Town Center Observation Deck
42m / 1 minute on foot from Gensen Ichinoyu - directions
Kusatsu Onsen offers several vantage points that provide panoramic views of its iconic hot spring landscapes. One notable spot is the observation deck near the Yubatake, the town's central hot water field. From this elevated position, visitors can admire the steaming wooden conduits channeling mineral-rich waters, especially enchanting when illuminated at night.
Yubatake
78m / 2 minutes on foot from Town Center Observation Deck - directions
Open: 24 hours
Closed: No Closures
Yubatake, meaning "hot water field," is the iconic centerpiece of Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. This geothermal marvel channels approximately 4,000 liters of steaming, sulfur-rich water per minute through a network of wooden troughs, cooling the water before it's distributed to the town's baths. The surrounding area is enveloped in a mystical ambiance.
Toji Hiroba
Established in July 2014, this courtyard offers visitors a peaceful spot to relax amidst the bustling hot spring town. Designed with steps at a comfortable height for sitting and surrounded on three sides by a wooden corridor, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for rest and contemplation. At night, the area is softly illuminated, enhancing its serene ambiance
Yu-taki (hot water waterfall)
Yu-taki meaning "hot waterfall," is a striking feature of Kusatsu Onsen. Located at the lower end of the Yubatake (hot water field), Yu-taki showcases the powerful flow of mineral-rich hot spring water cascading over rocks, creating a visually captivating scene. The rocks have developed an emerald hue due to mineral deposits, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation.
Kusatsu Onsen Netsu-no-yu
47m / 1 minute on foot from Yubatake - directions
Open: 9:30am ~ 4:30pm
Closed: No Closures
Netsunoyu is a cultural landmark renowned for its traditional yumomi performances. Located adjacent to the iconic Yubatake hot spring field, Netsunoyu offers visitors a glimpse into the historic method of cooling hot spring water without diluting its mineral content.
Yumomi performance (onsen water cooling)
The yumomi ceremony involves performers, often women in traditional attire, rhythmically stirring the hot spring water with large wooden paddles while singing folk songs. This practice, dating back to the Edo period, cools the water to a suitable bathing temperature while preserving its therapeutic properties.
Performances are typically: 09:30 10:00 10:30 15:30 16:00 16:30, with some days having an additional 15:00 showing.
Cost: Adult ¥700 / Child ¥350
🚩 Prior Reservation is Required -Tickets can only be purchased at the sales office from 30 minutes before each performance.
Sunday and Mondays also have a Yumomi hands on experience where you can participate yourself
Kosen-ji temple
400m / 4 minutes on foot from Netsu-no-yu - directions
Open: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: No Closures
Kosenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple perched on a hill overlooking the renowned Yubatake hot spring field, the temple offers panoramic views of the town's central area. Founded in 1200, Kosenji has long been associated with the healing properties of Kusatsu's hot springs and serves as a spiritual guardian of the area.
Head to Matsumoto Accommodation
2 hours 20 minutes by car from Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu - directions
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Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu - directions
Contact: +81263320114
Address: Japan, 〒390-0874 Nagano, Matsumoto, Ote, 4 Chome−8−9 Matsumotohotel, 2F
Check-in: 17th October from 3:00pm
Check-out: 19th October by 11:00am
On-site Parking: 880 JPY per night
We’ll aim to provide a quote for this stay on 13th April 2026, however you are also more than welcome to book yourself if you have access to favorable rates prior to that point in time. Just let us know so that we can mark it as booked.
MATSUMOTO
Matsumoto is a historic city renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city's centerpiece is Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan's few remaining original castles, notable for its striking black exterior and unique flatland construction.
✦ Matsumoto Castle - See Japans Black Lacquer Castle
3 minutes by car from Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu - directions
Nearby Parking Lot - directions (only 1,000 yen and smaller notes are accepted - Cash Only - 1,200 yen per day)
Open: 8:30am ~ 4:30pm
Closed: No Closures
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved historic castles. Known as "Crow Castle" due to its striking black lacquer exterior, it dates back to the late 16th century and is a prime example of a hirajiro, or flatland castle, built on plains rather than a hill or mountain.
Cost: Adult ¥700 / Child (5+) ¥210
Meet Matsumoto Castles Omotenashi Squad
Matsumoto Castle’s Omotenashi Squadis a costumed hospitality team that appears in the Honmaru Garden daily between roughly 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Members dress as historical figures associated with the castle—including samurai, nobles, ninja, and princesses—and represent key Matsumoto personalities like Ishikawa Kazumasa, Ogasawara Hidetsugu, Tokuhime, and the Akutagawa ninja lineage. They greet visitors with warm hospitality—posing for photos, offering to take snapshots for you, and often involving performances or simple quizzes to make your visit memorable