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).

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Yubatake in Kusatsu Onsen at night time.

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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

Things to do in Higashi-Agatsuma
- A chat with Higashi-Agatsuma Town tourism

Learn more about this beautiful area from a chat we had with locals (the town's tourism office).

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Interview

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.