Kusatsu Hot Spring Baths

What to know

Kusatsu boasts the largest natural flow of hot spring water in Japan, including the waters that emerge at the Yubatake in the town center. The sulfurous, highly acidic waters have been considered among Japan's best for centuries, and Kusatsu has consistently ranked at the top of onsen lists. It is hard to beat Kusatsu in terms of both the quality and quantity of its waters.

Kusatsu's waters can be enjoyed at the town's public baths and ryokan. The most prominent public baths are the Sainokawara Rotemburo (large outdoor pools in Sainokawara Park), the Otakinoyu with its unique Awaseyu baths that feature multiple wooden pools at different temperatures, and the Gozanoyu, a beautiful wooden building next to the Yubatake with two simple, traditional baths.

Besides these three large public baths, there are over a dozen small community bathhouses scattered around town. Most are for exclusive use by local residents, but three of them—Shirohatanoyu, Jizonoyu, and Chiyonoyu—are also open to tourists. These community bathhouses are free to use and have small, gender-separated pools that typically hold only 2–4 people and are filled with very hot water.

Of course, Kusatsu's waters can also be enjoyed at ryokan baths across town. While staying guests can use the baths for free during their entire stay, some ryokan also open their baths to non-staying visitors during the daytime for a fee, typically 500 to 1500 yen.

Lastly, there are a few foot baths (ashiyu) in town that can be used freely by tourists. One stands next to the Yubatake, another just outside the bus terminal building, and a large one is located in Sainokawara Park.

Other bath-related attractions in Kusatsu include Yumomi, a traditional method of cooling down the hot spring water to bathing temperature that involves dancing and singing. Performances are held daily and can be viewed at Netsunoyu.