Rich in active gases or metals — a strong mineral character.
Buoyancy
Standard buoyancy
LowHigh
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
SoufreSulfuresSulfates
Kainosawa Onsen, in Ani, Akita Prefecture, heats sulfurous thermal water to 46°C (pH 6.5). An indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo and a sauna round out this northern Japan hot-spring stop.
Insider tip — Hidden in the mountains of northern Akita near the Ani ski area, Kainosawa Onsen offers rustic backcountry bathing in the Tohoku tradition. Sulfurous waters emerge from deep within the Ou Mountains. Known mostly to local enthusiasts — a true off-the-beaten-path discovery.