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NIPPONIA No.26 September 15, 2003
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Special Feature*
Hot Springs Have Some Surprising Uses
Japanese people have gone to hot springs since ancient times to relieve stress and treat ailments. Their fondness for thermal mineral baths is also seen in the many other ways they take advantage of hot springs.
Written by Matsuoka Satoshi
Selected photos by Asanuma Isao and Omori Hiroyuki
Other photo credits: Hanamaki City Hall; Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden; Yuda Sangyo Kosha; Matsukawa Geothermal Power Station; Japan Metals & Chemicals
Co., Ltd.
Other photography cooperation: Hot Spring Sanatorium for Racehorses, Equine Research Institute, The Japan Racing Association
Heating greenhouses for fruit and vegetables
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Hot springs are used to heat greenhouses for different types of fruit and vegetables. At Atagawa Spa on the Izu Peninsula, the Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden cultivates tropical plants like banana trees and bougainvillea. Alligators and elephant tortoises are kept there as well.
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Yu-no-hana crystals from mineral water
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Yu-no-hana are powdered crystals of minerals from hot-spring water. They have beneficial medicinal properties, and are one type of souvenir produced at hot springs. To use, dissolve one or two tablespoons of crystals in your bath water at home.
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Snapping turtle aquaculture
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Snapping turtle meat is considered a delicacy and has a high nutritional value. The turtles are kept in hot spring pools. Because of the warmth they do not hibernate in winter, making it possible to mature them in about half the normal time. They are big enough to ship to market at the age of 2 or 3 years.
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Geothermal electricity
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Japan is situated in one of the world's most volcanic regions. Geothermal electricity is generated at 18 different places in the country, using steam from hot springs. The photo shows the Matsukawa Geothermal Power Station, the first such plant in Japan and the fourth in the world. It opened in 1966.
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