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Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉

kusatsu area kusatsu area
kusatsu area kusatsu area

Healing geothermal waters and fun festivals in a secluded mountain onsen resort

Stroll down charming alleys in your cotton yukata and wooden sandals breathing in the aroma of Kusatsu Onsen, an authentic onsen town in Gunma Prefecture .

Don't Miss

  • The yubatake hot water fields in the center of town
  • Cracking open an onsen tamago—eggs boiled in the hot spring water
  • Satisfying your sweet tooth with traditional onsen manju sweets
  • A trip to Sainokawara Park

How to Get There

Although there is no train station in the town, Kusatsu is still easily accessible.

The most convenient way is by rental car, taking in the beautiful scenery along the Japan Romantic Road linking Nagano, Gunma, and Tochigi. From Tokyo, the journey takes around three hours, or from the shinkansen station in Takasaki, it takes around one and a half hours.

There are direct buses from Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Take the JR Joshu Yumeguri-go bus to Kusatsu, via Ikaho Onsen.

The nearest train station is Naganohara Kusatsuguchi Station. It takes around two and a half hours from Ueno by direct express train. From there, take the connecting 25-minute bus ride to Kusatsu.

Events in Kusatsu

Flower Festival (May)

Shirane Shrine Festival (July)

Hot Spring Appreciation Festival (August)

Kusatsu International Music Academy and Festival (in August)

The Yubatake hot water fields

This large hot water system is the symbol and heart of Kusatsu Onsen. The distinct aroma will guide you to the yubatake—literally translated as hot water field — in the center of town. Geothermal water rises to the surface straight from the source and is cooled as it runs along a series of connected wooden chutes while maintaining the natural mineral content.

Hot steam billows as the water gushes down into the emerald reservoir. Kusatsu Onsen has the largest amount of naturally occurring hot spring water in Japan.

With high temperatures (around 55 degrees Celsius) and high acidity, the water is said to cure many conditions and is especially good for your skin. Several Tokugawa shoguns had the water transported in barrels to their castle in Edo (now Tokyo).

Hot spring traditions

From the yubatake, you can easily stroll to Netsunoyu hall to watch the yumomi performance. Onsen workers cool the water by dipping and turning wooden planks, churning the water to the rhythm of a folk song.

Strolling and shopping

Take the narrow alley near the Netsunoyu and explore the quaint arts and crafts shops, featuring milky glass inspired by the waters. Be sure to try onsen manju (steamed sweet buns) and onsen tamago (eggs boiled in the hot springs). You can follow the alley all the way to Sainokawara Park, an area where steamy hot spring water gushes naturally.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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