2025 Kusatsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

In Japan's hot spring kingdom, Kusatsu Onsen retains its top spot on the "Top 100 Hot Springs in Japan" list, Dogo Onsen boasts the splendour of being the oldest hot spring resort, Gero Onsen embodies the lingering charm of the Edo period amidst the Hida Mountains, Beppu Eight Hot Springs showcases the wonders of Hell, and Arima Onsen boasts the Golden and Silver Springs, a landmark in Kansai. These hot springs offer not only healing sanctuaries but also embody the rich history and remarkable people of the region. This article explores the unique charms of these five hot springs through four key perspectives: their status, spring quality, scenic beauty, and transportation. [1. Hot Spring Status and Historical Heritage] Kusatsu Onsen retains its top spot on this year's "Top 100 Hot Springs in Japan" list as one of the "Three Famous Hot Springs." Its steaming hot spring baths have become a cultural icon, making it a favorite not only for locals but also for tourists. Dogo Onsen prides itself on being Japan's oldest hot spring. Its three-story wooden main building is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and Natsume Soseki's "The Young Master" has imbued it with a culturally rich aura. Gero Onsen is one of the "Three Great Hot Springs," boasting a thousand-year history fused with the rustic customs of the Hida Mountains, and its hot spring town retains a vibrant Edo-era atmosphere. Beppu's Eight Hot Springs, known for their extremely high temperatures, are known as the "Hell Pilgrimage," with the "Sea Hell" being the most famous. Arima Onsen is also one of the "Three Great Hot Springs," and its twin springs, the Gold and Silver Springs, firmly establish its status among Kansai hot springs. [II. Scenic Experiences and Highlights] A must-see in Kusatsu is the "Saishino Kawara Rotenburi" (separate baths for men and women). Its spacious grounds are surrounded by the shadows of forest trees, offering distinctly different views each season. Near the Dogo Main Building, the "Boye Mechanical Bell" features daily performances of mechanical puppets. After a soak, visit this fascinating little bell tower and stroll through the nearby shopping streets. Gero's signature attraction is its "Gasho-style" village, featuring traditional Gassho-style houses and workshops where you can experience pottery and Japanese paper making. Beppu's "Blood Pond" is a breathtaking crimson hot spring wonder, where you can also try a foot bath. In Arima, the Arima Toy Museum, featuring a wide selection of toys from Japan and abroad, is a truly childlike experience! [3. Location and Convenient Transportation] Kusatsu: A three-hour drive from Tokyo, or take the JR Joshu Yu-Panorama Bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Dōgo: From JR Matsuyama Station, take the No. 5 train directly to the destination, allowing you to combine a day trip to Matsuyama Castle. Gero: Accessible via the JR Takayama Main Line, it can be combined with a trip to Shirakawa-go Gassho Village. Beppu: A two-hour direct highway bus ride from Fukuoka Airport. Arima: Direct buses from Kobe and a one-hour train ride from Osaka's Umeda area. Whether you're seeking historical insights, natural wonders, or simply relaxation, this hot spring country has a hot spring to soothe you. Besides hot springs, Japan has many other great places to explore. Explore trip.com's "Local Guide" for even more local experiences! #Japan #JapanAttractions #JapanZejing #JapanTravelStrategy #JapanTravel #Kusatsu #KusatsuOnsen #KusatsuOnsen #Arima #ArimaOnsen #ArimaOnsen #Gero #GeroOnsen #GeroOnsen #Beppu #BeppuTravel #BeppuOnsen #Dōgo #DōgoOnsen #DōgoOnsen

Kusatsu Onsen, one of the 3 best hot spring towns in Japan ♨️So I wanted to try soaking here. But my girlfriend has a tattoo. This place is not as open as Kinosaki, so I chose to book a room with a hot spring. The accommodation includes dinner + breakfast, served in a way that is filling. You will definitely be full. There are many types of rooms here. If you are interested, you can check them out on various hotel booking apps. 📍Kusatsu Onsen Boun #tripbestfreeaccommodation #JapaneseOnsen #JapaneseAccommodation #PrivateOnsen #AccommodationWithOnsen #kusatsuonsen

