Kusatsu Onsen

Onsen

Prefecture

Gunma

Type

Onsen

N/A

0 reviews

Restaurant Cafe

About This Destination

One of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, known for the Yubatake (hot water field) in the center of town.

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, known for its large volumes of high-quality hot spring water. The Yubatake (hot water field) in the center of town is a sight where hot spring water is cooled before being distributed to various bathhouses. The naturally acidic waters are said to cure every ailment except lovesickness. Visitors can enjoy various public bathhouses ranging from free community baths to larger paid facilities like Sai no Kawara Rotenburo, a large open-air bath by a riverbed. The traditional yumomi water-stirring performance is a unique local attraction. Kusatsu is located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture and can be reached by bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Winter visits offer the charm of snow-covered hot spring bathing.

Location

Prefecture: Gunma

Address: Kusatsu, Gunma, Japan

Nearest Station: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Onsen manju (steamed buns), handmade soba, yakitori, and local mountain vegetables.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo?

Take the JR Limited Express 'Kusatsu-Shima' from Ueno to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (about 2.5 hours), then a JR bus (about 25 minutes) to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. A direct highway bus from Shinjuku takes about 4 hours and is often cheaper.

What is the Yubatake?

The Yubatake ('hot water field') is the symbolic centre of Kusatsu — a steaming source that pours out around 4,000 litres of hot spring water per minute. Wooden conduits cool the water naturally before it feeds the town's baths. It is especially atmospheric when lit up at night.

Can I use the public baths, and do I need a reservation?

No reservation is needed for the public baths. Several small bathhouses dotted around town are free for visitors, while larger facilities such as Otaki-no-yu and Sai-no-Kawara Rotenburo charge a modest fee (around ¥700–900). Bring your own towel, or buy one on site.

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