What is a free-flowing hot spring? Differences from a circulating system, water addition and heating, and how to read the labeling.

Conclusion: Don't just think about whether to return the water, read the usage instructions for each bathtub.

Generally, a "free-flowing" hot spring system involves continuously pouring hot spring water into the bathtub, with any overflowing water being returned to the tub and not reused. On the other hand, a "circulating" system includes methods where the water in the bathtub is collected, filtered, and reused. Some inns also use a hybrid system where new hot spring water is added while the system is circulated.

The Ministry of the Environment explains that it is not possible to say definitively whether the circulating filtration system or the free-flowing hot spring system is superior. This is because the actual situation varies depending on factors such as the amount of new hot spring water supplied, the number of users, the size of the bathtub, and cleaning and hygiene management. The focus of the comparison should be on the specific descriptions of the bathtubs that travelers use, rather than advertising slogans.

Differences between free-flowing hot spring water, circulating hot spring water, and natural hot spring water.

According to the glossary of terms from the Japan Hot Spring Association, "free-flowing hot spring water" may involve the addition of water and heating, "free-flowing spring water" means that water cannot be added but heating is permitted, and "100% free-flowing spring water" means that neither water nor heating is permitted. However, travelers should not make assumptions based solely on advertising, but should prioritize the implementation status and reasons posted by the facility.

If you want to know the quality of the spring water itselfTen types of hot spring water and their component listsProceed to.にごり湯,Sulfur springThis is a theme related to appearance and scent, and is a separate axis from the usage method, whether it's a continuous flow or a recirculating system.

"100% natural spring water" and "natural hot spring" do not mean the same thing.

"Natural hot spring" indicates that hot spring water is used, but it doesn't tell you whether water is added, heated, circulated, or disinfected. Similarly, with "100% natural spring water," you need to check the entire sentence to find out which bathtub it refers to and whether it includes heating or circulation.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission has pointed out that emphasizing claims such as "100% natural hot spring water" without sufficient information about water addition, heating, and circulation filtration can mislead consumers. We will examine whether the wording is consistent across the hotel's official website, booking plan, and on-site signage.

8 items to look at in the hot spring water composition chart and bathhouse signage.

The Hot Spring Law stipulates that the following information must be posted: the name of the hot spring source, the water quality, the temperature of the source and the place of use, the components, the date of analysis, the analysis institution, contraindications, and bathing methods and precautions. Hot spring component analysis must be conducted within 10 years of the previous analysis, and the posted information must be updated based on the results.

Even if not all items are listed on the official website, they may be posted in a visible location at the location. If you need to decide before booking, ask the inn, specifying the name of the bath, "Could you tell me about the water addition, heating, circulation, and disinfection of the open-air bath XX?" How to read the ingredientsGuide to Hot Spring Water CompositionIn can be confirmed.

Please check the large public bath, open-air bath, private bath, and in-room bath separately.

In hotels with multiple bathtubs, the conditions may differ depending on the bath. For example, the indoor bath in the main bathhouse may use recirculating water, the open-air bath may use free-flowing water, the private baths may be heated, and the guest room baths may not use hot spring water. We do not interpret the statement "Our hotel uses free-flowing hot spring water" as applying to all bathtubs.

Guest room open-air bathNow, let's look at the types of baths available for each room type.Private bathSo, regarding the reservation slots and the applicable bathtubs,Guest room with hot springNow let's look at the difference between hot springs and heated tap water. If there are separate times for men and women, we'll check the time slots so that you can use your preferred bath during your stay.

There are times when the baths are unavailable due to cleaning or changing the bathwater. Those planning to stay for multiple nights, or use the bath late at night or in the morning should...Hot spring bathing time and restwithCheck the bathhouse usage hours before making a reservation.I will add this to the itinerary.

Don't judge the superiority of free-flowing vs. recirculating systems with a single word.

While the appeal of a free-flowing hot spring is the continuous supply of fresh water, it's necessary to separately check whether the supply is sufficient for the size of the bath and the number of users, as well as whether cleaning and temperature control are appropriate. A circulating system may involve management including filtration and disinfection, and can be a method for using limited hot spring resources.

The Ministry of the Environment also advises that it is important to understand that the use of circulation filtration systems based on proper maintenance is an important means of protecting hot spring resources and ensuring hygienic bathing conditions. What travelers can compare is not just the "name of the system," but also the specificity of the signage, the cleanliness of the bathhouse, the number of users, the water temperature, and how well it suits their physical condition.

If you want to enjoy the hot springs in peaceA hot spring inn where you can relax in peace.If you want to split the usage timePrivate bathIf the main purpose is the hot spring itselfHow to choose a hot spring innWe also use this together.