Kusatsu Onsen (Kusatsu Onsen Town) 📍Address: Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉 ... Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture 377-1711 Japan https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Y2R8UcaEGpY6wam9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy A famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It is ranked as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan. In addition to hot springs, there are also ryokans, restaurants, and ski resorts. You can enjoy a variety of activities here. #tripพาไปไปพรภพปีใหม่ #kusatsuonsengunma

I fell in love with Kusatsu Onsen at first sight! Dusk is the best time to visit the steaming Yubatake! The air is filled with the strong smell of sulfur, and the nearby snacks and yakitori are full of fireworks! Recommended snacks: 👉Seigetsudo Cafe Hanain The signature matcha parfait and tiramisu are delicious 👉Kusatsu Onsen Pudding A pudding shop with a long line, and it's really delicious! The packaging is also very cute, and you can get a coin back after returning the bottle 👉Matsumura Manju Famous onsen manju! Freshly steamed and delicious, with a variety of fillings and a large filling 👉Yoritomo's sweet sake Their signature sweet sake is sweet but not greasy, with a strong aroma of wine, and a cup in winter is super warm

//Kusatsu Onsen// ° ° ° After leaving Echigo Yuzawa, our next destination is Kusatsu Onsen. We bought tickets to Karuizawa the night before departure. After arriving in Karuizawa, we had to wait for the bus at the bus stop next to the station. Remember to check the timetable in advance, because not every bus goes to Kusatsu Onsen. Yubatake is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. It is located in the center of the hot spring town and is the main attraction of Kusatsu Onsen. 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushes out of Yubatake every minute, and it is always steaming. The hot spring street has foot baths, many restaurants and specialty shops, and is very lively. We had lunch, some snacks, and then bought tickets to watch the show at Renoyu. The "Yumomi" performance is held every day at Netonoyu, where several performers sing while hitting the hot spring water with wooden boards to cool it down. Yubatake is more beautiful at night than in the morning, with lights, snow, and the smoke from the hot springs, it is very dreamy. ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ □ 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧📍 401 Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1711 ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ #mocha_n_love_travel #mocha_n_love_japan #mocha_n_love_tokyo #日本旅行 #东京旅行 #全球旅行

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort 📍Address: Japan 〒377-1711 Gunma, Agatsuma District, Kusatsu, 白根国有林158 林班 https://maps.app.goo.gl/UrDVvGp5gGXuKjgw6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy ⏰Opening hours: Open daily from 08:30-16:30 Gunma Ski Resort is not far from Tokyo. It is spacious and beautiful. There are not many people, but there are many activities. For those who do not have equipment, they also have rentals. #SnowTravel #JapaneseSnow #SkiResort #100TravelTips #japan #TravelJapan #tripTravelToWantNewYear

Explore one of Japan's oldest and most fascinating hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen! It has been rated as Japan's number one hot spring for 20 consecutive years! ♨️ The history of Kusatsu Onsen can be traced back to the Heian period about 1,200 years ago. According to legend, the discovery of the hot spring is related to a monk named Wu Daqing. It is said that during the Heian period, Wu Daqing came to the Kusatsu area to practice in pursuit of the secret of immortality. During his practice, he discovered a hot spring and named it "Tsukushichi Spring." Gradually, people discovered that this hot spring had the effect of treating skin diseases and other diseases, and gradually formed a hot spring resort. ⭐The spring water of Kusatsu Onsen is a sulfur spring rich in minerals, with a temperature as high as 70°C or above. It is known as the "high-temperature beauty spring" and helps to beautify the skin and relieve skin fatigue. ⭐Kusatsu Onsen has multiple spring sources, and the daily eruption of hot spring water reaches an astonishing tens of tons, continuously supplying hot spring baths and inns. ⭐The spring quality of Kusatsu Onsen is believed to have the effects of treating arthritis, neuralgia, fatigue recovery, etc., attracting many tourists who come for recuperation and leisure vacations. You can choose to soak in the local hot spring inns or hot spring baths, experience the traditional Japanese hot spring culture, and relax your body and mind. There are many natural landscapes and outdoor activities around Kusatsu Onsen, such as Mount Shirane climbing, Kusatsu National Park, etc., which can be combined with hot spring trips for outdoor exploration. In different seasons, Kusatsu Onsen has different scenery and activities, such as cherry blossom season, red leaf season, etc. You can choose the right time to go according to your interests.

