In addition to hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen is also a spot to enjoy powdered snow! At Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort (草津温泉スキー場), while there are only five courses, they are extremely long, the longest being 4,300 meters! Each of the five courses is subdivided according to its difficulties. With various courses, whether you are a beginner or have experience in skiing and/or snowboarding, you will have a great time at Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort!
Because the ski resort is just at the side of Kusatsu Onsen, after a day out in the cold, you can jump straight into your ryokan’s onsen pools to warm up and rejuvenate!
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort’s Facilities
Besides the high-quality snow, Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort’s lifts are well-planned. With eight lifts connecting you between the five courses, getting to the course you want to ski on is as easy as ever!
And if you get hungry, head to one of the six restaurants scattered across the resort. As not all of them have a vegetarian menu available, remember to check with the staff for the restaurant you can dine at upon arrival. You can then plan your day accordingly.
If you need assistance communicating what you cannot eat, our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article should be helpful.
If you plan to travel with young children, Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort also has a Kid Park and a mini course where they can safely play on the snow. There is even a childcare center with certified childcarers at Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort!
It may surprise you, but Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort (opened in 1914), has more than 100 years of history and is the first resort with a lift built. Like some ski resorts in Japan, you can rent everything you need for a skiing or snowboarding session.
If you make a booking online, you can add the Tebura de Ski/Board Set (手ぶらでスキー/ボードセット) to your shopping cart. What is included in the set are coats, goggles, gloves, a wool hat, and a one-day lift pass. So all you need to bring is yourself and cash and/or a credit card.
Tip: Keep your lift ticket for a 20% discount on entry to Kusatsu Onsen’s Three Public Bathhouses (Gozanoyu (御座之湯), Ohtaki no Yu (大滝乃湯), and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath (西の河原露天風呂))!
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort was open from the 17th of December 2022 to the 2nd of April 2023.
- The lifts are operating daily from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm.
- On weekends and public holidays, the lifts operate until 9 pm.
- Kids Park is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
- For the cost of equipment rental, refer to the official website HERE.
- For the admission cost and lift passes, refer to the official website HERE.
- Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is around a 25-minute walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
- You can use the free shuttle bus service to get to Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort.
- Refer to the official website HERE for more information. In the timetable PDF, the first row is from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, and the second is from Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort Car Park No. 4.
Tenguyama Play Zone (天狗山プレイゾーン)
Besides Kusatsu Forest Stage, another spot in Kusatsu Onsen to enjoy outdoor activities is Tenguyama Play Zone.
When the weather is warm and various colors return to Mt. Aoba (青葉山), Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is transformed into an outdoor activity heaven with multiple hiking trails, a camping round, and a Play Zone.
The exciting attractions you can do there include a bungee trampoline and a 500-meter-long, 108-meter-high zip line. The zip line is set up from the top of Mt. Tengu (天狗山), and you will fly down a hill over the hardest slope of Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort once you jump off the platform! The maximum measured speed is at 70km/hour!
If you travel with children, they will love Mountain Karting (マウンテンカート). With the four tyres and a handle for them to control the direction, speeding down the hill will be so much fun! In addition, you are able to ride the mountain kart together with your child if they are too young to be on their own.
Tenguyama Play Zone’s Business Hours and Cost
- Tenguyama Play Zone was open daily from the 22nd of April to the 5th of November 2023.
- The opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The last admission is at 4 pm.
- For the cost of each of the attractions in Tenguyama Play Zone, refer to the official website HERE.
- You can use the free shuttle bus service to get to Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort.
- Refer to the official website HERE for more information. In the timetable PDF, the first row is from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, and the second is from Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort Car Park No. 4.
Discover Other Attractions in Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture has a lot more to offer. Whether it is soba noodles, traditional sweets or outdoor activities, such as obstacle courses and skiing, you surely won’t be bored at Kusatsu Onsen!
For more information, refer to our article on Kusatsu Onsen (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Tip: There is a 2-Day Tour departing from Tokyo covering Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall, and Kusatsu Onsen. Refer to HERE for more information.
