About Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen, located in Kusatsu-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, characterized by its extremely abundant spring water and highly acidic spring water. Known as one of the three best hot springs in Japan, it has been said since ancient times that “come to Kusatsu and your illness will be cured” due to its healing properties, and has been popular as a therapeutic hot spring resort. The entire hot spring resort has a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors to the area.

The symbol of Kusatsu Onsen is “Yubatake,” or hot spring fields. Located in the center of the hot spring resort, the hot spring field gushes out 4,000 liters of hot water per minute. The sight of this hot water flowing like a waterfall and the steam rising from the water is a symbolic scene of Kusatsu Onsen. Footbaths, souvenir shops, and restaurants line the streets around the hot spring field, which is lit up at night to create a fantastic atmosphere. The hot spring resort town that stretches around Yubatake is particularly attractive, and visitors can feel the atmosphere and history of the area just by strolling through it.

The spring water of Kusatsu Onsen is highly acidic and known for its high sterilizing power. For this reason, it is believed to be effective in sterilizing the skin, promoting blood circulation, and treating neuralgia and rheumatism. Kusatsu Onsen's famous “Jikan-yu” is a traditional method of bathing that maximizes the benefits of the hot spring water and uses the high temperature of the hot spring to acclimatize the body and improve health. This “Jikan-yu” is representative of Kusatsu's hot-spring cure culture, and there are facilities where visitors can experience it even today.

Another feature of Kusatsu Onsen is its abundant bathing facilities. Many communal bathhouses are scattered around Yubatake, and are well known to local residents. Visitors to Kusatsu Onsen can experience the various qualities of the springs and ways to enjoy the hot springs while touring these communal bathhouses. There are also many large hot spring resorts and inns where visitors can stay overnight and enjoy the hot springs to the fullest. In addition to the hot springs, visitors can also enjoy the service and cuisine of a quality onsen hotel.

The area surrounding Kusatsu Onsen is also home to many natural tourist attractions. The natural beauty of Kusatsu-Shiranesan is particularly attractive, and visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and other seasonal activities. In winter, the area is also known as a ski resort, and a popular way to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, followed by a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Kusatsu Onsen is also famous for its traditional Yumomi show. This is a traditional custom of stirring the hot spring water with a board to cool it down to a suitable temperature for bathing, and tourists are welcome to participate. The Yumomi show is one of the tourist specialties, and is a valuable experience that allows visitors to get a close look at the history and culture of Kusatsu Onsen.

All in all, Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort loved by many tourists from Japan and abroad for its combination of highly acidic spring water, abundant hot spring water, beautiful natural environment, and traditional hot-spring cure culture. The atmosphere of the hot spring resort and the various hot spring facilities that offer a variety of experiences provide healing and excitement to visitors.