Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma

Hot spring source

Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture and is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan. It only takes about 3 hours to get there from Tokyo.

Hot spring baths are the perfect remedy for cold winters!

Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture and is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan. It only takes about 3 hours to get there from Tokyo and is ideal for a day trip or overnight stay.

The Yubatake hot spring source

The Yubatake is the source of the hot spring. It is the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen and 4,000 litres of steaming hot spring water gush out every minute. It  is located in the centre of the town and has pavement around it, so it's ideal for a walk. If you get tired of walking, take a break at the free footbath Yukemuri-tei. Soaking your hands and feet for a few minutes has a warming effect perfect for cold winters. It  is also illuminated at night which is beautiful.

Night illuminations

Yumomi at Kusatsu Onsen

Another aspect that Kusatsu Onsen is famous for is Yumomi. Most of the hot spring water in Kusatsu Onsen is nearly 50 degrees Celsius, which is way too hot to bathe in. However, adding cold water to lower the temperature diminishes  its efficacy. For this reason, Kusatsu Onsen came up with the idea of Yumomi, a method of lowering the temperature of the hot spring water by placing a board about 180 cm long into the hot spring water and stirring it.

Yumomi

Yumomi also softens the skin and serves as a preparatory exercise before bathing. At Atsunoyu, you can even watch a traditional Yumomi and folk song dance show. We recommend the Yumomi experience.