Unzen Fukudaya / Yama Terrace Bettei

Hot spring at “Unzen Fukudaya” is a private source and gushes naturally from the site. Naturally gushing means that the hot spring water is gushing to the surface of the ground without the need for mechanical power pumping. Although there are many source wells in Japan, only a few of them are naturally gushing hot springs. This means that the source is located close to the surface of the earth, which reduces the possibility of impurities mixing with the water.
Going back in time, until the early Showa period when cars became the common mode of transportation, food ingredients used at inns were transported by peddlers who came and went on horseback along the steep mountain paths in Unzen. It is said that it was this hot spring that relieved them of the fatigue caused by their hard work. A soak in the hot spring at this inn is said to have restored their energy and vitality.

Also, it is noteworthy that the location of the gush is on the site. The fact that the spring is gushing on the site means the distance from the source to the bathtub is close. However, as will be explained later, this source is a hot spring in which gases are dissolved, and such hot springs tend to oxidize quickly when exposed to the atmosphere. Thus, it is a pleasure to be able to enjoy the freshness of the spring water as it gushes out.

All baths (indoor baths, open-air baths, private baths, and guest room open-air baths) at this inn use 100% natural free-flowing hot spring water.
Free-flowing hot spring water means that after the water is poured into the baths, the overflowing water flows directly down the drain and is disposed of. Although this is an extravagant use of hot spring water, it is also the most efficient system to utilize the natural power of the hot spring water. The temperature of the water is also controlled by the amount of hot spring water poured into the bathtub, so you can experience 100% natural free-flowing hot spring water with no added water.

The spring quality is “Acidic, Sulfur containing, Iron (Ⅱ,Ⅲ) ― Calcium ― Sulfate Springs (Hydrogen sulfide type)”.
It is a bit long, but it is proof of the large number of components contained in the spring. Currently, Japan classifies springs into 10 types, but this inn's spring has 4 types: “Acidic springs”, “Sulfur springs”, “Iron containing springs”, and “Sulfate springs”.

First, “Acidic springs” must contain more than 1 mg/kg of hydrogen ions, and the hot spring at this inn contains a surprising 5.1 mg/kg of hydrogen ions. The “Acidic springs” has a very high antibacterial effect, and is said to be “Hot springs for skin diseases” because it widely removes the causes of skin surface problems. It is good for Plaque psoriasis, Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), and Epidermal suppuration. Also, it is good for trichophytia, trichomonas vaginitis, scabies, etc.
It is especially recommended for people with Atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is caused by the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the inflamed area, and the “Acidic springs” inhibit the growth of this bacterium.

Next is the “Sulfur springs”, which must contain at least 2 mg/kg of total sulfur (hydrogen sulfide ions + thiosulfate ions + free hydrogen sulfide). Here, free hydrogen sulfide is the main component, so the sulfur spring is also called a “Hydrogen sulfide type” spring. pH is Acidic, and the color of the water is usually a milky white.
The “Sulfur springs” have a wide range of features, and are representative of “Hot springs for beautiful skin” as well. It breaks down melanin in the dead skin layer, helps prevent spots, and can also be expected to have a whitening effect.
Like “Acidic springs”, it is said to be good for Atopic dermatitis, Plaque psoriasis, and Epidermal suppuration, as well as Chronic eczema.
Furthermore, hydrogen sulfide type sulfur springs are said to be good for Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension because they dilate peripheral capillaries. This is why it is called “Hot springs for lifestyle-related diseases”.
Hydrogen sulfide gas in hot springs can be dangerous in poorly ventilated bathhouses, but they are also sometimes referred to as “Hot springs for phlegm”, because it helps to relieve asthma and improve the clearing of phlegm.
One thing to keep in mind is that metal items such as rings and necklaces must be removed when bathing, as they can be discolored by the sulfuric components.

The 3rd “Iron containing springs” is a hot spring that must contain more than 20 mg of total iron ions (Fe Ⅱ + Fe Ⅲ) in 1 kg of hot spring water. ※Total iron ions are [Fe²⁺ (ferroion) + Fe³⁺ (ferriion)]. Hot springs containing more than the specified amount of iron is very rare in Japan. It is known as “Hot springs for women” because it is effective against anemia, menopausal disorders, menstrual disorders, sensitivity to cold, and other symptoms often seen in women.
Also, it is said to be effective for rheumatic diseases, uterine dysplasia, chronic eczema, lichen, etc., as it warms up well when bathed in.

