Kusatsu Onsen — Gunma's Signature Destination and One of Japan's Finest Hot Springs

Welling up in Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's three most celebrated hot springs and a representative spa destination of the country. Its natural discharge exceeds 30,000 liters per minute, the greatest in Japan. Strongly acidic (a pH of around 2) with high antibacterial power, Kusatsu's water has long been said to "drive away the seven misfortunes and eight sufferings." From the Yubatake at the center of the spa town, a great volume of hot water still gushes forth, creating a distinctive atmosphere of drifting sulfur scent and steam. It is a spa town that lives up to its reputation as one of Japan's finest, well worth a visit at least once when in Gunma.

Highlights

• Yubatake: The symbol of Kusatsu. Abundant source water gushes forth, partitioned by wooden frames where the mineral "yu-no-hana" is harvested in a traditional scene. The nighttime illumination is also a highlight
• Sainokawara Park: An enchanting park where hot spring water flows like a river, with a vast open-air bath within the grounds
• Netsu-no-Yu: A tourist facility where you can watch and experience Kusatsu's distinctive yumomi culture
• Public baths: Shirahata-no-Yu and other public baths, free or inexpensive, are dotted about, making bath-hopping a pleasure
• Spa-town stroll: Souvenir shops selling hot-spring manju and yu-no-hana, and eateries, gather around the Yubatake

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring (April to May), a soak amid fresh greenery is exceptional. In summer (July to August), the coolness of the highland at about 1,200 meters is a draw, and the pairing of an escape from the heat with the hot springs is superb. In autumn (October), the Yubatake wrapped in foliage is beautiful and the whole spa town is colored. In winter (December to March), the pairing of snowscapes and hot springs is the most popular season; the charm of a snow-viewing bath is exceptional, and the scene woven from steam and snow is uniquely Kusatsu.

Access & Basic Information

• Location: Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
• By train: About 25 minutes by route bus from Nagano-hara-Kusatsu-guchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line
• Highway bus: Direct buses run to Kusatsu Onsen from the Tokyo area
• By car: Via mountain roads from the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
• Day-trip bathing: Many public baths are available, free to inexpensive

Practical Travel Notes

Kusatsu's water is strongly acidic and very effective, but long soaks can irritate the skin. Start with short baths (10 to 15 minutes), and those with sensitive skin can rinse with fresh water afterward for reassurance. Metal accessories can discolor, so remove them before bathing. Public baths are also part of local residents' daily life, so follow basic etiquette such as rinsing yourself and keeping quiet. The area around the Yubatake is especially enchanting when illuminated at night, so an after-dinner stroll is recommended. Inns fill up quickly on weekends, holidays, and the New Year period, so booking early is wise.

A Word of Advice

Kusatsu Onsen is a famous spring not to be missed as a highlight of touring Gunma. First, at the Yubatake in the center of the spa town, take in the power of the gushing source water and steam. As the strongly acidic water is highly effective, aim for comfortable, unhurried soaks. From the Yubatake, the pleasures branch out: bath-hopping among the public baths, watching the yumomi at Netsu-no-Yu, and snacking on hot-spring manju as you stroll. Being thoroughly restored at this famous spring with Japan's greatest discharge is the tabitabi JAPAN editorial team's recommended way to spend time in Kusatsu.

📚 Sources

The content here is organized from public information by the Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association, official tourism information from Kusatsu Town, public information from the bodies managing the Yubatake, the Netsunoyu, and the public baths, and on-site guidance. The show times and fees of the Netsunoyu yumomi performance, the hours of the public baths, and highway-bus operation change by season. Lodging fills early on weekends, holidays, and the year-end and New Year. Because fees, hours, and access can change, please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: A half day for a town stroll and viewing the Yubatake and Netsunoyu, or a half day to a full day with a bath-hopping circuit.
• What to bring: There are many stone-paved streets and slopes, so wear comfortable shoes. Kusatsus water is strongly acidic and very effective but can irritate skin with long soaks, so start with short baths. Metal accessories may discolor, so remove them before bathing.
• Suggested route: Stroll the hot-spring town around the Yubatake, watch the Netsunoyu yumomi performance, and tour Sainokawara Park and the public baths.
• Bathing manners: Public baths are part of local daily life, so keep basic manners such as pouring water over yourself and staying quiet.
• Combining nearby: The night illumination around the Yubatake is especially magical, so an after-dinner stroll is recommended.