Japan is renowned as a hot spring haven, attracting visitors from all over the world. Among its many hot spring destinations, Beppu stands out for boasting over 2,000 natural hot springs with a rich variety of water types. In Beppu, you can experience 7 out of the 10 types of hot springs available in Japan, each with its unique mineral compositions and health benefits.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the diverse types of hot springs you can experience in Beppu, the health benefits associated with their mineral compositions, as well as the natural processes behind their formation.
What is an Onsen?
Definition and Origins of Onsen
An onsen is a natural hot spring that emerges from underground and must have a temperature of at least 25°C, containing specific mineral components. The mineral composition of an onsen is formed through volcanic activity and geothermal heat, and it varies according to the geological characteristics of the region and the flow of underground water.
Japan is home to many hot springs, but Beppu stands out as a treasure trove of diverse onsen created by volcanic activity. It is particularly unique among Japan’s hot spring destinations, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a wide variety of distinct mineral waters, making it a perfect destination for onsen enthusiasts.
Characteristics of Kyushu and Beppu: Geothermal Activity
Located on the island of Kyushu, Beppu is a highly active geothermal area situated between two fault lines, where the eight hot spring areas known as the “Beppu Hatto” emerge along these faults. This geological setting has created a diverse range of hot springs, each containing different mineral compositions, allowing for a wide variety of efficacies. Furthermore, Beppu’s hot springs encompass 7 out of the 10 types of hot springs found in Japan, providing visitors with an array of health benefits.
Onsen Minerals and Their Benefits
The minerals found in hot springs penetrate the body during bathing, offering a variety of health benefits. For example, components like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium are often present in onsen water, each contributing to improved blood circulation, relaxation, and skin health.
Beppu’s hot springs are particularly rich in minerals produced by volcanic activity. These minerals filter through the earth over time and eventually surface, offering greater health benefits than regular hot water. Beppu’s onsens are known for relieving fatigue, reducing stress, and alleviating joint pain, providing deep physical and mental relaxation.
The 10 Types of Onsen in Japan and Their Beppu Counterparts
Japan boasts 10 distinct types of onsen, each with unique benefits. Below is a breakdown of these types and where you can experience them in Beppu:
1. Simple Onsen
- Characteristics: Contains few dissolved minerals, making it gentle on the skin and perfect for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
- Benefits: Fatigue recovery, relaxation.
- Example: Hamawaki Onsen
- One of Beppu’s oldest hot springs, popular among locals. Its simplicity makes it ideal for soothing tired bodies.
2. Chloride Onsen
- Characteristics: Rich in salt, providing excellent heat retention, making it particularly beneficial for those with cold sensitivity.
- Benefits: Moisturizing effect, improvement of cold sensitivity.
- Example: Kannawa Onsen
- Known for its “hell-steamed” cuisine, this onsen is great for warming your body from the core, especially in winter.
3. Bicarbonate Onsen
- Characteristics: Removes dead skin cells and promotes skin health, offering great cosmetic benefits.
- Benefits: Skin beautification, skin health.
- Example: Kaimonji Onsen
- Known for its gentle, skin-friendly waters, this onsen is particularly popular with women.
4. Sulfate Onsen
- Characteristics: Promotes blood circulation and aids in wound healing.
- Benefits: Improved circulation, wound recovery.
- Example: Beppu Showaen
- Renowned for its high beautifying properties, it is particularly suitable for those with skin concerns.
5. Carbon Dioxide Onsen
- Characteristics: Infused with carbon dioxide, it enhances blood circulation and provides relaxation.
- Benefits: Improved blood circulation, relaxation. The carbonation gives a pleasant tingling sensation to the skin, improving blood flow.
6. Iron Onsen
- Characteristics: Contains high levels of iron, giving the water a reddish hue due to oxidation, making it beneficial for those with anemia.
- Benefits: Anemia relief, increased stamina.
- Example: Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) Footbath
- This striking red-colored spring leaves a lasting impression with its visual appeal and health benefits.
7. Acidic Onsen
- Characteristics: High acidity with potent antibacterial properties, ideal for treating skin conditions.
- Benefits: Skin disinfection, relief from skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.
- Example: Beppu Onsen Hoyoland
- Known for its famous mud baths and mixed bathing, the strong acidity is effective for disinfecting the skin and providing antibacterial properties.
8. Iodine Onsen
- Characteristics: Rich in iodine, a rare onsen type, known for its strong disinfectant properties.
- Benefits: Improvement of skin conditions, disinfection.
9. Sulfur Onsen
- Characteristics: Recognizable by its distinct sulfur odor, this type of onsen is particularly effective for joint pain and skin conditions.
- Benefits: Improvement of skin conditions, relief from joint pain.
- Example: Myoban Onsen (Yunosato)
- Despite the strong smell, sulfur is known for its potent therapeutic effects on joint pain and skin conditions.
10. Radium Onsen
- Characteristics: Contains trace amounts of radiation, known for stimulating metabolism and promoting relaxation.
- Benefits: Metabolism boost, relaxation.
Special Mineral Composition and Benefits of Beppu Onsen
The charm of Beppu’s hot springs lies not only in their variety but also in their rich mineral composition. These minerals have been naturally filtered underground for over 50 years and possess unique properties that positively impact health as they emerge to the surface. They include calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium, which contribute to improved blood circulation, relief from joint pain, and skin moisturization. For those particularly aiming for beautiful skin, Beppu’s hot springs are truly an ideal destination.
How to Properly Enjoy Onsen: Maximizing the Health Benefits
To fully enjoy the health benefits of an onsen, it’s essential to follow the correct practices. First, it’s important to hydrate sufficiently and relax your body before bathing. Then, when entering the onsen, immerse your body slowly to allow it to gradually adjust to the water temperature. After bathing, take some time to relax and let your body cool down naturally to prolong the effects of the warm water and prevent strain.
Conclusion: Experience Japan’s Rich Onsen Culture in Beppu
Beppu is one of Japan’s leading onsen destinations, offering a wide variety of water qualities and mineral compositions. Visitors can choose from various types of onsen that suit their needs and preferences, enjoying the physical and mental healing properties they offer.
When visiting Beppu, use this guide to find the perfect onsen that suits you, and immerse yourself in the rich onsen culture of Beppu. Enjoy the seasonal beauty of Beppu’s hot springs and experience their unique relaxing effects.
