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A natural hot spring with the biggest capacity and acidity in Japan.
Tamagawa Onsen has the strongest acidic spring in Japan, known as “the therapeutic hot water.” From the source spring called “Ofuki,” 98°C hot water gushes out 9000 liters / min. It is by far the biggest hot spring.
The clear, very acidic water has a strong disinfecting power with a sulfur smell, containing radium. It is said the water melts a kitchen knife overnight. Most bathtubs contain 50% of source spring but there is a bathtub with 100% spring water. The acidic steam floats in the air and you want to be careful because precious metals may discolor or precision instruments such as a smartphone may go out of order.
Tamagawa Onsen is in the production area of hokutolite which radiates small amounts of radium and they provide bedrock baths where you lay down on a mat over hokutolite or individual sauna. Patients with terminal cancer are said to come for therapy, but the healing effects have not been proved scientifically.
Tamagawa Onsen is a traditional inn. If you prefer, there is a sister inn, Shin-Tamagawa Onsen, with modern facilities serving the same source spring.
The area is included in Towada-Hachimantai National Park
The inn has western-style guestrooms
Refresh in a geothermal bedrock bath. You need to bring your own mat
Steam rises from Obuki, the source spring of Tamagawa Onsen
Bathtubs are divided according to the strength of the spring water. Highly acidic - do not stay long
Top Reviewer
日本一の強酸性温泉。ここの温泉は一生に一度は入ったほうが良いです！成分が強すぎて顔をつけたり体を擦ったりするとヒリヒリして大変なことになります。他では体験できない唯一の温泉！お尻もヒリヒリするので要注意。
