Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine & Sai-no-Kawara Park [Gunma]

【Overview of Sai-no-Kawara Park】

Sai-no-Kawara Park, located on the western side of Kusatsu Onsen, is a unique park where hot spring water wells up from various spots across the riverbed. Alongside the Yubatake, it stands as one of the two major sightseeing destinations in Kusatsu. Visitors can enjoy a mystical, otherworldly landscape defined by desolate volcanic rocks and a flowing river of emerald-green hot spring water.

In the past, the area’s fierce, rugged terrain earned it the ominous name “Kusatsu’s Hell,” as well as the moniker “The Ogre’s Teakettle” (Oni-no-Chagama). Today, however, it has been beautifully developed into an incredibly pleasant walking trail.

【The Hot Spring River and Footbaths of Sai-no-Kawara Park】

Since the river itself is formed by flowing hot spring water, free public footbaths (ashiyu) are readily available at various points along the stream.

【Overview of Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine】

Around 1907 (Meiji 40), the owner of the Yamazaki Dye Shop in Tokyo was frequently visiting Kusatsu Onsen for toji (medicinal hot spring recuperation). Thanks to the springs, the chronic illness he had suffered from for many years was completely cured. Out of deep gratitude, he requested to ritually transfer and enshrine (kanjo) a divided divine spirit of the deity from the Tokyo Haneda “Anamori Inari Shrine”—which he devotedly worshipped in his daily life—to this very site.

Anamori Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

The shrine enshrines Toyouke-hime-no-Mikoto as its primary deity.

The countless vermilion torii gates lining the shrine approach are exceptionally beautiful, creating a highly popular photography spot that contrasts vividly against the rising steam and the flowing hot spring river of Sai-no-Kawara Park.

【Goshuin of Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine】

The Goshuin (sacred stamp) for Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine can be received at the nearby Shirane Shrine.

【Sai-no-Kawara Fudotaki Waterfall】

Venturing further into the depths of the park reveals a highly unusual waterfall where actual hot spring water cascades down. This waterfall is fed by freshly welled-up source water (the hot spring river), causing thick, white clouds of steam to envelop the surrounding plunge pool.

Standing directly beside the waterfall pool is a statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala). This statue is the namesake of the waterfall, lending a deeply solemn and sacred atmosphere to the otherwise desolate, rocky riverbed.

In the vicinity of the waterfall, a Mizuko Jizoson (a guardian deity for unborn or miscarried children) and an Enmei Kosodate Jizoson (a guardian deity for longevity and the protection of children) are also peacefully enshrined.

【Nearby Tourist Spots】

Shirane Shrine, Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake, Soshinzan Kosen-ji Temple

Shirane Shrine [Gunma]

Kusatsu Onsen [Gunma]

Soshinzan Kosen-ji Temple [Gunma]

【Access】

Admin’s Impressions

I had a wonderful time strolling through Sai-no-Kawara Park. Although I didn’t visit the large open-air baths this time, simply gazing out at the riverbed scenery with the thick steam drifting through the air was incredibly enjoyable. The footbath I stopped at along the trail felt absolutely amazing, and the fatigue in my legs from walking instantly melted away.

The quiet, dignified presence of the Fudotaki waterfall and the Jizo statues also left a lasting impression, allowing me to truly feel the raw, powerful energy of Kusatsu’s nature firsthand. I unfortunately missed the nighttime illumination, so I will make sure to save that as a treat for my next visit!

Evaluation Category (Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine)

Scale

 (2)

Accessibility

 (0.5)

History / Origins

 (1)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (2)

Goshuin Variety

 (1)

Address

521-3 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 377-1711

*No parking available on site.

Approx. 25 minutes by bus from JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, or about an 8-minute walk from the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.

Official Website of Sai-no-Kawara Park

参考

西の河原公園 | 草津町

草津町

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Kusatsu Onsen [Gunma] Shirane Shrine [Gunma] Soshinzan Kosen-ji Temple [Gunma] Fukiware Falls and Ukishima Nyoirin Kannon [Gunma]