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 still 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)!
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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
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If this 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
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If you are after some quietness during your time at Kusatsu Onsen, Shirane Shrine (白根神社), which is north of Yubatake, could be the spot you would 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
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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”!
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If you are looking for the most magical photo spot in Saitama, the Kadokawa Musashino Museum (角川武蔵野ミュージアム) is likely at the top of your list. Often called the ‘Harry Potter library of Japan’ due to its towering 8-meter-tall shelves and ‘Hogwarts vibes,’ this architectural marvel by Kengo Kuma is a must-visit for book lovers and
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In addition to Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂), another church that can excite architectural buffs is Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会). Designed by the famous American architect Antonin Raymond, the church is another landmark in Karuizawa. It was where the first Christian wedding for non-Christians was held in Japan, and nowadays, a
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While many are aware that Karuizawa is a summer resort close to Tokyo, what you may not know about Karuizawa is that it is also a great destination to admire contemporary art. Particularly in the Naka-Karuizawa area, art museums and uncommon architecture are tucked inside the picturesque nature. So if you want a trip more
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Kumanokōtai Shrine (熊野皇大神社), close to the Usui Pass Observation Platform, is a rare shrine you will want to visit. Not only does it sit on a prefectural borderline, but the central watershed (中央分水嶺) can also be found in the precinct! Because the shrine’s precinct is across two prefectures, the shrine consists of two religious institutions
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Walking around Karuizawa, you might start to imagine a life of owning a villa in this wonderful town. While this isn’t practical for most of us, you can visit Café Susu no Ne (旧軽井沢Cafe涼の音). This national tangible cultural property was a private villa of an American diplomat, Edwin O. Reischauer. Because the furnishings were left
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