The water temperature, aroma, and color cannot be determined solely by whether it is "free-flowing" or not.

Hot springs with high source temperatures may be adjusted to bathing temperature through methods such as adding water or heat exchange, while lower-temperature hot springs may be heated. Some hot springs have colorless, transparent water, while others appear white, brown, or green. The color and scent vary depending on the water quality, contact with air, time, and the type of bathtub.

We do not assume that "the hotter it is, the more effective it is" or "the stronger the smell, the more authentic it is." Those who need to avoid high-temperature baths, those with sensitive skin, and those bathing with children or the elderly should follow the local contraindications and warnings. How to interpret the different types of spring water:Hot Spring Water Quality GuideThe enjoyment of cloudiness and colorGuide to cloudy hot springsProceed to.

Order to check on the hotel's official website

1. Identify the name of the bathtub:The baths are divided into a large public bath, an open-air bath, private baths, and guest room baths.
2. Check the type of bath:Look for descriptions of natural hot springs, hot springs, and heated tap water.
3. Check the usage method:Read the explanations about continuous flow, circulation, and combined use.
4. Check the legal requirements:See the reasons for adding water, heating, circulation/filtration, and disinfection.
5. Check the ingredients list:Read the name of the hot spring, the water quality, the temperature, and the date of analysis.
6. Check the time:Cleaning, gender-separated schedule changes, private bookings, and connecting late night and early morning hours.
7. Ask any questions you may have:Provide the name of the bathtub and the date of your trip, and record your response.
8. Check the plan:Confirm whether it is available with the room and accommodation plan you book.

Do not confirm your reservation based solely on the short icon displayed on the booking site; cross-reference the hot spring information on the hotel's official page with the details of your booking plan.Points to note when booking a hot spring inn, my first stayMy first time at a hot spring innProceed to.

Do not determine the method based solely on the appearance of the spout or overflow in the photograph.

Even if the water overflows from the edge of the bathtub, the equipment to collect the excess water and return it to the circulation system may be located in an unseen place. Conversely, even if the water appears calm, fresh hot spring water may be being supplied. The color of the water, the presence of mineral deposits, the smell, and the bubbles can all change depending on the time the photo was taken, the lighting, cleaning, and the condition of the hot spring source, so we do not definitively state that the water is "100% natural hot spring water," "undisinfected," or "fresh" based solely on the image.

Reviews can be helpful in understanding things like water temperature, crowding, and ease of use of the baths, but the posting date and the baths/plans used may not be the same as they are now. Check the official information for factual details, and separate the reviews from the opinions to consider your own preferences. When asking questions to the inn, don't just stop at "Is it a natural hot spring with free-flowing water?", but ask about the name of the bath, whether water is added, heated, circulated, disinfected, and available hours one by one so you can compare the answers.

After booking, construction, cleaning, adjustments to the hot spring facilities, and closure of the open-air bath due to weather may occur. Please check the official announcements the day before arrival, and if the hot springs are your main purpose, please also find out about alternative indoor baths or private baths. For rainy weather itineraries...A hot spring trip on a rainy dayIt can be prepared with this.

Prioritize the items to check based on your objective.

FamilyFamily hot spring trip, with a babyHot springs with a baby, accompanying an elderly personHot spring inns to visit with elderly peopleTherefore, we prioritize the facilities and the physical condition of the person.

Basics for safe bathing

Before bathing, check your physical condition and the posted information, and acclimate yourself to the temperature by pouring warm water over yourself before entering the bathtub. Avoid bathing after drinking alcohol, immediately before or after meals, or when you are excessively tired, and rehydrate first, especially immediately after waking up. The Ministry of the Environment has a cautionary guideline that elderly people, people with high blood pressure or heart disease, and people who have had a stroke should avoid baths with a temperature of 42°C or higher.

Even with continuously flowing hot spring water, prolonged bathing is not necessarily safe. If you feel unwell, get out and rest, and consult with facility staff if necessary. Basic procedures and flow in the public bath are as follows:How to use and behave in hot springs, your belongingsWhat to bring on a hot spring tripCheck with.

12 items to check before booking

The confirmation details will be shared with the travel companions. If you wish to include not only the hot springs but also the room, meals, transportation, and cancellation policy, please do so.How to Choose a Hot Spring Inn (Japanese Inn)The cost isHot spring trips by budgetThen we'll combine them into a single comparison table.

Natural hot spring water (free-flowing) FAQ

We will answer your questions regarding the meaning, advantages and disadvantages compared to circulating systems, heating, disinfection, applicable bathtubs, ingredient list, and pre-booking confirmation.