Kusatsu City | Unlock Hidden Hot Spring Destinations in Japan, and Encounter a Unique Winter Romance

| Unlock hidden hot spring destinations in Japan, and encounter a unique winter romance. In the northern part of Gunma Prefecture, Japan, lies a small city called Kusatsu, renowned as the "City of Hot Springs" for its famous onsen. Today, let's explore this charming city and embark on a healing hot spring journey! 1. Climate and Best Time to Travel Kusatsu City has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is around 14.0°C. Summers are warm, winters are cool, and snowfall is light or non-existent. August has the highest average temperature, around 26.0°C, making it suitable for escaping the heat and participating in various outdoor activities. January has the lowest average temperature, around 2.5°C, making it the perfect time to enjoy hot springs. Imagine soaking in warm spring water on a cold winter day, gazing at the snow outside – truly delightful. 2. Must-See Attractions 1. Kusatsu Onsen: As one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen boasts a natural outflow of 32,300 liters of hot spring water per minute, a seemingly endless gift from nature. The hot spring water here is of excellent quality, rich in various minerals, and greatly beneficial to human health, with effects such as sterilization and relief of muscle and joint pain. - Yubatake: The symbol of Kusatsu Onsen, Yubatake is an enclosed hot spring source with a strong sulfur smell and constantly emitting white steam, a truly spectacular sight. There are many snack bars and souvenir shops around it, creating a lively atmosphere. Don't forget to try the onsen manju (steamed buns) and onsen tamago (hot spring eggs)! At night, Yubatake becomes even more enchanting under the colorful lights. - Otaki-no-Yu: Featuring large baths and a hot spring waterfall, Otaki-no-Yu also offers mixed-gender bathing with different layouts for men and women (please note the opening hours and regulations), providing visitors with a unique hot spring experience. - Goza-no-Yu: Located in Yubatake, Goza-no-Yu is a reconstructed building from the Edo to Meiji periods. Bathing here feels like traveling through time, experiencing the charm of ancient hot spring culture. - Sai-no-Kawara Open-Air Bath: One of the largest open-air baths in Kusatsu Onsen, Sai-no-Kawara offers a spacious and open feeling, surrounded by mountains. You can enjoy the autumn leaves in fall and the snowy scenery in winter, experiencing the beauty of all four seasons from the bath. 2. Sai-no-Kawara Park: This charming park has many wild hot springs and footbaths. The Anamori Inari Shrine within the park, set against the winter snowscape, resembles a stunning painting, perfect for taking photos📸. 3. Food Recommendations 1. Hot Spring Treats: In addition to the onsen manju and onsen tamago mentioned earlier, don't miss the onsen pudding. Inspired by Kusatsu's traditional "Yu-momi" (hot water stirring) method, this pudding has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with carefully selected Haruna milk from Gunma Prefecture and premium vanilla beans from Madagascar, it offers a rich aroma and is a popular dessert incorporating local flavors. 2. Local Cuisine: - Mizusawa Udon: One of Japan's three major udon varieties, Mizusawa Udon noodles are exceptionally chewy and translucent. A must-try! - Okkirikomi: A traditional local dish, okkirikomi consists of wide noodles cooked with seasonal vegetables and mushrooms. The soup base comes in soy sauce with miso or pure miso flavors. Enjoy it with tempura for an even more delicious experience. 3. Yakiniku (Grilled Meat): Gunma Prefecture's "Joshu Wagyu" beef is known for its tenderness. Savor authentic Joshu Wagyu yakiniku at "Shitazutsumi" restaurant. The perfectly grilled beef, with its rich aroma, will leave you wanting more. 4. Transportation Guide 1. From Tokyo: - Via Karuizawa: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Ueno to Karuizawa, then transfer to the Kusakaru Bus. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs approximately 7,700 yen. - Via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi: Take the Kusatsu-Shima train from Tokyo Ueno to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, then transfer to the JR Bus. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs approximately 6,000 yen. - Via Takasaki: Take the Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Ueno to Takasaki, transfer to the Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, and then take the JR Bus. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs approximately 6,400 yen. - Direct from Shinjuku: Take the highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal directly to Kusatsu City. The journey takes 4 hours and costs 4,000 yen. 2. From Other Cities: Travel to a nearby major city first, then choose a suitable mode of transportation to Kusatsu City based on local conditions. You can also check Japanese transportation apps for more accurate route and timetable information. 5. Accommodation Recommendations Kusatsu City is a hot spring town with numerous onsen hotels. Choose a location close to Yubatake and the bus station for convenient travel and sightseeing. If you want to experience public hot springs, opt for a hotel with breakfast only and enjoy local cuisine for other meals. If you prefer private hot springs, many hotels offer this option, but remember to book in advance! 6. Important Notes 1. Prepare Cash: Most places in Kusatsu accept PayPay but not credit cards, so bring enough cash just in case. 2. Shop Opening Hours: Many shops close at 5pm, so plan your shopping and dining accordingly. 3. Bring a Towel: Footbaths are common in Kusatsu. Carry a towel to enjoy them anytime. 4. Hot Spring Etiquette: Public hot springs in Japan are gender-segregated and require nude bathing, both indoors and outdoors. Upon entering an onsen, store your shoes, purchase a ticket, store valuables in a locker (requires a 100-yen coin), undress in the common area, and then enter the bathing area. Wash your body and lower body before entering the hot spring. Avoid splashing hot spring water into your eyes; if it happens, rinse immediately with clean water. Refrain from loud conversations, maintain quiet, and follow the onsen's rules. 5. Transportation Schedule: When traveling from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen, be mindful of schedules and times for certain transportation methods. For example, the last bus from Tokyo to Karuizawa departs at 3:40pm, and the earliest bus from Kusatsu Onsen to Karuizawa departs at 9:50am. There are only two direct trains per day from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi to Ueno without transfers. Check the relevant schedules before your trip. A hot spring trip to Kusatsu City not only allows you to relax and rejuvenate but also experience Japan's unique hot spring culture and natural scenery. Come to Kusatsu City and embark on your own healing journey!