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Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen consistently ranks as one of Japan's top hot spring destinations. At its heart lies the 'Yubatake' (water field), a large area of wooden chutes where the scalding spring water is cooled and minerals are collected. Because the water is too hot to bathe in directly, the tradition of 'Yumomi' was created, where locals rhythmically stir and cool the water using large wooden paddles while singing traditional songs. Kusatsu's water is highly acidic and possesses potent antibacterial properties valued for centuries. Beyond the baths, Sainokawara Park gives walking paths alongside steaming streams and large outdoor pools. The town center around the Yubatake is especially atmospheric in the evening when illuminated. Be sure to try 'Onsen Tamago' (eggs boiled in spring water) and local 'Manju' steamed buns. Access is via bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station or a direct highway bus from Tokyo. Kusatsu is a year-round destination, offering beautiful snow scenes in winter and cool mountain air in summer. Watching a Yumomi performance at the Netsu-no-yu bathhouse is an essential part of the visit.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Legh Kasama Memorial Hall · Yubatake · Kōsen Temple
- Nearby: Karuizawa (23 km)
- Population: ~6.255 (2021)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -4 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 21 | 17 | 11 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 60 | 83 | 88 | 103 | 143 | 199 | 162 | 178 | 159 | 87 | 90 |
Geography
Facts
- Iconic Yubatake (water field) center
- Traditional Yumomi water cooling ritual
- Highly acidic and therapeutic water
- Consistently ranked #1 in Japan
- Sainokawara open-air park
- Famous for Onsen Manju buns
- Located in Gunma Prefecture
- Major center for balneotherapy
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Sights in the town Kusatsu Onsen (8)
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