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With the chairman Yasuhiro Kato, in front of the board — With the chairman *Yasuhiro Kato*, in front of the board

We visited “Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan” in Obamachō Unzen, Unzen, Nagasaki. This building was built in 1957.

Eiko welcomed us with a smile at the reception.

Although the building is aged, the dressing room is very clean. Enka or J-Pop music is played on the speakers.

As soon as you get in the bathroom, you will notice the white cloudy water filled in the bathtub and its sulphur fragrance. The water contains a lot of tiny white mineral deposits called Yunohana in Japanese, and you can see them swaying in the bath while soaking.

The water type is sulphur strong acidic spring with the pH value of 2.4. The bath temperature changes depending on the weather conditions and it becomes 45°C|113°F at the highest, and the texture is really soft. Local frequent bathers say bathing at Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan can ease neuralgia and rheumatism, and is good for skin. Also, the water is drinkable and actually many visitors enjoy drinking. However, you shouldn’t drink too much, 100ml is the maximum per day.

Mitsuo is 77 years old and likes to visit hot springs. He said he comes to Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan several times every year.

Shinyu of Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan is the name of this area. Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan has been running for more than 100 years from the end of the Meiji period. Currently, it is managed by a local group consisting of 21 people. They said, as the hot spring contains sulphur deposits, maintenance the facilities costs. However, we hope Unzen Shinyu Onsenkan will continue next 100 years as well.