Hot Spring

Outdoor Bath

Yahiko Hot Spring Water	Quality: simple alkaline hot spring (Yu-jinja Hot Spring) Temperature: 47.9ºC
Type of hot spring at Minoya.	Gensen-kakenagashi (Flowing naturally from the source) (A circulation system is used to maintain the temperature)
Facilities	A sauna in the large indoor bath area
Benefits	Beautiful skin, and relief from neuralgia, joint pain and poor circulation, etc.
Opening Hours	5:00 am – 1:00 am (Cleaning time is 10:00 am– 11:00 am)

The reasons why Yahiko Hot Spring is called ‘water for the family’ and ‘water for beautiful skin’.

• The nine main kinds of hot springs in Japan are simple (simple alkaline springs), chloride springs, bicarbonate springs, sulfate springs, carbon dioxide springs, iron springs, sulfur springs, acid springs and radioactive springs.
• From November 2nd, 2007, we have been using Yu-jinja hot spring as our source, which is a hypotonic, alkaline and hyperthermal spring.
• There is nothing ‘simple’ about the components of a simple hot spring. It is called ‘simple’ because the components do not reach a certain level. That is to say that the spring water is gentle on the body and does not irritate the skin, and is perfect for women, small children and the elderly, hence the name ‘water for the family’. As the water has a pH of over 8.5, it removes old keratin and so can also be called ‘water for beautiful skin’.

Simple alkaline hot spring benefits

• In addition to the benefits shown above, simple alkaline hot springs are also effective for neuralgia, muscular pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, motor paralysis, stiff joints, bruises, sprains, chronic digestion problems and poor circulation, and also for aiding recovery after illness, and health promotion.

What is the real meaning of putting a towel on one’s head when bathing? Here are the secret techniques!!

• People often put a towel on their heads when bathing, however, this practice actually has a deep meaning.
  
  ・To prevent dizziness　⇒　Put on a towel wrung out in cold water!
  ・To prevent lightheadedness upon standing　⇒　Put on a towel wrung out in warm water!
  
  

  As there is nowhere to hang towels in the bath tub, many people place them on their heads. Indeed, this is a sight often seen at hot springs. However, there is also another reason for this. When it is easy to become dizzy, it helps to cool down one’s head by placing a towel soaked in cold water on it. Sitting in an outdoor bath is very pleasant; however the difference in temperature between the outside air and the hot water can cause a sudden change in blood pressure. In this case it is helpful to place a towel soaked in hot water on one’s head. We also recommend pouring the spring water over your body first and then over your head and neck before getting in the bath. Pouring the water over your head will help prevent lightheadedness.

  The difference in temperature is particularly large when using the outdoor bath on cold days, so it is important to warm your body in the indoor bath first before using the outdoor bath. Remember to put a cold towel on your head to prevent dizziness, and a hot one on your head to prevent lightheadedness upon standing.

  (Data: Onsen Sommelier Association, Niigata Prefecture)

A morning bath amidst the divine mountains, stillness and clear air…

• The changing of the seasons on Mt. Yahiko can be seen from the outdoor bath located on the top floor - the cherry blossoms in spring, the deep greens in summer, the red hues of autumn and the snowy landscapes of winter. Here you can relieve all your fatigue from traveling. We recommend taking a morning bath which will relax your mind as well as your body in the clear air of Yahiko Forest.

Large indoor observatory bath

Relax in a footbath!

How about relaxing in our footbath? Anyone can come and enjoy the footbath at Hotel Minoya, free of charge! Relax your body and mind in our footbath spring water, which flows directly from the source. Footbath usage information Usage Times 11:00 am- 7:00 pm Fee Free Towel (Guests staying at Minoya) Lending free of charge (Other visitors) On sale at the reception desk for 100 yen Benefits With a pH of over 8.5, the waters of Yu-jinja Hot Spring remove old keratin from the skin and leave the feet feeling smooth.