Places to Visit

Akiu-Shrine-Torii-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Akiu Jinja – The Ultimate Shrine to Pray for Victory

If you have a competition or something similar coming up, make sure you visit Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, during your next Japan trip. The shrine erected in the early Heian period is famous for those who want to pray for victory. In recent years, starting with the famous Japanese figure skater Hanyu […]

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Yubatake on a Clear Day Kusatsu Onsen Gunma Japan

The Best Guide to Kusatsu Onsen and Yumomi Performance

If you are after a hot spring town close to Tokyo, consider Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. Renowned as one of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts, it is blessed with large volumes of high-quality hot spring water with great medical benefits as well as a unique performance called Yumomi. Moreover, most parts of the onsen

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Yorokobinoyado Takamatsu: Where You Overlook Kusatsu Onsen

Many of us would love to enjoy a course dinner in the ryokan/hotel. If that is the case for you, consider booking your stay with Yorokobinoyado Takamatsu (喜びの宿 高松) when you visit Kusatsu Onsen. The 11-level hotel is around a 5-minute walk from Yubatake. Because of its height, you can get a clear view of

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Ichinoyu, One of Kusatsu Onsen's Top Ryokans in Gunma Japan

Ichinoyu: A Stylish Ryokan That You Will Enjoy Staying at

If bathing with strangers isn’t your cup of tea, you can book one of the private hot spring baths with Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu (草津温泉 源泉一乃湯), even if you are just a day guest. The hotel is also a great accommodation choice for those who prefer to enjoy the local cuisine instead of dinner prepared

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Shirahata Gensen Kusatsu Onsen Gunma Japan

The Best Guide to the Public Bathhouses in Kusatsu Onsen

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

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Ohtaki no Yu Kusatsu Onsen Gunma Japan

Ohtaki no Yu: Kusatsu Onsen’s Most Special Public Bathhouse

Ohtaki no Yu (大滝乃湯) is another public bathhouse for day visitors in Kusatsu Onsen. While it is the most expensive one, it is the most modern and well-equipped bathhouse with plenty of toiletries. In addition to the sauna, and indoor and outdoor baths, there is another bathing area at the basement level called Awaseyu (合わせ湯).

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Sainokawara Outdoor Bath: Friday Mixed-Gender & Bathing Guide

Nestled at the far end of a steaming volcanic Sainokawara Park, Sainokawara Rotenburo (西の河原露天風呂) stands as one of Japan’s most impressive outdoor bathing experiences. Known for its massive size and stunning forest views, this iconic Kusatsu Onsen destination offers travelers a unique way to soak in the region’s highly acidic, healing waters. Whether you are

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Gozanoyu Kusatsu Onsen Gunma Japan

Gozanoyu: Kusatsu Onsen’s Public Bathhouse Near Yubatake

Because ryokans and hotels’ check-in time is in the afternoon, if you can’t wait to indulge yourself in Kusatsu’s hot spring before you check in, you can stop by Gozanoyu (御座之湯) next to Yubatake. Because of the Shirahata Spring Source, the bathhouse later built on the spot has a connection to Minamoto no Yoritomo (源頼朝).

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Face Spa at Jizo no Yu Kusatsu Onsen Gunma Japan

Jizō no Yu: Kusatsu Onsen’s Free Communal Bathhouse

In Kusatsu Onsen, there are 19 public bathhouses utilized by the locals. Different from the normal public houses, they are administered by the locals and are free to use. But apart from Jizō no Yu (地蔵の湯) and the other two bathhouses, they are not open to tourists. Before you get too excited about the word

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