basic information

Mount Shirane is a series of volcanic peaks just outside the town of Kusatsu Onsen. It is a popular outdoor recreation area which offers hiking in the spring and summer, koyo in the fall and skiing in the winter.

Hiking is possible from mid April to early November and offers varying terrain and good views, along with a selection of trails starting at the town center or the Shirane Resthouse near the summit.

The easiest and most popular walk is from the Shirane Resthouse to Yugama Crater Lake. It takes less than ten minutes along a paved trail, and you will often see women doing it in high heels. At the top you are rewarded by views of the sulfurous, baby blue Yugama Crater Lake as well as the surrounding mountain ranges.

There are also a number of longer trails and hiking circuits that lead to the various peaks, craters, lakes and a waterfall in the area. The ropeway and chair lifts of Kusatsu Kokusai ski resort, which in the winter months has one of Japan's longest ski runs (8 km), can be used to bypass parts of the trails.

Yumiike Pond

Karagama Crater

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how to get there

The Shirane Resthouse can be reached from Kusatsu town center in less than 30 minutes by car.

From mid April to early November, there are hourly buses between the Kusatsu Bus Terminal and the Shirane Resthouse. The one way trip takes 30 minutes and costs 1100 yen. A small number of buses are operated by JR Bus (directly to/from Naganohara Kusatsu-guchi Station) and are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

How to get to and around Kusatsu Onsen

travel community

Users who have been to Kusatsu Onsen: 56
Users who have been to Mount Shirane: 10

4th of 5 most visited sights in Kusatsu Onsen.
404th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (86/100, 7 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

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hotels & ryokan

Hotel & Onsen Resort Nakazawa Village Hot spring hotel and resort in the Kusatsu woods. Large communal outdoor baths as well as numerous beauty and sports facilities. Naraya A charming traditional inn with authentic hospitality. Open-air onsen and private baths. 5 min walk from bus terminal. Kusatsu Now Resort Hotel A European-style resort onsen hotel nestled amid the quiet forests. A wide variety of baths including private baths.