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). As the onsen pool is unique, we highly recommend checking it out!
About Ohtaki no Yu and Awaseyu
Awaseyu is where you can experience Kusatsu’s traditional bathing method. The onsen pools there have different water temperatures, with the one at the top, closest to the spring source, being the hottest. It is another way for the locals in the past to cool down from the hot spring water without diluting it with cold water. As the onsen flows down the hot spring pools, it will cool down naturally.
So which tub to get in first? It is said that you get the greatest benefit from the hot spring if you bathe in the one with the lowest temperature first before slowly moving towards the hot spring source.
After bathing, you can enjoy drinks and desserts at the bathhouse’s lounge on the first floor.
Tip: Ohtaki no Yu has a barrier-free private bath called Shakunage (しゃくなげ), which you can rent for 2,000 yen/hour. The private bath can be rented out between 9 am to 7 pm. You can either reserve it at the reception or call to reserve at +81-279-88-2600.
Important: Towels aren’t freely provided, and a rental fee of 250 yen will be charged if you don’t have your own. The fee includes one face towel and one regular bath towel.
Nigoriyu’s Day (白濁の湯)
The 2nd and the 4th Saturday of each month are Nigoriyu’s Day at Ohtaki no Yu.
Instead of using the Yubatake spring source, the Nikawa is used at Ohtaki no Yu. While the hot spring is usually transparent and forms less hot springs mineral deposits (Yunohana in Japanese) in the pipe, the deposits in the pipe still need to be cleaned out regularly.
So if you visit Ohtaki no Yu on these two days of the month, the hot springs flowing out from the tab would be milky, containing a lot of Yunohana accumulated in the pipe over the past two weeks.
And don’t worry. The bathhouse doesn’t use any chemicals during the cleaning process. All they do is pour balls that are attached to a rope into the pipe. So if you want to enjoy the extra mineral-rich hot spring, visit Ohtaki no Yu on Nigoriyu’s Day!
Tip: The hot spring would be the milkiest in the morning.
Ohtaki no Yu’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Ohtaki no Yu is open from 9 am to 9 pm
- The last admission is at 8 pm.
- The restaurant is open from
- 11 am to 4 pm on weekdays
- 11 am to 7:30 pm on weekends and public holidays.
- The admission cost is
- 1,100 yen for adults
- 550 yen for children from the age of 3 to elementary school students
- Ohtaki no Yu is around a 5 to 10-minute walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
Discover Other Attractions in Kusatsu Onsen
In addition to Ohtaki no Yu we have introduced, Kusatsu Onsen has much 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 during your time at Kusatsu Onsen!
For more information, refer to our article on Kusatsu Onsen (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
