須川の源泉

This is the source of Sukawa Onsen. It's a 2-3 minute climb from the "Sukawa Kogen Onsen Trailhead" behind Sukawa Kogen Onsen. It's located at the beginning of the trailhead, so you can visit even in light clothing. According to the sign, the highly acidic spring water, with a temperature of about 50°C, produces 6,000 liters of hot spring water per minute (ranked 10th in Japan). 6,000 liters sounds impressive, but in reality, it only seemed to flow with a gentle bubbling sound. If it weren't for the sign, I would have passed it by... The clear, emerald-green spring water, contrasted with the mountains and sky, was beautiful. You can visit this spot while hiking in Kurikoma, and those using the hot spring can easily visit. You can really feel the power of nature here.

If you walk between the inn and the open-air bath, you can see the source of Sukawa Onsen right in front of you. The flow rate is an astonishing 6000L/min, which is thought to be the second or third largest single natural spring flow rate in Japan after the great spring at Tamagawa Onsen. Although it's not as spectacular as Japan's biggest spring, hot spring water gushes out from all over the place, forming small hot spring waterfalls and rivers. We are grateful for the blessings of nature that continue to gush forth abundantly.

The bounty of nature! The power of nature! 6000 liters per minute... I estimated it to be around 4000 liters at the time. The volume and temperature are impressive; it feels like a waste that the water isn't used for the hot springs. I wonder if it's possible to use the water flow and temperature difference to power just a portion of the facility's electricity?

There are two indoor baths and a slightly more remote open-air bath. The hot springs are sour with a sulfur smell. The night sky seen from the open-air baths at night is beautiful. One of the indoor baths is closer to the source and is apparently hotter. Being a coward, I didn't go. I'll try it next time.

At the source of Sugawa Onsen, a scorching 50°C of water gushes out endlessly at a rate of 6,000 liters per minute. You can truly feel the powerful life force of the earth.