Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is a renowned hot spring resort town. Its reputation for healing dates back centuries, with a long-held belief that its waters can cure any ailment except lovesickness. Its therapeutic value was so esteemed that several Tokugawa shoguns had its hot spring water transported to Edo Castle. It was during this era that the town’s unique bathing traditions, including the yumomi water-cooling ceremony, were established to manage the intensely hot spring sources.
The resort’s spring water is among Japan’s most acidic, celebrated for its antibacterial properties and ability to soothe various physical ailments since ancient times. To fully enjoy Kusatsu Onsen’s therapeutic waters, start by gently rinsing your body to get acclimated. Then, relax and soak in the bath slowly, up to three times a day. Avoid rinsing afterward to let the minerals absorb, maximizing their benefits for your skin. Central to the town’s identity is the Yubatake, or “hot water field,” where steaming, mineral-rich water flows visibly through large pinewood tubs in the town square. Kusatsu’s source water is extremely hot, making it impossible to bathe in it as is. In order to lower the water to a suitable bathing temperature, the traditional practice of yumomi, in which the water is stirred with large wooden boards, is still performed today as a popular demonstration accompanied by the local folk song known as the Kusatsu Bushi.
Today, the hot spring town offers numerous lodging options, and day trips to the hot springs are also possible. Visitors can experience its famous waters at three distinct hot springs offering unique experiences. In addition to bathing, the area offers a variety of activities, including yumomi experiences and skiing. The town center retains a vibrant, traditional atmosphere, with visitors often strolling in yukata between its many shops and baths.