Yudanaka to Kusatsu

We (family of 4) plan to travel from Yudanaka to Kusatsu Onsen in mid April. Can someone please advise the best way to go.

The direct road between Yudanaka and Kusatsu, the fastest (and most scenic) route of travel, is scheduled to open from April 20. Bus service along the route is scheduled to resume around the same date. So, your options are bus and rental car along this most direct route.

The alternative is a detour via Nagano and Karuizawa. From Karuizawa there are direct buses to Kusatsu.

Thanks for your response. Can you please tell me where I can get more information on the bus route and obtain time-table?

The 2011 timetables have not been published. But I think they are probably going to be very similar if not identical to last year's, which are shown below:

Yudanaka to Shirane:
http://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/access/bus03.html
白根火山 Mt. Shirane
湯田中 Yudanaka

From Shirane to Kusatsu it is a different bus:
http://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/access/bus02.html
草津温泉 Kusatsu Onsen