Kusatsu Onsen
草津温泉
A hot-spring destination where the bath itself is the sightseeing.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
What this place is
Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉) is a hot spring resort located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is a popular tourist destination. There are 13 public baths at Kusatsu Onsen. The small bathhouses that are free for both town residents and tourists are managed by the townspeople themselves. The source of its hot water is nearby Mount Kusatsu-Shirane and the appearance of the waters range from cloudy to clear, because the sources of the water that the baths rely upon are different. The springs were known as a resort for centuries, but they became well known after the water was recommended for its health benefits by Erwin von Bälz, a German doctor who taught medicine at Tokyo University. The locals claim the hot springs can cure all forms of ailments, other than lovesickness. Guests have claimed that pain disappears while soaking in its hot water.
Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉) is one of the standout places to visit in Gunma. Give yourself unhurried time for photos, seasonal views, and nearby food stops. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA cover most trains and city buses.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Mineral-rich water that locals have soaked in for generations — each source has its own temperature, colour and smell.
- A bathing town you can wander in a yukata, with steam drifting between wooden inns and public baths.
- Open-air rotenburo tubs framed by mountains, river valleys or the sea, which change completely with the season.
What you can do here
- Take a day-use bath (higaeri onsen) even without staying overnight — most inns open their baths in the afternoon.
- Try the free foot baths (ashiyu) dotted around town for a quick warm-up between stops.
- Buy a bath-hopping pass and compare two or three different sources in one afternoon.
- Eat the local onsen specialities — steam-cooked eggs, puddings and vegetables sold near the sources.
Getting there by public transport
- JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi + bus to Yubatake.
- Nearest station/stop: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi.
Good to know before you go
- Wash and rinse at the shower stations before entering the tub; the bath water is shared.
- Some traditional baths still restrict tattoos — look for tattoo-friendly inns or private family baths (kashikiri).
- Bring a small towel; larger bath towels are usually rented or sold at the counter.
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