A must-see for hot spring enthusiasts! A deep dive into the newly opened Kusatsu region, a hidden hot spring paradise in the mountains.
VictoriaMoore
Embark on a snow country feast with Kawabata Yasunari and step into the 'Little Switzerland' of Japan
WanderlustVoyager55
The Magic of Japanese Onsen and Whether You'll Be Allowed in with a Tattoo
AnnaSoto
草津温泉
Immerse yourself in the steam of Kusatsu Onsen ♨️✨
Saku—
草津温泉
Steam and Showa Retro: A Walking Trip Through Kusatsu Onsen.
さくまるワールド
1
📅 Itinerary
Day1:Day trip from Karuizawa passing by Shiraito Falls and Onioshidashi Park. Falls area is so refreshing and scenic. The Volcanic park is nice and you can view lava rocks that came out of last eruption in 1782. Checked into Kusatsu Onsen Boun.
Day2: Short tour around town and bought some souvenirs before taking the bus back to Karuizawa.
🏨 Accommodation : Kusatsu Onsen Boun - excellent service and there’s 3 different types of onsen you can try at the hotel.
🍴 Food Recommendations : The flat udon
📌 Tips - A one day trip is enough to cover the area of Kusatsu town.
Mimie Loke
Japan summer limited fireworks | Gunma’s three major fireworks festivals guide, one-stop transportation and accommodation
BoundlessVagabond
If you're a true onsen enthusiast, Yubatake (湯畑) in Kusatsu Onsen is a place you should visit at least once in your life. It's one of the three most famous onsen towns in Japan and has a unique character unlike any other.
⭐ Review: 9.8/10 For onsen lovers
Things that impressed me:
· ♨️ Natural hot spring water flows from its source at a rate of over 5,000 liters per minute, with steam rising throughout the day. The atmosphere is like being in an ancient onsen town.
· 🌙 At night, the town is illuminated, making Yubatake even more romantic than during the day. Many recommend visiting at both times.
· 🛁 There are free public onsen baths and foot baths (Ashiyu) to explore throughout the town.
· 👘 If you're staying at a ryokan, try wearing a yukata and strolling around the town for an authentic Japanese feel.
· 🍡 The surrounding area is full of snack shops, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can easily spend the whole day exploring.
Key features of the hot spring water:
· It's sulfurous water with a distinctive smell.
· It's relatively acidic. It's renowned for the cleanliness and quality of its mineral water, but those with very sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Recommended Onsens You Shouldn't Miss:
· Sainokawara Rotenburo: A large outdoor onsen surrounded by nature, perfect for cooler weather.
· Watch the Yumomi performance: A traditional local custom of stirring hot water with paddles to lower its temperature.
Things to Know:
· The water is quite hot (42–45°C). If you're not used to it, enter gradually.
· It can get quite crowded on holidays and during winter.
· There's a strong sulfur smell, especially in the Yubatake area.