Stories of a mythical spring whose waters cure illness and reverse ageing were first recorded by Greek historian Herodotus in the 5th century BC.
Alexander the Great was also said to be searching for a fountain of youth to wind back the toll on his body following the conquest of Persia. Had they travelled to the volcanic landscape of Southwest Hokkaido and spent time soaking in Yukichichibu Onsen, they may have found the closest thing to what they were looking for.
“Deep in the mountains behind Niseko, far from the buzz of the international ski resorts, Yukichichibu is one of the rarest forms of onsen (hot springs) in Japan.”
Niseko’s local onsen sommelier Tsutomu Sato says the presence of a rich, pure sulfur water and associated “mineral mud” – a mixture of grey clay and thermal mud oozing from the bottom of some of the baths – is a phenomenon only found in a handful of other locations across the entire length of the volcanic Japanese archipelago.
The thick iou-sen – hydrogen sulfur spring water – is known to heal skin and act as a natural moisturiser. Skin feels silky smooth after leaving the bath, and as the mud is heavy with these minerals, cladding skin with it will have added effect. It is even said to act like a natural sunscreen, coating skin for UV protection and lightening melanin in freckles.
Yukichichibu is a sprawling complex alongside a huge, natural turquoise sulfur onsen pond surrounded by pillows of snow. The 30-minute drive out of the ski resort for this once-in-a-lifetime Japanese cultural mountain experience is one you must fit into your trip.
Contact Explore Niseko to organise a trip to Yukichichibu. Visit the Activity Booking Centre in Odin Place or explore-niseko.com.
This article appeared in Powderlife 2020
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