Kusatsu Onsen is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. But it would be a waste if your trip to Gunma Prefecture ended at Kusatsu Onsen only, as there are many amazing destinations in the surrounding areas that may interest you!
A List of the Top Tourist Destinations Close to Kusatsu Onsen
- Kawarayu Onsen (川原湯温泉)
- Yugama (湯釜) and Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート)
- Manza Onsen (万座温泉)
- Shima Onsen (四万温泉)
- Shiriyaki Onsen (尻焼温泉)
- Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉)
- Karuizawa (軽井沢)
- Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑)
Kawarayu Onsen (川原湯温泉)
Around a 20-minute drive from Kusatsu Onsen, Kawarayu Onsen is another hot spring town you can stop by. Although Kawarayu Onsen has more than 800 years of history, many of the buildings in the town are newly built due to its relocation in 2019. While the hot spring town’s original location is now a part of Yamba Dam (八ッ場ダム), the new township is better planned, and the dam itself is an attraction that is worthwhile visiting!
For more information, refer to our article on Kawarayu Onsen!
Yugama (湯釜) and Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート)
A popular side trip that people usually would do from Kusatsu Onsen is to visit Yugama.
Yugama is a natural hot spring pond on Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route. Around a 20-minute walk from Kusatsu Shimane Resthouse, you will encounter a mysterious yet beautiful scenery created by the emerald green lake that reflects the desolate mountain surface.
In addition, Yugama isn’t the only stunning spot on the Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route. The 43 km-long scenic freeway has a lot of impressive scenery. As you drive along, you can enjoy the superb natural view and watch the people hiking here and there!
For more information, refer to our Guide to the Picturesque Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route article!
Manza Onsen (万座温泉)
Manza Onsen is a hot spring town that you can make a detour to while driving on the Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route. Its milky white sulfur spring is very popular amongst hot spring fans. In addition, the onsen town has high-quality powder snow. The snow season is long too! Even when most ski resorts in the Kantō region have ended their snow season, it is very likely that you can still ski at Manza Onsen Ski Resort!
For more information, refer to our article on Manza Onsen.
Shima Onsen (四万温泉)
Another Gunma Prefecture‘s representative hot spring town is Shima Onsen. Like Kusatsu Onsen, Shima Onsen is where you indulge in its rich traditional atmosphere. Besides the public baths, restaurants, and ryokans, Shima Onsen also has a couple of picturesque natural attractions that you might want to stop by. Moreover, there is a ryokan that is rumored to be the stage of the Ghibli movie, Spirited Away!
For more information, refer to our article on Shima Onsen!
Shiriyaki Onsen (尻焼温泉)
The next spot is recommended to those who are adventurous and appreciate hidden gems. Instead of a hot spring pool, you will be bathing in a natural river with hot springs flowing!
You won’t be asked to bathe naked unless you want to. But remember to bring towels and a swimming suit with you as public photography is allowed there!
For more information, refer to our article on Shiriyaki Onsen!
Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉)
Similar to Shima Onsen, Ikaho Onsen is one of Gunma Prefecture‘s Top Four Hot Spring Towns. The onsen town has several scenic spots, including one that is ranked highly for its fall foliage. Ikaho Onsen is also where you will find Japan’s oldest hot spring fountain for drinking!
For more information, refer to our article on Ikaho Onsen!
Karuizawa (軽井沢)
Karuizawa, a refined summer resort in Nagano Prefecture, is just around a 60-minute drive from Kusatsu Onsen. If you don’t want to drive, there are direct bus services for you to catch too!
This stylish town is the perfect destination after spending a night at Kusatsu Onsen. Not only does Karuizawa have a wealth of stunning natural spots, trendy cafes, and boutique shops, but it also houses the Church of the Light, an amazingly designed contemporary church that you won’t regret visiting!
For more information, refer to our article on Karuizawa!
Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑)
While there is no direct public transportation from Kusatsu Onsen, Jigokudani Monkey Park is the must-visit attraction for those after some unique scenes that can only be encountered in Japan!
So if you are excited about seeing monkeys enjoying hot springs like us humans, the park should be the next spot to visit after Kusatsu Onsen!
For more information, refer to our article on Jigokudani Monkey Park!
