azalea Festival" is held and attracts many tourists.

Koganeyu Hot Spring, a hot spring resort with beautiful nature (Sapporo City)

Koganeyu Hot Spring is a small hot spring resort located about 50 minutes by car from central Sapporo and 10 minutes by car from Jozankei Hot Spring Resort. At the foot of the mountain where the Toyohira River flows, two hot spring inns offer hot spring water that is free-flowing from the source. The water is a simple sulfur spring rich in minerals. It is said to be effective in lowering blood pressure and has long been popular as a hot spring that cures illness. Day-trip bathing is also available.

While soaking in the hot spring water, visitors can enjoy the seasonal scenery of fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snow.

One-house inn with character

Niseko Goshiki Hot Spring, a hidden hot spring deep in the mountains (Niseko Town)
Niseko Goshiki Onsen Ryokan is located 750 meters above sea level in the Niseko mountain range. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a secluded hot spring in the mountains. The hot spring is called "Goshiki Onsen" (five-color hot spring) because "the color of the water looks five-color due to the mixture of sulfur" and "it contains a variety of ingredients.
In addition to sulfur, the spring water contains a variety of minerals and minerals and is rich in beneficial properties. Some people say it makes their hair moist and shiny.
The open-air baths offer a spectacular view of the mountains and a sense of openness. Please enjoy bathing while being healed by nature.
Niseko Goshiki Hot Spring, a hidden hot spring deep in the mountains (Niseko Town)
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Meakan Hot Spring
The "Yama no Yado Nonaka Onsen" is a secluded hot spring located at the foot of one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, Mt.Meakan. It is located near the mysterious lake "Onneto". It is the only onsen ryokan in the area. As a mountain climbing base, it is used by tourists and mountain climbing enthusiasts. It is also called the "hot spring of longevity" since the world's oldest man lived here. The strong sulfur spring water is thick and pleasant to the skin, and is effective for neuralgia and skin diseases.
The handmade outdoor baths are all made of Abies sachalinensis, and not a single nail is used. It is very tasteful. At night, you can relax while watching the stars shine in the sky.
Meakan Hot Spring
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Ashibetsu Hot Spring, located in the starry village (Ashibetu City)

Ashibetsu City boasts a beautiful night sky, known as "Starry Night Village. Ashibetsu Hot Spring is located approximately two hours by car from the center of Sapporo.

"Ashibetsu starlight hotel & Ashibetsu hot spring- Hot spring café Seiyukan" is a hot spring leisure facility with lodging facilities. The Ofuro Café has a large collection of books and is a popular place for day-trippers to spend the day. The two naturally gushing springs are cold mineral springs containing sulfur. They are also called "hot water for beautiful skin" because they contain an abundance of ingredients that are said to make the skin beautiful, and they are known for their smooth texture and high moisturizing properties. The water bath is also free-flowing from the source. The source water bath with floating "yunohana" (hot spring water flowers), which are condensed components of the hot spring water, is rare and precious.

At night, you can soak in the open-air bath and enjoy a blissful moment while gazing at the star-filled sky that Ashibetsu boasts.

Ashibetsu Hot Spring, located in the starry village (Ashibetu City)

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