Kusatsu Onsen, located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts. Renowned for its high-quality sulfuric waters, Kusatsu boasts the highest natural flow rate of any onsen in the country, with over 32,000 liters of water gushing out per minute. The town has been a favorite for centuries — even the Edo-period doctor of the Shogun recommended it as the best therapeutic retreat in Japan.
At the heart of the town lies the Yubatake, or “hot water field,” a steaming wooden structure where the mineral-rich waters are cooled before use. Surrounded by charming ryokans, wooden bathhouses, and narrow cobblestone lanes, Kusatsu offers a unique blend of history, healing, and scenic beauty.
At the heart of Kusatsu Onsen lies the iconic Yubatake, a steaming wooden water field where mineral-rich spring water cools naturally before being sent to the town’s many baths. It's not just a functional feature — it’s a symbol of Kusatsu, surrounded by lanterns, footbaths, and ryokans. Watching the constantly flowing water and sulfur steam rising from the ground is a mesmerizing, uniquely Japanese experience.
Yubatake - steaming wooden structure where waters are cooled in Kusatsu Onsen
Powerful Medicinal Waters
Kusatsu’s waters are among the most acidic in Japan, known for their strong antibacterial properties and healing effects. Traditionally believed to cure everything but heartbreak, the hot springs are recommended for treating skin issues, fatigue, and muscle pain.
Yumomi Tradition
One of Kusatsu’s most unique cultural highlights is the Yumomi performance, a traditional method of cooling the hot spring water without diluting it. Dressed in colorful yukata, local women stir the water rhythmically with large wooden paddles while singing folk songs. It's a lively and authentic piece of Kusatsu heritage you can both watch and participate in.
Introduction to Yumomi performance in Kusatsu Onsen
Compact Onsen Town
Kusatsu is easily walkable and full of character. Winding stone streets lead to public baths, shrines, and cafes, with many visitors strolling the town in yukata and geta. Whether you're soaking in a historic bathhouse or enjoying a street-side snack, there's a timeless charm that makes every corner feel like old Japan.
Ryokan Hospitality
Many of Kusatsu’s ryokan have been operating for generations, offering exceptional omotenashi (Japanese hospitality). Guests enjoy traditional tatami rooms, open-air baths, and elaborate multi-course kaiseki dinners made with seasonal local ingredients.
Best Time to Visit Kusatsu Onsen
Spring (Mar–May): As the snow melts, Kusatsu awakens with fresh greenery and delicate cherry blossoms, especially around Sainokawara Park. Fewer crowds and crisp mountain air make it an ideal time for quiet, rejuvenating soaks.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Thanks to its high elevation, Kusatsu stays refreshingly cool in summer, offering a welcome break from Japan’s city heat. Fireworks festivals and traditional events add seasonal charm to your stay.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): The hills around Kusatsu burst into reds, oranges, and golds, creating stunning backdrops for open-air baths. It’s the perfect season for hiking Mt. Shirane or relaxing in a rotenburo surrounded by foliage.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Winter transforms Kusatsu into a steamy snow-covered wonderland. Soak in outdoor baths as snowflakes fall or hit the nearby ski slopes, then return to town for hot spring bliss and warm kaiseki dinners.
How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen?
Kusatsu Onsen is nestled in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. Despite its remote location, it's accessible via several convenient routes:
Train + Bus (via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station)
From Tokyo (Ueno Station): Take the JR Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (~2 hours 20 minutes).
From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station: Transfer to a JR Bus bound for Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (~25 minutes).
Shinkansen + Bus (via Karuizawa Station)
From Tokyo Station: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station (~1 hour).
From Karuizawa Station: Board a Kusakaru Kotsu bus to Kusatsu Onsen (~1 hour 20 minutes).
Direct Highway Bus
From Shinjuku (Tokyo): The Joshu Yumeguri-go express bus departs from Shinjuku Bus Terminal and arrives directly at Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (~3 hours 45 minutes).
