Kusatsu Town
Index
Highlights of 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. The town’s iconic Yubatake, a large hot water field, is a popular spot with many restaurants and shops and where you can watch the traditional practice of “yumomi” (water stirring).
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).
Access
From Tokyo
From Airports
Haneda Intl. Airport
Narita Intl. Airport
Main Stations
Videos of Kusatsu Town
Yubatake Area
Yumomi Show
JAPAN'S #1 hot spring town
BanZip Tengu Zip line
Driving the mountains
Skiing in Kusatsu
Things to DO in Kusatsu Town
Yubatake
The 'Yubatake' is a square in the center of Kusatsu Onsen where visitors can see hot spring water flow down the wooden blocks and channels. It is lit up during night and surrounded with restaurants, Izakayas, and bars for visitors to enjoy.
Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen is at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the east side of the Shirane Volcano. The hot springs have a firm acidity and a long history as therapeutic hot spring baths. It is famous for its “Jikan-yu,” a short bathing in high-temperature hot spring water.
Driving along the mountains
Kusatsu and the neighboring towns such as Tsumagoi Village are known for beautiful driving courses. On a nice day you can see amazing views.
Outdoor Activities
A short drive from the center of Kusatsu Onsen is Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort. This Ski Resort offers outdoors activities in the summer including the popular Tengu Zip Line.
Learn more about places to visit in Higashi-Agatsuma
EATING in Kusatsu Town
Japanese Food
There are many Japanese restaurants in Kusatsu Town. Around ‘Yubatake’, in center of Kusatsu Onsen, you will find shops offering snacks & street food as well as cafes, restaurants and Izakayas. It has a vibrant nightlife and most restaurants and bars are open until late.
Western Food
There are also many restaurants offering western food in Kusatsu Town. You can find cafes, restaurants, bars, bakeries with Italian, American, Spanish, and other European dishes (many also have vegan and vegetarian options).
Boiled Egg (Onsen Tamago)
Boiled Egg (Onsen Tamago) is a popular type of runny boiled egg with soy sauce added to it. The egg is boiled slowly in warm water and then moved to Kusatsu hot spring water and boiled again.
Places to STAY in Kusatsu Town
Ryokan (Japanese style)
Kusatsu is one of the most popular Onsen Towns in Japan and has a wide variety of Japanese Iins from budget to luxury.
Hotel (Western style)
Kusatsu is a famous Onsen Town so most of the Japanese inns have western style rooms with beds. A wide variety from Budget to Luxury can be found.
Holiday rental (Airbnb) & Camping
Kusatsu Town is a popular destination and there are many Airbnbs, holiday homes, villas and campsites.
Top EVENTS around Kusatsu Town
Day trips from Kusatsu Town
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
Kusatsu Town in the NEWS
travel + leisure
10 Best Onsen Town Escapes In Japan (link)
lonely planet
Steamy, snowy, stunning: Gunma Prefecture has something for everyone. (link)
Glamour (South Africa)
7 historical places with powerful healing waters (link)
nippon.com
Kusatsu Onsen Named Most Popular Hot Spring in 2021
(link)
Travel Japan
Japanese Sweet Treats in a Hot-Spring Paradise (link)
Tokyo Weekender
Kusatsu Onsen Guide: A 3-Day Plan For Exploring Gunma’s Historic Town (link)
Japan Wireless Webmagazine
Kusatsu Onsen: Best Things to Do (link)
Stars and Stripes
Sumo-size me: Former wrestler serves up sumo stew in Kusatsu Onsen (link)
Kusatsu Town (Official)
Kusatsu Onsen (link)
Visit Gunma
Destinations: Kusatsu (link)
