JR Kanto Area Pass

I'll be staying at Ueno next month. I intend to buy the JR Kanto Area Pass for a one-day trip to (1) Karuizawa (for scenery), (2) Nasushiobara (fror onsen) within the 3 days validity period. Can anyone suggest details like (1) best time to start the trip in the morning (time table), (2) Can I board the shinkansen at Ueno for both trips, (3) After arriving Nasushiobara station, which onsen is recommended (location/map).

Grateful for any inputs

TW,

(1) It really depends on what time you want to be arriving at your destinations, but you can find timetables on the JR East website.
(2) Yes, you can take the Shinkansen at Ueno for both Karuizawa and Nasu-shiobara, but they will be different Shinkansen. For Karuizawa, you need the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Timetable: http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/com...), and for Nasu-shiobara, you need the Tohoku Shinkansen (Timetable: http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/com...)
There's also a number you can call if you need more information from JR East (you can also call from overseas, so I'm assuming they speak English as well): http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/customer_support/infoline.html

I can't really help you with the onsen, as I haven't been there in a while. Sorry!

Thank you TinaCS,

If I go to Kusatsu Onshen, I understand that there are different ways to get there from Ueno. With the JR Kanto Area Pass in hand, what is the best or fastest way to get there? It seems that if I take the limited express train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (2.5 hrs) then connect a bus to Kusatsu (30 minutes), I will need 6 hours in total transportation to and from there. For a one day trip, I think it is too much. Can you advise on this with time table please.

Thanks again