Five Must-Visit Beauty Hot Springs for Winter Skincare

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
Japanese natural hot springs are rich in minerals and have long been believed to have skin-beautifying and health-enhancing effects. In particular, those rich in bicarbonate, sulfate, sulfur spring qualities, and weak alkaline springs with a pH value over 7.5 are known as the "Four Great Beauty Spring Qualities," which are especially favored by modern people who value health and beauty.

Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin Onsen in Oita Prefecture, Japan’s foremost hot spring resort, not only boasts the third highest volume of abundant spring water in all of Japan, but also ranks second in the number of hot springs, making it quite well-known among Japan’s traditional hot spring towns. Visitors praise its “gentle spring quality that leaves the skin feeling smooth,” and some even say it makes hair silky and glossy.

Hida Takayama Onsen

Hida Takayama Onsen, said to leave the skin feeling tender, mostly uses its own spring sources and is particularly popular for providing fresh and gentle spring water. Visitors praise the spring water for having just the right consistency and temperature, making them want to soak for as long as possible.

Yunomine Onsen

Named for the legend that it “can cure 40,000 kinds of illnesses,” Gunma Prefecture’s Yunomine Onsen is said to be different from ordinary hot springs. In addition to having an extremely soft and mild spring quality that moisturizes the skin, visitors often drink the spring water to maintain their digestive health. Therefore, in the old streets of the hot spring town, you can find many drinking fountains. The effect of Yunomine Onsen that “you can both bathe in and drink” is intriguing.