Rich in active gases or metals — a strong mineral character.
Buoyancy
Standard buoyancy
LowHigh
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
FerBicarbonatesManganèse
Ijirakan, in Gujo (Gifu prefecture), heats iron-rich water to 38°C. An indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo bath, and a sauna make up this onsen tucked into the Gujo mountains.
Insider tip — Ijira Onsen Ijirakan draws iron-rich water from the mountains northeast of Gifu city, known locally for its reddish-brown hue and strong tonic properties. The facility sits beside a tributary of the Nagara River and serves as a community bathhouse for the Ijira mountain community. Iron-bearing waters here have long been used to treat fatigue and improve skin resilience, especially appreciated by farmers and outdoor workers. The compact, no-frills interior preserves the authentic atmosphere of a rural Japanese bath.