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Traditional performance · Kusatsu, Gunma
Netsunoyu
A wooden building beside the yubatake that is the stage for yumomi, where the spring water is stirred with long boards, to the sound of a song, to lower the temperature without adding cold water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Netsunoyu in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Netsunoyu
Netsunoyu is a traditional wooden building on the edge of the yubatake in central Kusatsu. It used to be a public bath and is now the place where yumomi demonstrations are held, a village custom related to the water temperature: because the water comes out of the ground very hot and people don’t want to dilute it with cold water, locals stir it with long wooden boards until it cools enough for bathing.
In the performance, women dressed in traditional clothing stand around a tank of thermal water and beat the boards on the water in rhythm, singing the Kusatsu-bushi, the village’s folk song. Steam rises as they work, and the audience watches from bleachers around the tank. Local dances are also part of the program.
In some sessions, visitors can try yumomi themselves, holding a board and stirring the water. The performances take place several times a day, with a paid ticket, and fill up in high season, especially on weekends.
In the past, yumomi was part of jikan-yu, a controlled bath in which sick people entered the very hot water for a few minutes under the supervision of a bath master. That practice still exists in some houses in the village, with their own rules. Netsunoyu faces the yubatake channels, and a visit fits well with a walk around the square.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes per performance.
Best time
At the first sessions in the morning or on weekdays, when occupancy is lower. In high season and on weekends, buy tickets in advance at the venue. Confirm the day’s performance times.
How to get there
It faces the yubatake channels; from the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal you walk down there in a few minutes.
Tip
Arrive a few minutes before the session to choose a seat near the tank. If you want to try yumomi, look for sessions that include audience participation.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Netsunoyu
What is yumomi?
It is the technique of stirring very hot thermal water with long wooden boards, to cool it without mixing in cold water, performed to the sound of a song.
How many yumomi performances are there per day?
Several, throughout the day at Netsunoyu. Times change with the season; check locally.
Can you try yumomi?
In some sessions, the public can hold a board and stir the water. Check the schedule.
Do you pay to watch yumomi?
Yes, the performance at Netsunoyu is paid. Check the current price list.
Beyond the guide
