First discovered over 200 years ago, Sekihira Onsen has long served as a beloved therapeutic hot spring for the people of Kagoshima. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kirishima—one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains and an active volcano—the spring offers day-use public bathing facilities where visitors can relax in its highly beneficial waters.
What makes this onsen unique is that its spring water isn’t just for bathing—it’s also consumed as a health drink. Locals have long believed in its wellness benefits, and recent analyses have confirmed it contains high levels of natural minerals, especially silica, which is known to support beauty and skin health. The water is filtered through layers of volcanic rock and enriched with minerals like calcium and sodium, as well as sulfate for detox, and bicarbonate ions that help relieve fatigue.
Today, this mineral-rich water continues to flow at a rate of around 40 tons per day and is bottled on-site using state-of-the-art technology. These bottled waters are available for purchase at the Sekihira Mineral Water Facility, while the adjacent Makizonocho Local Products Shop and Makizonocho Welfare Products Shop offer a variety of fresh local produce and artisanal goods.
Highlights
-
A natural hot spring water source located at the foot of Mt. Kirishima.
-
Rich in essential minerals, including bicarbonate ions and silica.
-
Bottled at a state-of-the-art facility near the mountain for both bathing and drinking purposes.