#Hot spring #100 ways to travel 🛕 Kusatsu Onsen The name of the onsen here may not be well-known to Thais, but if Japanese people ... it is considered a quality onsen source that is very famous. 🧩 Kusatsu onsen must travel to Gunma Prefecture. It is not difficult but not easy. It is an onsen with the largest amount of natural hot water in Japan. And the hot water is highly acidic. After soaking, the skin will be smooth. 🧊 This place stands out with a large hot spring. The gushing of hot water has become a symbol of the city. There is a wooden gutter called "Yubatake" that transports this natural hot water to the ryokan or public bathhouse in the city. 🍂 We like to come here in winter and at night wear a yukata with a coat. Come out and sit around the hot spring to find food at the supermarket or street food on the side of the road. The atmosphere here is really great.

Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture and is considered one of the oldest hot springs in Japan with excellent water quality. Stroll through the alleys in the falling snow, feel the heat emanating from the hot springs, and completely relax your body and mind. Safe hotels may provide traditional yukata, so you might as well give it a try to blend into the Japanese cultural atmosphere. 🎎 At Kusatsu Onsen, in addition to enjoying the hot springs, you can also taste local delicacies such as udon noodles and hot spring boiled eggs. At night, bathing in an open-air hot spring under the stars is definitely an unforgettable experience. Winter here is a treasure land surrounded by warmth and beauty! 🌌🍜 In addition to hot springs and delicious food, there's a wealth of culture and history to explore. Visit local shrines and temples to experience the traditional Japanese religious atmosphere. In winter, the scenery around Kusatsu Onsen is picturesque, with snowflakes falling on ancient buildings and quiet lakes, as if you are in a winter landscape painting. Why not take a walk by the lake, enjoy the snow scenery, and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the treetops, as if time has quietly stopped here. Find inner peace and tranquility in this peaceful place. 🏞️🛤️ #kusatsu hot spring #japan winter travel #japanese culture Address: Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Azuma County, Gunma Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00 - 22:00 every day

Location: Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan Kusatsu Town is located in Gunma Prefecture in the Kanto region and is renowned for its hot spring resorts. 🏖️ Atmosphere/Facilities: In the town center, you'll find the Yubatake hot spring source, which is sometimes illuminated depending on the season. Surrounding it are four public baths and several foot baths where tourists can soak their feet and enjoy the rising steam from the hot spring water. Nearby, there is the traditional Goza no Yu bathhouse. Around Yubatake, there are many souvenir shops where you can enjoy street food and then relax in a foot bath to experience something out of the ordinary! To the west, the active volcano Mount Kusatsu-Shirane towers over the area, with a volcanic lake (Yugama) at its summit that features green acidic hot spring water. In the southwest, the Kazawa-Yunomaru Plateau is covered with azalea fields that bloom all at once during the season, creating a stunningly beautiful landscape! Note: Public baths do not provide towels or soap, so be sure to bring your own face towel and bath towel.

