Kusatsu Onsen: A Premier Hot Spring Destination

Kusatsu, Gunma prefecture

Situated approximately 200 kilometers north-northwest of Tokyo, Kusatsu Onsen is a quaint mountain town that offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature throughout the year. Despite its modest population of around 7,000 residents, the town attracts about three million tourists annually.

Kusatsu Onsen offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and therapeutic benefits, making it a must-visit destination for hot spring enthusiasts.

History

Kusatsu Onsen, located in Gunma Prefecture, has a rich and storied history that dates back over a millennium. The earliest records of Kusatsu Onsen can be traced to the Nihon Shoki, Japan's second oldest book of classical history, which mentions the hot springs in the 7th century. The town's fame grew during the Edo period (1603-1868) when it became a popular destination for samurai, including the famous warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is believed to have bathed in its waters.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Kusatsu Onsen's reputation as a therapeutic retreat solidified. The German doctor Erwin von Baelz, who was a physician to the Japanese Imperial Family, conducted studies on Kusatsu's hot springs and proclaimed their medicinal benefits. His endorsement helped increase the onsen's popularity among both Japanese and foreign visitors.

Today, Kusatsu Onsen continues to attract millions of visitors annually, offering a blend of historical charm and modern relaxation. Its enduring appeal lies in its natural hot springs, cultural heritage, and scenic mountain setting, making it a quintessential Japanese onsen town.

Hot Springs

Key Features of Kusatsu Onsen

Unrivaled Waters: Kusatsu Onsen is renowned for having the highest volume of naturally flowing hot spring water in Japan. This spring water, known for its strong acidity, exhibits remarkable antibacterial properties, effectively eliminating nearly all bacteria and microorganisms.

Kusatsu Onsen has been recognized as Japan's premier hot spring destination for 18 consecutive years by the nation's leading travel agents in the "100 Best Hot Springs in Japan." Furthermore, it has been honored with induction into the prestigious Hot Spring Hall of Fame.

The water of Kusatsu Onsen is noted for its high acidity, containing aluminum sulfate and chloride and varies in temperature from 51 to 94 degrees Celsius.

The mineral-rich waters are known for their potent antibacterial properties, which have been recognized for their therapeutic effects on various ailments, including metabolism-boosting and skin beautification, The onsen town is also famous for its yubatake, or "hot water field," a large open-air wooden structure used to cool down the hot spring water before it is distributed to the various inns and bathhouses.

Bathing Styles:

• Jikan-yu: A traditional timed bath.
• Yumomi: A method of cooling the hot spring water by stirring with wooden paddles, accompanied by folk songs.

Notable Hot Springs

Kusatsu Hot Spring

One of Japan's top three hot springs, located in central Kusatsu.

Netsu-no-yu Bathhouse

• Demonstrates yumomi and traditional dance
• Traditional "rakugo" comic storytelling is also performed here
• Offers audience participation with a certificate and gift.

Gozanoyu

• Historical bathhouse built in Edo and Meiji period styles offering two types of hot spring water, with alternating days for men and women to enjoy different hot spring waters.
• Features traditional architecture and offers a “Yukata de Sanpo” course for a full Japanese onsen experience.

Sainokawara Rotenburo

• A large open-air bath surrounded by nature, offering stunning seasonal views and stargazing opportunities that change with the seasons.
• Open year-round with specific hours and entry fees.

Otakinoyu

• Known for its awase-yu baths with increasing temperatures, ideal for skin beautification.
• Offers various baths, private rental baths, and a range of amenities including a café and souvenir shop.

Yubatake

The Yubatake, known as the “Hot Water Field,” stands as the emblem of Kusatsu Onsen. Centrally located within the spa resort, Yubatake serves as the source of the hot springs, producing up to 4,000 liters of hot water per minute amidst billowing steam. This iconic site is encircled by a promenade crafted from ceramic roof tiles and features a bench shaped like Mt. Shirane, a nearby volcano. Visitors often enjoy strolling around Yubatake after their baths, soaking in the unique and exotic ambiance of this distinguished resort.

Sightseeing

Places of Interest

Yubatake:

• Central to the hot spring resort, with a promenade and a bench shaped like Mt. Shirane. Ideal for post-bath relaxation.

Sai-no-kawara Street and Park:

• Lively street with traditional inns and sweet shops.
• The park features numerous hot spring wells and a legend about a demon.

Shirane Shrine:

• Dedicated to the god Yamato Takeru, who discovered Kusatsu Hot Spring.
• Offers scenic views and a lively annual festival on July 17-18.

Access

To access Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo, you have several options:

By Train and Bus:

1. JR Limited Express "Kusatsu":

   • Take the JR Limited Express Kusatsu from Ueno Station in Tokyo to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
   • From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, take a JR Bus to Kusatsu Onsen. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes.

2. Shinkansen and Bus:

   • Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station. This journey takes about 1 hour.
   • From Karuizawa Station, take a Kusakaru Kotsu Bus to Kusatsu Onsen. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By Highway Bus:

• There are direct highway buses from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen. You can take the JR Bus Kanto from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kusatsu Onsen. The journey takes about 4 hours.

By Car:

• If you prefer to drive, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway from Tokyo towards Gunma. Then, take the exit at Shibukawa-Ikaho IC and follow Route 353 and Route 292 to Kusatsu Onsen. The drive typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Tips:

• Check the schedules for the JR Limited Express Kusatsu, Shinkansen, and buses in advance, using our app.
• Purchasing tickets in advance, especially for peak travel seasons, is recommended.

Getting Around

Kusatsu Loop Bus:

• Fare: 100 yen per ride, free for elementary school children and below when accompanied by an adult.
• Simple boarding and disembarking procedures with a timetable available online.