Shirane Onsen Yakushi no Yu
Katashina, Gunma, Japan
Illustration photo — not a verified picture of this exact spot.
- Location
- Katashina, Gunma, Japan
- Water type
- sulfurous
- Temperature
- 44 °C
- pH
- 6.5
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Bio-active
LowHigh
Rich in active gases or metals — a strong mineral character.
Buoyancy
Standard buoyancy
LowHigh
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
SoufreSulfuresSulfates
Yakushi no Yu, in Katashina, Gunma Prefecture, is fed by sulfurous water at 44°C. Indoor bath, outdoor rotenburo and sauna make up this hot-spring stop with a distinctly volcanic character.
Insider tip — Yakushi no Yu, the medicine Buddha spring, serves Katashina-mura at the gateway to the Oze National Park — Japan most extensive highland wetland at 1,400 metres elevation where five million skunk cabbage blooms announce spring each late May across an ancient lava plateau. Katashina preserves the traditional kagura dance drama dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, who according to local tradition revealed the location of this volcanic spring to sick pilgrims seeking healing in the mountain sanctuary above the sacred Oze marshland.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 44 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features sulfurous water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.