Kusatsu Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access (Gunma)

Welling up on a highland in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is a famous spring counted among Japan's three great hot springs. From the Yubatake ("hot water field") at the center of town, steam rises endlessly, and the sight itself has become the symbol of Kusatsu. The strongly acidic water has high bactericidal power and has been cherished by many people since ancient times.

Highlights

The Yubatake, symbol of Kusatsu, has a distinctive structure in which hot water flows along wooden troughs and cascades down in tiers; at night it is illuminated and wrapped in a magical atmosphere. At "Netsu-no-Yu," where you can watch the traditional yumomi water-stirring, visitors enjoy the sight of hot spring water being cooled with wooden boards, accompanied by the spirited Kusatsu-bushi song. At Sai-no-Kawara Park spreading on the west side of town, you can view hot water bubbling up here and there from the walking paths. Strolling the town, the scent of the springs fills the air and heightens the mood for bath-hopping.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Being a highland town, the change of seasons is vivid. Summer is cool as a retreat from the heat, and autumn dyes the surrounding mountains in foliage. In winter, steam rises amid snowy scenery for a memorable snow-viewing soak. The fresh greenery of spring is also refreshing, and each season shows a different face.

Access and Basic Information

By public transport, take a bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line, about thirty minutes to the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. By car, proceed along the mountain road from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway. Several free public bathhouses are scattered through the town, and inns and souvenir shops cluster around the Yubatake. The Yubatake is known for its abundant natural spring flow, and the strongly acidic water is potent enough to tingle the skin.

Practical Travel Notes

Centered on the Yubatake, the spa town is compact enough to explore on foot, and half a day to a full day is enough to enjoy bath-hopping and snacking at a relaxed pace. The Yubatake is crowded with tourists during the day, so if you want to view it quietly, early morning or the evening illumination hours are recommended. The yumomi show at Netsu-no-Yu runs on a set schedule, so check the day's performance times if you wish to watch. There are free public baths, but many are strongly acidic and hot, so first-timers may want to start with the baths at an inn or day-use facility.

A Word of Advice

Because the water is strongly acidic, it is best to avoid long soaks and instead bathe briefly several times. Those with sensitive skin may lightly rinse with fresh water afterward. The highland gets chilly morning and evening, so bring an extra layer even in summer.