Kusatsu Onsen Travel Guide

This onsen resort is right up there among the ranks of the most famous in the country. It has drawn in visitors for centuries, and has long been said to have restorative powers which can cure almost any ailment. Although these healing powers are unproven, its relaxation powers are undeniable!

At an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, nestled among the mountains of Gunma, here you’ll find perfect weather for taking a dip in a calming hot bath. There are also plenty of other great things to do in the area, and there’s no better feeling than resting your aching muscles in a hot spring after a long day of hiking or skiing.

At the center of town, you’ll find the “yubatake,” an old traditional structure which is used to cool down the waters for bathing. This makes for a quaint and traditional atmosphere which can’t be imitated by resorts which don’t have the sheer heritage of Kusatsu. History flows through this place in gallons, just like the waters which spring up from beneath its rocks at a higher volume than anywhere else in Japan.

All of this makes Kusatsu Onsen both a perfect entry point into the world of Japanese hot springs, and somewhere which is sure to impress even the most seasoned veteran.