Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake and Sainokawara Walking Course

Tucked into the mountains of Gunma, Kusatsu Onsen is famous for the sheer volume of hot water that bubbles up here. At the heart of town sits the Yubatake, a field of steaming water, and simply strolling around it fills you with the atmosphere of a classic hot spring resort. This one-day walking route helps first-time visitors take in the best of Kusatsu without getting lost.

Course Route

9:30 Start at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal The Yubatake is just a few minutes on foot from the terminal. Drop your bags at your inn or a locker first so you can explore hands-free.

10:00 Circle the Yubatake Take a slow loop around Kusatsus signature sight. Watch the water flow through wooden channels and the steam rise as you snap a few photos. Souvenir shops and cafes line the surrounding streets. The stroll itself is free, and the spot is so appealing you may want to return again for the evening illumination.

11:00 Watch the yumomi show Head to Netsu-no-yu, right beside the Yubatake, for the yumomi stirring and dance performance. Long wooden paddles are used to cool the water, a tradition unique to Kusatsu. Admission is 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for elementary students, and the show runs about 30 minutes. There are six performances a day (9:30, 10:00 and 10:30 in the morning; 15:30, 16:00 and 16:30 in the afternoon), with tickets sold from 30 minutes before each show.

12:00 Lunch in the hot spring town Try the local steamed buns or a restaurant using Gunma ingredients. Grazing your way through town is part of the fun.

13:30 Stroll through Sainokawara Park This wide open park has hot water welling up along the river, about a 10-minute walk from the Yubatake along the promenade. Follow the paths and enjoy the steam rising all around you.

15:00 Relax at the Sainokawara open-air bath At the far end of the park lies a large outdoor bath. The generous pool of roughly 500 square meters is divided into separate sides for men and women, where you can soak away the fatigue of travel amid open mountain views.

16:30 Souvenir hunting around the Yubatake The Yubatake wears a different face in the evening. In the soft light before the illumination, take your time choosing gifts.

Highlights

The Yubatake is the undisputed star, glowing in a dreamlike atmosphere once the evening lights come on. Sainokawara Park is a refreshing place to walk through nature, best paired with the roughly 500-square-meter open-air bath. The yumomi show offers a close look at the old-fashioned wisdom used to cool Kusatsus scalding water.

Access and Tips

The easiest way to reach Kusatsu is by bus from JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. The town has many slopes, so wear comfortable shoes. A day trip works well, but staying a night lets you see the Yubatake lit up after dark.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: A half to full day to take in the Yubatake, the yumomi show and Sainokawara. Set aside a whole day if you want to linger in the baths or cafes.
• Getting there: From the Tokyo direction, take a JR limited express or shinkansen to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, then a JR Bus Kanto local bus for about 25 minutes. By car, the town center has many slopes and narrow lanes, so parking at your inn or a public lot and walking is the most comfortable option.
• Yumomi show fee: Netsu-no-yu costs 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for elementary students, a roughly 30-minute show held six times a day. Lines form before showtime when busy, so secure your ticket early.
• Avoiding crowds: The area around the Yubatake is busiest during the day and at the evening illumination. Sainokawara Park and the open-air bath are relatively calm in the morning.
• Budget: Strolling the Yubatake and Sainokawara Park is free. With the 700-yen yumomi show plus an open-air or day-use bath, the actual outlay for sightseeing and bathing runs to a few thousand yen per person. At an elevation of about 1,200 meters, mornings and evenings stay cool even in summer, so a light layer is welcome.

A Quick Tip

If you plan to hop between baths, bring a few extra towels for peace of mind. The elevation is high and mornings and evenings stay cool even in summer, so a light layer keeps you comfortable.