Kusatsu Onsen

Through the ages, Kusatsu Onsen (hot spring) has been one of the most famous resort destinations in Japan. Even today it is very popular because of the benefit of warm bath therapy. The temperature of source spring is very high (51–94 degree Celsius). Instead of cooling down the temperature by adding cold water, the temperature is controlled by “yu-momi,” or stirring with wooden plates. The traditional song sung during the yu-momi work has become a tourist attraction as well. There are many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in Kusatsu city. These accommodations generally have rooms with tatami-matted floors and furnished in traditional Japanese style. Futon bedding is prepared after dinner. Kusatsu Onsen is located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park surrounded by beautiful mountains. Visitors can go hiking around the city. Yukemuri-tei

Located next to the Yubatake, Yukemuri-tei  is a foot and hand bath facility. Visitors can enjoy foot bath therapy as well as relaxing in an open air bathtub.
Phone: 0279-88-7188
Hours:Open 24hrs
Admission: Free

Netsu-no-Yu

Netsu-no-Yu is a hot spring facility. Here visitors can see the yu-momi demonstration and even try yu-momi by themselves. (Yu-momi is the traditional method of cooling down the spring water)
Address: 414 Kusatsu Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Phone: 0279-88-3613
Admission: Adult 500 yen, child 250 yen
Web: www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/foreign/kusatsu_onsen2.html

Sai-no-Kawara

Sai-no-Kawara is the largest outdoor hot spring bath in Kusatsu. It is just 15 minute walk from Yubatake, in the city center. Around the bath, there are a lot of natural rocks and a traditional red bridge.
Address: 521-3 Kusatsu Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Phone: 0279-88-6167
Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (from Dec. through Mar. 9:00 AM-)
Admission: adult 500 yen, child 300 yen

[ Information ]

Transportation:
By train and bus
From Tokyo station, 70 min. to Karuizawa by Nagano Shinkansen, and 80–120min. to Kusatsu by Kusakaru bus or Seibu Kogen bus.
From Ueno station, JR express Kusatsu is also available (3.5hr.) to Naganohara-Kusatsu-guchi station, and at the station, take JR bus to Kusatsu Onsen (25min.). *From Tokyo to Ueno station, 7min. by JR Yamanote line Uchimawari.
By car
From Nerima IC, about 2hr. and a half though Kan-Etsu Expressway, or though Joshinetsu Expressway.
Web: www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/foreign


[ Address ]

草津温泉



October / 2010

Trip to Japan