After recent soak at Ikaho onsen, I compare the effectiveness with the soak at the Unzen spring.
According to the website of Unzen Tourist Association, the water in Unzen is Acidic Sulfic spring. Such water, has a high concentration of dissolved sulfur compounds, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is what gives them the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. The Unzen spring that I've been to, does not have a strong at the bath. However, since Unzen is famous for its jigoku, the "rotten egg" smell does permeates the air. The spring quality features acidic hydrogen sulfide, sulfur-containing acidic hydrogen alum, and iron vitriol springs, and are commonly known as sulfuric springs.
Let's contrast this with Ikaho onsen. Ikaho onsen is famous for 2 types of water. The water near the source at Ikaho shrine, is weakly acidic. The water, including what gushes from the drinking water, is claimed effective for gout, chronic allergic diseases, obesity, when drunk with a hypotonic hot spring.
Source: Shibukawa Ikaho onsen tourist information, website.
Unzen was founded in 701 A.D. as a sacred mountain of Shingon Buddhism.
Easily reached with JR, ferry, and bus, a day trip is plausible. A few ryokans are available, as well as small public bath with very hot water.
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