The hot spring hotel group of Ji no Ting Yu-yu♨️ We have stayed in two before💁🏻♀️ ♨️ Hakone's season soup snowflake ♨️Hama Chidori no Yu Kaiju in Shirahama This time again staying in this group 1️⃣ park 2️⃣ eat Because both meals were very rich From the starter to the main course, it was super fresh 🍱🍣🍚🍜🍲🥗 After soaking in the hot spring ♨️ and Ice cream or yogurt 🥤 all you can eat and drink 😍 10:30pm🌝There is also free ramen supper🍜 It's Second Young Master's favorite 😍 ♨️ Season of Ting Soup Stay 📍〒377-1711 Kusatsu Hakugen, Kusatsu-cho, Azuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 464−214 📆Check-in date is May 17-18 #Kusatsu #OverseasTravel #JapanTravel #2Days1Night

Here is my review of the hot spring hotel 'Kiroha': First, let me introduce the location of this place. The hotel is located in Kusatsu Onsen, Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The address is 464-241 Kusatsu Shirane, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. How to get to the hotel? If you are departing from Tokyo, I suggest you take a train. First, take the express train 'Kusatsu' to Nagano Kusatsu-guchi Station, then transfer to a bus to Kusatsu Onsen. Upon arrival, you can take the hotel's shuttle bus to the hotel. If you drive, it takes about 3 hours to get to the hotel from Ueno Station. Why do I think the hot spring service of this hotel is cost-effective? This is because the hotel's private hot spring (no extra charge) is unlimited, you can use it at any time. Moreover, there are three different hot springs to choose from, all of which are of very good quality. If you go as a couple, you will definitely have a different experience. I mainly recommend 'Iwamuro' and 'Takeza'. Sometimes you need to queue up, but if the light is on, it means someone is using the hot spring. About the price of the hotel, the price of a single room is between 13,000 and 17,000 yen (800-1000 RMB), I think this price is very reasonable. Finally, I want to remind everyone that no matter which price plan you choose, the hot spring includes 23 hot spring pools, two large baths, and three private hot springs. The only difference is accommodation and breakfast. If you only care about the quality of the hot spring, then the cheapest plan is enough.

Why not take a look at the historic "Yumomi" and experience it for yourself? The Yumomi Girls will perform the Kusatsu Bushi and Kusatsu Yumomi Songs The show lasts about 20 minutes Tickets are available for purchase at the Yubatake and tourist information center Adults 700 yen, elementary school students 350 yen Lecture times 9:30 10:00 10:30 3:30 4:00 4:30

Kusatsu Onsen is one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan. The quality of the spring water is excellent! Heals both body and mind! 3 minutes walk from the Yubatake Gensen Ichinoyu Hotel Review rating 4.6 or higher A stylish and private space A place where you can relax away from your busy everyday life About 3 hours by car from Tokyo A must-try experience 📍135 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

If would you like to go there. Best option is rental car. Because other transportation doesn’t have that. Additional one things is you can chose local bus. But it’s going to be hard situation. Rental car is 60USD from There’s couple of souvenir shop restaurant amusement place. Best Buy is tamago pudding If you can pay extra fee you can see performance of paddling girls. That’s traditionally things. #kusatsu #onsen #japan #hotspringsvisit #hotspringshotel

It’s my first time to soak in Kusatsu Onsen and I’m really looking forward to it. This time I stayed at Konoha Onsen Ryokan for a one night stay and two meals. The hotel is full of Japanese style, with tatami mats covering the entire floor. The hot springs are no less impressive. In addition to the large public bath, there are also three different private baths. Spending two days and one night in the hot spring experience there will give your body and mind a full rest, which is highly recommended. #Hot Spring Hotel

#Hot Springs Kusatsu Onsen has three public baths that tourists can use for free. Jizo no Yu, which we will introduce here, is one of them. Jizo no Yu, which is also used for hot spring therapy, is a free-flowing spring with excellent quality. Many people become addicted to hot springs after trying this bath. What's more, it's a great deal to be able to enjoy this rare spring quality for free, which is only available at four inns in Kusatsu, which has a hundred lodging facilities. If you're going to Kusatsu Onsen, be sure to make your public bath debut here!

