In 1845, Takeshiro Matsuura, while exploring Hokkaido,
stumbled upon the hot springs. During this time there
was no road to the hot springs (onsen). An Omi Merchant
named Hanbei Okada started the construction of a road
in 1857 to the onsen. In 1858, Kinzo Takimoto was in
search of a cure for a skin disease that was afflicting his
wife. This led him to the hot springs near Jigokudani. It
was said that the waters of the area had healing
properties. When his wife soaked in the onsen, her
disease was cured. Takeshiro, happy with the health of
his wife, wanted to share the healing properties of the
water with the world. He established the first hot spring
hotel in Noboribetsu called Dai-ichi Takimotokan. It first
started out as a small inn at the source of the spring,
where the town developed around it, and since then it
has become the largest onsen complex in Hokkaido. The
town received more fame when it was designated a
health resort for the injured soldiers of the 1904-1905
Russo-Japanese War.
The different minerals which enrich the water create 11
different types of thermal water. The contents of the hot
spring will determine what kind of healing it offers. The
sulfur spring helps ease chronic bronchitis, dermatitis and
hardens the arteries. The salt spring eases lower back
pain and poor circulation. Aluminum spring helps with
symptoms of skin disease, athlete’s foot, hives and
inflammation of the mucous membranes. Mirabilite spring
increases blood flow, which helps with hypertension,
wounds and arteriosclerosis. Melanterite spring is highly
acidic, but helps with the effects of anemia and chronic
eczema. Iron spring heats up the body and helps with
symptoms of anemia and eczema. The acidic Iron spring
is a powerful disinfectant, which helps with symptoms of
eczema, but those with sensitive skin should wash their
body with regular water after. Alkaline spring smooths
skin and is good for various wounds. Radium spring has
strong sedative effects and is good for neuralgia,
rheumatism and menopausal disorders.
