Kusatsu Town

Kusatsu Town in Gunma Prefecture is about 2 hours 45 minutes from Tokyo and is home to Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous Onsen resorts.

Kusatsu Onsen is a must-visit if you enjoy hot springs (onsens). Known as one of Japan’s top hot springs, the area offers naturally flowing hot spring water with healing properties. To make the most of your trip, check out The Two Must-See Wonders of Kusatsu Hot Spring. Yubatake is Kusatsu’s main attraction, but there also are many places to visit and there are many restaurants and shops. The “yumomi show” (water stirring show) is also a must see attraction.

Kusatsu Town is also surrounded by volcanic mountains and beautiful nature that changes with the seasons. In winter, the area transforms into a ski paradise with top-notch resorts, while in summer, visitors enjoy hiking and exploring the lush green mountains.

To get to Kusatsu from Tokyo by train, take the JR Jyoetsu / Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (50 mins) and then transfer to the JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (1hour 40 mins). From there, it’s a 25min bus ride to Kusatsu Onsen. For a direct route from Tokyo, you can take the highway buses from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station which will take you to Kusatsu in about 4 hours.

If you’re driving, the most convenient route is via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, exiting at Shibukawa-Ikaho IC (about 3 hours from Tokyo).