Kusatsu Onsen [Gunma]

【Overview of Kusatsu Onsen】

Kusatsu Onsen, located in Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most iconic and premier hot spring resorts. Alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture, it is counted as one of “Japan’s Three Famous Springs.” Boasting a naturally gushing volume of over 32,300 liters per minute, this incredibly abundant supply allows many facilities to offer Gensen Kake-nagashi (100% pure, free-flowing hot spring water direct from the source without added water or heat). With a pH level of around 2.1, it is one of the most highly acidic springs in the country. Since ancient times, its exceptional bactericidal effects and health benefits have earned it the reputation of being able to “cure any ailment except for the pain of love.”

【Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake】

The Yubatake (the hot spring fields) sits at the heart of the resort and serves as the ultimate symbol of the town. The sight of massive wooden chutes (mokuhi) lined up to naturally cool the freshly welled-up source water is a truly breathtaking and magnificent spectacle.

【The Yumomi Show】

The Yumomi Show, held at the “Netsu-no-Yu” bathhouse located right next to the Yubatake, is a traditional performance art that beautifully represents the culture of Kusatsu Onsen.

Because Kusatsu’s source water is extremely hot—ranging between 50°C and 90°C—worshippers and bathers perform Yumomi (water churning) to lower the temperature to a safe level without diluting it with cold water, which would weaken its medicinal benefits. Visitors can watch performers systematically churn and cool the steaming water using large wooden paddles, moving in perfect rhythm to the famous local folk song (Kusatsu-bushi) that begins with the lyrics “Kusatsu yoi toko~” (Kusatsu is a wonderful place).

Admission Fees: Adults: 700 yen / Elementary School Students: 350 yen. Please note that advanced reservations are not available; tickets must be purchased on-site.

【Sai-no-Kawara Park】

A mysterious park where hot spring water bubbles up directly from the rocky riverbed. It features relaxing public footbaths and the beautiful Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine.

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

【Food Crawling & Street Food】

From the Yubatake area extending into Sai-no-Kawara Street, Kusatsu Onsen offers an exceptional environment for a street food crawl (tabearuki).

The nostalgic sight of sweetfish (ayu) and river trout (iwana) skewered on sticks and slow-roasted over charcoal right in front of the shops is a famous Kusatsu specialty.

Along Sai-no-Kawara Street, the shops are also famous for their lively performance of handing out freshly steamed onsen manju (sweet sake-infused buns filled with red bean paste) to passersby.

【Kusatsuzan Kosen-ji Temple】

Located right by the Yubatake, this historic temple offers a stunning, sweeping panoramic view of the entire hot spring field from its majestic main gate.

Soshinzan Kosen-ji Temple [Gunma]

【Shirane Shrine】

Perched on a quiet hill overlooking the Yubatake, this shrine features beautiful highlights including a Hanachozu (floral purification fountain) and its subsidiary sanctuaries, Numa Shrine and Suwa Shrine.

Shirane Shrine [Gunma]

【The Mearai Jizo】

The Mearai Jizo (the Eye-Washing Jizo) is a sacred stone statue located in the “Jizo Area (Ura-Kusatsu / Hidden Kusatsu)” that is deeply believed to grant divine blessings for the healing of eye diseases.

Directly in front of the Jizo-no-Yu bathhouse, visitors can enjoy a free public footbath as well as a highly unique “Kao-yu” (Face Bath), where you can let the therapeutic hot spring steam soothe and envelop your face.

【Nighttime Illumination】

After sunset, the entire Yubatake is beautifully illuminated every evening. The colorful lights reflect spectacularly through the thick, billowing clouds of steam, creating a romantic atmosphere completely different from its daytime appearance.

Popular vantage points for photography include standing directly above the Yutaki Waterfall at the edge of the Yubatake, or looking down from the stone staircase leading up to Kotoku-ji Temple.

The illuminated Yubatake at night completely transformed the town into a breathtakingly mystical, ethereal world.

The sight of the rising clouds of steam illuminated by the soft lights was so exquisitely beautiful that I could have stood there and gazed at it forever.

【Kusatsu Onsen Nearby Tourist Spots】

Kusatsuzan Kosen-ji Temple, Shirane Shrine, Sai-no-Kawara Park

Soshinzan Kosen-ji Temple [Gunma]

Shirane Shrine [Gunma]

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

【Kusatsu Onsen Access】

Admin’s Impressions

Kusatsu Onsen truly lives up to its grand reputation as one of Japan’s Three Famous Springs. The overwhelming visual power of the Yubatake and the rich scent of sulfur drifting through the air instantly heightened my excitement, making me think, “I’ve finally arrived at an authentic hot spring town!”

Savoring a perfectly salted, charcoal-grilled sweetfish while eating a warm, freshly steamed onsen manju along Sai-no-Kawara Street was absolute bliss. I was deeply moved by the traditional techniques showcased during the Yumomi Show, and I wrapped up my day relaxing deeply in a public footbath. It was the absolute perfect getaway that allowed me to experience the vibrant energy of Kusatsu with all five of my senses.

Address of Kusatsu Onsen

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

*Yubatake Sightseeing Parking Lot available (paid parking).

Approx. 25 minutes by bus from JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, or a short walk immediately outside the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.

参考

草津温泉ポータルサイト

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine & Sai-no-Kawara Park [Gunma] Soshinzan Kosen-ji Temple [Gunma] Shirane Shrine [Gunma] Fukiware Falls and Ukishima Nyoirin Kannon [Gunma]