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.
Sainokawara Park
3 minutes by car from Kosen-ji Temple - directions
Open: 24 hours (illuminated at night)
Sainokawara Park in Kusatsu Onsen is a scenic hot spring park known for its steaming streams, rocky landscapes, and therapeutic mineral waters. Located a short walk from the town center, it features free footbaths along forested paths and a large open-air onsen bath called Sainokawara Rotenburo. The park also has cultural landmarks like Jizō statues and the Anamori Inari Shrine, blending nature, relaxation, and local history in a peaceful setting.
Kusatsu Nettaiken - Tropical Zoo
5 minutes by car from Sainokawara Park - directions
Open: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: No Closure
Kusatsu Nettaiken, also known as Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland, is a unique zoo within a 15-meter-tall dome that replicates a tropical jungle environment, utilizing the heat from local hot springs to maintain a warm climate. Visitors can walk through this dome to observe animals such as crocodiles, capybaras, snakes, and various exotic birds up close The facility is renowned for its extensive collection of over 300 species of animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish, primarily from subtropical regions.
Cost: Adult ¥1,000 / Child ¥600
Head to Matsumoto Accommodation
2 hours 13 minutes by car from Kusatsu Onsen - directions
Hotel Details
CLA CHIC - directions
Contact: +817075787069
Address: 1 Chome-4-5 Josei, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0875, Japan‘Entire 2-bedroom house’ ‘Free onsite parking’ ‘booked via booking.com’