If you are after some quietness during your time at Kusatsu Onsen, Shirane Shrine (白根神社) north of Yubatake enshrines could be the spot you want to visit. The shrine that enshrines Yamato Takeru (日本武尊), a semi-legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, also has a few promenades for an easy stroll in its precinct and the …
Shirane Shrine – A Quaint Guardian Shrine of Kusatsu Onsen Read More »
In addition to hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen is also a spot to enjoy powder 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 …
A Guide to Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort & Tenguyama Play Zone Read More »
After visiting Kusatsu Onsen, you can drive up to Shiga Kōgen. The 43km-long scenic freeway connecting the two popular destinations is National Highway No. 292, known as Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート). The route goes as far as Shibu Onsen (渋温泉郷) in Nagano Prefecture, close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. So if you plan …
A Guide to the Picturesque Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route Read More »
Kusatsu Onsen is located at a high altitude of about 1,200 meters, so the fall foliage season comes earlier than in many parts of the Kantō Region. If you happen to visit Kusatsu Onsen in November, Sainokawara Park (西の河原公園) is one of the top spots to adore the autumn color! In fact, Sainokawara Park is …
The Best Guide to Kusatsu Onsen’s Stunning Sainokawara Park Read More »
A religious spot you have to visit when you are in Kusatsu Onsen is Kōsenji Temple (光泉寺). Even if you aren’t interested in visiting a temple, you can get a wide view of Kusatsu Onsen’s township from the temple’s gate atop the staircases behind the communal bathhouse, Shirahata no Yu (白旗の湯)!
After having your fill at Kusatsu Onsen‘s symbol, Yubatake, how about taking a stroll on Sainokawara-dōri Street (西の河原通り) for some snacks, shopping, or even a plate of nice food? The street that stretches from Yubatake to Sainokawara Park is Kusatsu Onsen’s main street. In addition to the shops and restaurants, it is also where you …
The Best Guide to Kusatsu Onsen’s Sainokawara Street Read More »
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s best hot spring towns. But choosing where to stay for the night can be hard as there are so many choices! So if you prefer to dine out at night to enjoy the local food or you have special dietary requirements, the below hotels/ryokans can accommodate you! A few …
If it is your first time visiting Kusatsu Onsen, the attraction that you have to visit is Netsunoyu (熱乃湯). It was one of the public bathhouses in Kusatsu Onsen until the early 20th century. But since 1968, it has been transformed into a theater-like facility to introduce visitors to Kusatsu’s tradition and performing arts. In …
A Guide to Netsunoyu and Kusatsu Onsen’s Iconic Show, Yumomi Read More »
Yubatake (湯畑) is Kusatsu Onsen’s landmark. The spot where more than 4,000 liter of hot springs gushes out per minute becomes like a field of hot springs, which is why the locals named it Yubatake. In addition, it is a hot spring field where the sulfer can be “harvested”.
When you visit a hot spring town in Japan, one of the must-dos is obviously bathing. If you want to be like a local and don’t mind bathing with strangers, we highly recommend visiting at least one of the below public bathhouses in Kusatsu Onsen. They are all for same-day visitors and the sourcing onsen …
The Best Guide to the Public Bathhouses in Kusatsu Onsen Read More »