Kusatsu Hot Spring Baths

Kusatsu has the largest natural flow of hot spring water in all of Japan, including the waters that surfaces at the Yubatake in the town center. The sulfurous, highly acidic waters have been considered among Japan's best for centuries, and Kusatsu has constantly occupied a top spot in onsen rankings. It is difficult to beat Kusatsu in terms of 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 features multiple wooden pools with different water 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 more than a dozen small community bath houses scattered around town. Most of them are for exclusive use by local residents, but three of them, the Shirohatanoyu, Jizonoyu and Chiyonoyu, are also open to tourists. These community bath houses are free to use and have small, gender-separated pools that typically sit only 2-4 persons and are filled with very hot water.

Of course, Kusatsu's waters can also be enjoyed at ryokan baths across the 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 daytime for a fee of typically 500 to 1500 yen.

Lastly, there are a few foot baths (ashiyu) found in town that can be used freely by tourists. One of them stands next to the Yubatake and another one just outside the bus terminal building, while 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 includes dancing and singing. Performances are held daily and can be viewed at Netsunoyu.

Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding