Kusatsu Onsen
Gunma · Onsen & Bathing
360–1440 min
🚶 5 5 min walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal
¥¥
Insider Tip
The Yubatake is illuminated at night — stunning. Try the free public foot baths scattered around town. Sainokawara Park has a massive open-air bath.
JEMS Tip
We book a premium ryokan with private onsen and arrange the yumomi show timing with your visit.
About
Kusatsu Onsen is consistently voted Japan's best hot spring. The town center features the Yubatake — a large hot water field where mineral-rich water is cooled before flowing to the baths. The traditional yumomi (water stirring) show is unique to Kusatsu.
Crowd Avoidance
Visit between 2-4pm when most guests are sightseeing, or after 9pm for a quiet soak. Avoid weekends and holiday periods.
Getting There
Bus from Karuizawa Station (Shinkansen from Tokyo, 75 min) to Kusatsu (80 min). Or direct highway bus from Shinjuku (4 hrs).