When it comes to Gunma, it’s all about the hot springs! Here are 5 recommended tourist spots in Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most renowned healing spots, known as one of “Japan’s Three Famous Hot Springs.” With the highest natural spring output in the country, nearly every ryokan and hot spring facility around Kusatsu offers source water flowing directly from the spring. The quality of the water is also superb—the pH value of the spring water at the Yubatake is 2.1, one of the most acidic among Japan’s many hot springs. To the northwest, the famous power spots Kusatsu-Shirane and Ainomine tower over the area, and many tourists visit Kusatsu Onsen to share in the power of those mountains. In this article, we’ve carefully selected 5 recommended tourist spots around Kusatsu Onsen for you to visit.

1. The Yubatake – The Symbol of Kusatsu Onsen That You Must Visit at Least Once

The “Yubatake” is a quintessential sight of Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s three famous hot springs. Approximately 4,500 liters of source water gush out every minute all year round, making it one of Kusatsu’s top attractions. The neatly arranged wooden buckets used to scoop up the hot water are truly unique to Kusatsu Onsen. This distinct sight is also very popular as a photography spot.

The source water is channeled through seven wooden gutters, which help lower its temperature before it is sent to each ryokan. Thanks to this ingenious system, visitors at the surrounding hot spring facilities and ryokan can always enjoy a hot spring that flows directly from the source. There are also free public baths and footbaths available, so feel free to stop by. After your soak, take a leisurely stroll around the Yubatake area.

2. The Open-Air Bath at Nishinokawara – Enjoy a Unique Scenery

“Nishinokawara” is where hot spring water of about 50°C bubbles up along the Yumigawa at various spots. Because the source water is highly acidic, the surrounding vegetation cannot grow, creating a barren, rugged landscape with rolling lava-like terrain. This desolate scenery has even earned names like “Saino Kawara” or “Demon’s Spring Water.” The hot spring boasts a flow of 1,500 liters per minute.

Within Nishinokawara Park, you can enjoy an open-air bath. The outdoor bath is separated into men’s and women’s sections, with the women’s section designed to maintain privacy for park visitors. Under the blue sky, you can refresh yourself in the liberating hot spring. Be sure to take in the seasonal changes in nature, whether it’s autumn foliage or a winter blanket of snow.

3. “Yume no Akari” – A Fantastical Candle Night Only Found in a Hot Spring Resort

Near the Yubatake in Kusatsu Onsen, the steps of Kosen-ji Temple are illuminated by over 1,500 cup candles in an event called “Yume no Akari,” which is extremely popular. This event is mainly held on weekends, and since it is not conducted every week, be sure to check the schedule on the website if you absolutely want to see it.

The sight of steam rising from the Yubatake mingling with the flickering candlelight creates an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere. This romantic nighttime event is a must-see during your Kusatsu Onsen trip, especially for couples visiting the hot spring resort.

4. Shirane Shrine – A Quiet Power Spot Adorned with Beautiful Rhododendrons

Shirane Shrine is dedicated to Yamato Takeru, who is said to have discovered Kusatsu Onsen. As the guardian deity of Kusatsu Onsen, the shrine watches over both the town and its people. Despite its close proximity to the Yubatake, the shrine is enveloped in an unexpected tranquility, making it a symbol of the power spots representative of Kusatsu Onsen.

To the left of the worship hall stands a pine grove, beneath which lies a rhododendron garden. The rhododendrons are a major draw for visitors, especially during early May when the “Rhododendron Festival” is held, attracting many tourists every year.

Additionally, on July 17th and 18th, the shrine hosts the “Shirane Shrine Festival,” where several portable shrines parade through the town, along with a children’s sumo tournament and various other events.
Even this normally serene shrine becomes bustling during the festival—so plan your visit accordingly.

5. The “Yumomi Experience” – See the Traditional Method of Cooling the Hot Spring Water

Kusatsu Onsen’s source water is extremely hot, ranging from about 50°C to 95°C. Because you cannot bathe in water at such high temperatures, the traditional method of “yumomi” is used to lower it. Yumomi involves inserting wooden boards into the hot water and stirring (or kneading) it until it reaches a temperature suitable for bathing. This method is famous as one of the hallmarks of Kusatsu Onsen.

Not only does yumomi lower the temperature, but it is also said to soften the water and serve as a kind of warm-up exercise before bathing.

At “Netsunoyu,” you can not only watch a demonstration of yumomi but also learn the technique from a “yumomi maiden” and even try the experience for yourself. Many visitors, especially young people, take photos with the yumomi board and post them on social media to commemorate the experience. Of course, you can also just watch if you prefer. Be sure to check the website for details!

◎Summary

Kusatsu Onsen was once rated as “Tōdaiseki” (the highest rank) among hot springs in the Edo-period onsen rankings, demonstrating its long-standing popularity and prestige. It has been beloved by people for generations and remains one of Japan’s premier hot springs to this day. With its excellent accessibility from the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kusatsu Onsen is an ideal destination for a day trip. If you plan your weekend getaway right, you can fully enjoy the healing and rejuvenating experience that Kusatsu Onsen has to offer.

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When it comes to Gunma, it’s all about the hot springs! Here are 5 recommended tourist spots in Kusatsu Onsen