Kusatsu Onsen is even more beautiful in the snowy scenery. Locals are kind enough to allow tourists to bathe in public baths (such as Jizo no Yu), but after traveling in the cold, a hot spring feels really good. Also, all the buildings (restaurants, accommodation, hot springs) are all in one place, so it's not too difficult to get around even when it's snowing, which is another reason why we recommend Kusatsu in the winter. The combination of the snowy scenery and the steam rising from the town is somehow fantastical, and is sure to be a memorable experience! #hotsprings #wintertrip #kusatsuonsen #greatview

Access: Osayu ~Kusatsu Onsen Monkey Yumomi Place~ Tourist Spot: You can see monkeys doing "Yumomi", a traditional bathing method in Kusatsu. I saw some very cute monkeys. On the second floor, you can see and touch baby monkeys, capybaras, and rabbits. It's very relaxing, so I recommend it for animal lovers. #MonkeyYumomi #KusatsuOnsen #Date #GirlsTrip

Date of photo: 2023.1.28 Spot: Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake Address: Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 377-1711 I love this hot spring and have been there many times. I would like to go again. #trip2023 #hotspring #kusatsuonsen #yubatake

During the New Year's holiday when it was snowing heavily, I visited Kusatsu Onsen, a hot spring town with hot spring terraces. A strong cold front has also arrived in the Kanto region, so I made an early reservation to go to Kusatsu Onsen for a hot spring bath and food tour during the New Year holiday. The convenient JR Passes allow you to travel smoothly all the way, which is convenient and easy. Even the transition from JR to BUS is done on the spot. When we arrived at the Kusatsu Onsen area, the air was filled with a strong smell of sulfur, and we were looking forward to soaking in the hot springs to warm our bodies. Great trip to the onsen ryokan.

Location: 505 Izumi, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture The monkey hot water massage show was an impressive performance ☆ It was so funny I want to watch it again and again (^^) There is a corner on the second floor where you can interact with capybaras. Hot water massage show: 500 yen Interaction set discount: 1000 yen #trip2023#tripmemory2022 #NikkoMonkeyArmy

Location: 538 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture Access: 2 minutes on foot from the Yubatake There is snow on the ground and the stairs are a little slippery, but once you get up there you'll have a great view from the top of the hill and cute ducks will be waiting to greet you☆ #trip2023#tripmemory2022

Location: 521-3 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun There is a foot bath at the entrance to the park, and at the back there is the Nishinokawara open-air bath. It was snowing, but I think I'll be warm enough to go home☆ #trip2023#tripmemory2022 #hotsprings#gunma #kusatsuonsen

Although I am not a big fan of hot springs, I was also attracted to Kusatsu Onsen, with its distinctive hot springs and quaint streets. Especially when the lights are on at night, the hot springs are really beautiful. I recommend it to friends who love hot springs.

It takes 4 hours to arrive by full direct train from Shinjuku. This place is quite small, there are several temples, and some souvenir specialty shops, and several restaurants, there are many barbecue shops At the central point there is an open-air hot spring for foot soaking, which is free and the hot spring water has a faint smell of sulfur.

This accommodation is located on a small slope. Overall, it is very satisfying. It does not have the atmosphere of an old hotel and is in line with the aura of a traditional Japanese bath. Many corners in the hotel are beautiful for taking photos. Both meals in the one-night-two-meals plan were great. We enjoyed Japanese kaiseki cuisine in a separate box for breakfast and dinner. I deeply felt that although there are not many attractions in Kusatsu, it is a good choice to take advantage of the current cheap Japanese yen exchange rate to arrange a good hotel and enjoy a Japanese bath! 2022.12

Address: 524-8 Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1711 Japan Directions: 5 minutes by car from Kusatsu Yubatake, walking uphill is difficult Rating: 5.0/5.0 A quiet hot spring inn with a small hot spring, private bath, comfortable rooms, and a great view. They offer free pick-up to Yubatake and free pick-up to the terminal. There is a microwave on the first floor, so you can warm up food you bought, and there is also a vending machine for drinks. #HotelRecommendation