The 4th type of spring, “Sulfate springs”, has the highest content of sulfate ions among anions, and the total dissolved substances, excluding gaseous ones, is more than 1,000 mg/kg.
Especially here, “Calcium-Sulfate springs (Gypsum springs)” combined with calcium ions has a calming effect to relieve pain and inflammation, and is said to be effective for symptoms of the vascular system such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis. For this reason, it is also called “Hot springs for strokes”, and is also effective for Peripheral circulatory failure, Sensitivity to cold, and Dry skin.

The calcium ions promote the formation and regeneration of the stratum corneum, while the sulfate ions enhance the elasticity of the skin and have a revitalizing effect, preventing the formation of wrinkles, thus making it known as “Hot springs for anti aging” and, like the “Sulfur springs” mentioned above, it is also considered one of the “Hot springs for beautiful skin”. In addition, it is also called “Hot springs for cuts” because it is good for Cuts. The calming effect of calcium ions is also good for mental health, and Depression is one of the indications for each type of spring.

In addition to the above 4 main spring qualities, the other notable feature is “Metasilicicic Acid”.
This qualifies as a hot spring if it contains 50 mg/kg or more, and here it is 180.2 mg/kg.
This component has a Moisturizing effect, and is considered one of the conditions for being called a “Hot springs for beautiful skin”.

When we evaluate the hot spring at “Unzen Fukudaya” by numbers again, we are surprised at the number of elements that exceed the standard values. This is a multi-type hot spring, with a lot of spring substances.
One should be cautious as it would be easy to get hot spring fatigue. When you first enter a bath, do not take a long bath. It is recommended to slowly acclimate your body.

Unzen Onsen is located in the central part of Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. The Unzen Onsen is said to have been founded in 701 by the itinerant monk Gyōki (668-749), who built Manmyouji Temple. The first inn in Unzen was established in 1695, and the hot spring area was developed in the mid-Edo period (1603-1868). At the end of the Edo period, Shoin Yoshida, known as the leader of the Meiji Restoration, visited Unzen for a hot-spring cure. It was also introduced overseas by Siebold, Kembel, and others, and came to be recognized worldwide.
The symbolic place of Unzen is the Unzen Jigoku (Hell). Hot spring water and fumaroles of steam gush out from everywhere, and the strong smell of sulfur is in the air. The “Unzen Fukudaya/Yama Terrace Bettei” is located just a short distance from Unzen Jigoku.
This inn is relatively small among the large ryokans that line the streets of Unzen Onsen, but its excellent service is often said to be the best in Unzen.
All of the hot springs are 100% free-flowing and have a rich components. The source of the hot spring water gives you a feeling of the power of the earth, as if you can call up the power of your body when you bathe in the water.
The cuisine is also of a high level. The Shimabara Peninsula is sometimes called “Japan's stomach” (by the way, the Shimabara Peninsula is shaped just like a stomach), and the quality of the ingredients, both from the sea and from the fields, is high. Dinners are richly varied, using an abundance of seasonal ingredients.
The entire inn is filled with a warm atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. Families, families with small children, young couples, couples, and female groups for sightseeing purposes all stay here. “Fukudaya” is the first letter of “Furo de yukkuri (in the bath)”, “Kutsuroide (relaxing)”, “Daremoga nagomu (everybody is at ease)”, and “Yado ga Fukudaya (in the Fukudaya)”. The catchphrase “Fukudaya” is truly suitable for this inn.
Recently, “Yama Terrace Bettei”, a luxurious guest room with an open-air bath, was created, attracting a great deal of attention.
The guest rooms in the main building have also been renovated one after another, giving the impression that the number of repeat guests is increasing rapidly. The inn's cozy and modern design stimulates a sense of “fun” and “excitement”.
The owner, Tsutomu Fukuda, is always thinking of new services based on the hot spring and how to make guests happy, and he puts them into action. One night is not enough. “Unzen Fukudaya/Yama Terrace Bettei” is definitely a new wind for Unzen Onsen.
Travel Journal