Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's representative hot spring resorts located in Gunma Prefecture. A particular highlight is the "Yubatake," where blue-green hot spring water flows from wooden channels, creating a magical landscape. The area around the Yubatake is filled with the scent of sulfur, allowing visitors to feel the abundant hot spring output and its benefits.

A traditional technique called "Yumomi" cannot be missed. This process involves stirring the hot spring water by hand to adjust it to a suitable temperature, and it has become a major attraction for tourists. Notably, there is a unique bathing method known as "Jikan-yu," where bathers immerse themselves simultaneously in the adjusted water for exactly three minutes. This practice is said to maximize the effects of the hot spring.

Kusatsu Onsen has a rich history, with historical figures such as Yamato Takeru and Minamoto no Yoritomo reportedly having visited the area. During the Edo period, it was beloved by poets and writers, attracting many visitors for hot spring cures and sightseeing. In recent years, visitors can enjoy views of the Yubatake from an observation deck, which is beautifully illuminated in the evening.

The water quality is known for its high temperature and strong acidity, with various sources believed to be effective for skin diseases, neuralgia, and rheumatism. There are plenty of accommodations available, and many inns have their own unique sources, allowing guests to enjoy multiple baths.

Kusatsu Onsen, packed with sightseeing, hot spring therapies, history, and culture, is surely a place that will captivate anyone who visits.

Basic Information

Spot Name: Kusatsu Onsen
Location: 〒377-1711 Oaza Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: From JR Agatsuma Line "Nagano-hara Kusatsu-guchi Station," take the JR Bus bound for "Kusatsu Onsen" for about 25 minutes and get off at "Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal," then walk for about 5 minutes.
From JR "Karuisawa" Station, take the bus for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, get off at "Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal," and walk for about 5 minutes.
Parking: Please use nearby coin parking and other facilities.
Business Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Hours may vary due to events. Please contact us for more information.)
Contact Information: Phone Number：0279-88-0800　草津温泉観光協会
Official Website: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/top.php

Map

Detailed Information

Kusatsu Onsen boasts the highest natural hot spring output in Japan, with more than 32,300 liters flowing per minute, making it one of Japan's three famous hot springs. Its therapeutic waters are renowned for having "a cure for every ailment except lovesickness," highlighting the beneficial properties of its minerals. The sulfurous springs are known for their silky texture and are famous for promoting beautiful skin. As one of Japan’s most acidic hot springs, it has strong antibacterial properties and provides a natural cleansing effect that leads to glowing, radiant skin. Exploring the hot spring town, lined with foot baths, souvenir shops, and restaurants, is also a delightful part of the journey. In addition to the area centering around the symbolic "Yubatake," a new attraction called "Ura-Kusatsu" was established in 2021, just a few minutes on foot from Yubatake, adding to the area’s many highlights.

▶Features of Kusatsu Onsen
All springs at Kusatsu are natural boiling springs with a highly acidic mineral composition. There are said to be several dozen spring sources, some of which are privately owned, but most are owned or managed by the town. The seven representative springs include Bantai Spring, Yubatake Spring, Shirahata Spring, Jizo Spring, Nishi-no-Kawara Spring, Nikawa Spring, and Ne-no-Yu Spring.

▶Mineral Composition
The mineral composition varies slightly among different springs, but the main type is "acidic low-salinity high-temperature spring" with a strong acidity of around pH 2.0. For instance, if a ten-centimeter nail is placed in the hot spring water, it will dissolve completely in about ten days. Among the sources, Bantai Spring is particularly hot at approximately 94.5℃, so a plate-type heat exchanger is used to cool the water to around 54℃ for bathing. Other springs flow at temperatures around 50℃ and have been used for bathing in their natural state for centuries. The Yubatake Spring bubbles up from the town center, delighting visiting tourists. Additionally, the hot spring water is utilized for road de-icing and heating public facilities, highlighting effective use of the hot spring's heat.

▶Public Baths
There are 19 public baths installed at various locations throughout the town, which are open for free use by both residents and tourists.

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