Kusatsu Onsen (Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Kusatsu Onsen (Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture) is one of Japan's most famous hot springs, said to have been discovered between the Nara and Heian periods. Since the Edo period, it has developed as a therapeutic hot spring resort, and even today it is a hot spring town where therapeutic hot spring culture and tourism coexist. Its greatest features are the large amount of hot water, its strong acidity (low pH) and sulfur content. The sight of the hot spring water being drawn from the Yubatake (hot spring field) and gushing forth and cooling in the center of town is a symbol of Kusatsu.

Its attractions include the atmospheric scenery of the Yubatake, demonstrations of the traditional "Yumomi" (hot spring massage), the many public baths and footbaths that make walking around town enjoyable, and the ability to enjoy the quality of the hot springs at a variety of inns and drop-in baths. The surrounding nature (highlands and mountains) also allows you to enjoy the changing faces of the seasons.

Highlights

• Yubatake: The symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. The large wooden structure where the hot spring water bubbles up and cools, and the smell of sulfur and steam that spreads around create a unique landscape. It is also beautifully lit up at night.
• Netsunoyu and Yumomi demonstration: A facility where you can see traditional Yumomi and folk song demonstrations. A popular cultural experience unique to Kusatsu.
• Sainokawara Open-Air Bath: A large open-air bath set amongst natural scenery. You can enjoy a sense of openness and different atmospheres day and night.
• Public baths (Shirahata no Yu, Chiyo no Yu, etc.): A historic public bath that's easy to enter and offers a taste of the local atmosphere (you may need some coins).
• Sainokawara Park: There are walking paths along which you can enjoy the hot spring-fed stream and the rustic scenery.
• Food and souvenirs: A wide selection of hot spring manju, local soba noodles, mountain delicacies, and hot spring cuisine. There are also plenty of souvenir shops.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train + BusGet off at Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line and take a bus from the station to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (near the Yubatake) for approximately 25-35 minutes. Routes include JR Bus and Kan-Etsu Kotsu.
• Express bus (direct): Direct express buses run from Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, etc.) to Kusatsu Onsen. The journey takes about 3-4 hours depending on road conditions. It is recommended to check in advance as times may vary depending on the season and the bus.
• car: Approximately 2-3 hours (depending on the starting point) via national and prefectural roads from the Kan-etsu Expressway Shibukawa-Ikaho IC or the route heading towards Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi. Be careful of snowy and icy roads in winter. There are paid and free parking lots at municipal and inn-run parking lots, but they may fill up during peak seasons.
• By plane (from overseas/regions):The most common way to get to Kusatsu is by train or express bus from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, and then take the route mentioned above.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: Half a day to a full day (walking around the Yubatake field, watching the Yumomi process, using the public baths and drop-in baths)
• If you want to enjoy the hot springs thoroughly: 1-2 nights (including bathing at the ryokan, multiple public baths, and exploring the surrounding area)
• Hot spring therapy/relaxing stay: 3 nights or more (for long-term stays or recuperation, taking advantage of the hot spring quality)

Nearby spots

• Mt. Shirane (Shiga-Kusatsu Highlands Route): It is famous for its Yugama (an emerald-colored crater lake) which is a result of volcanic activity. However, please note that access restrictions and road closures may occur due to volcanic activity or weather conditions, so please check in advance.
• Kusatsu Tropical Zone: A small zoo and greenhouse exhibiting monkeys, birds, reptiles, and more. Popular with families.
• Manza Onsen and Shima Onsen: Other hot spring resorts in Gunma that can be reached on a day trip from Kusatsu (convenient to travel by car).
• Nearby hiking trailsThere are hiking trails through the plateau and forest, where you can escape the heat in summer and enjoy the autumn leaves in autumn.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: Weekends and consecutive holidays (Golden Week, summer vacation, New Year's holidays, Obon) are particularly crowded. We recommend making reservations for accommodation and buses early.
• Bathing etiquettePlease observe general hot spring etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing your body before entering the bath, not putting towels in the bath, and staying quiet. Public baths and some facilities have rules regarding tattoos, so please check in advance.
• Notes on spring quality: Many hot springs are highly acidic, and may irritate people with sensitive skin or those with wounds or eczema. Avoid prolonged bathing or immediately after drinking alcohol, and start with a short bath depending on your physical condition.
• Caution for children and the elderly：Because the hot spring source is very hot, children and the elderly should be especially careful to manage the temperature. There are also places where you will come into direct contact with the hot water, so be careful not to get burned.
• Volcanic activity and weather: Road closures and tourist restrictions may occur around Mt. Shirane due to volcanic activity. Please be aware of weather changes in spring and autumn, and snow accumulation in winter, and check the latest information.
• Cash/Business hours: Some small public baths and souvenir shops only accept cash, so it's a good idea to bring some cash with you. Opening hours for drop-in baths and facilities vary depending on the season.

That concludes the basic information and key points about Kusatsu Onsen. We can also propose a visit plan based on your travel dates and interests (hot spring hopping, cultural experiences, nature walks, etc.), so please let us know your preferred dates and transportation options.