Sainokawara Park

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About Sainokawara Park

Sainokawara Park sits in a small valley about a 10-minute walk west of the yubatake, on the western side of the village of Kusatsu. The name comes from a Buddhist image of the bed of stones where the souls of children would await crossing, because of the landscape of white rocks and steam. Hot water wells up at several points and forms pools and a steaming creek, with green algae and mineral deposits.

A path of stones and bridges crosses the valley among shrubs, small Jizo statues and signs indicating the springs. The smell of sulfur is constant, and in winter the steam rises in clouds in the cold air. The park is open and has no entrance fee.

At the bottom of the valley is the Sainokawara open-air bath, one of the largest in Japan, a large stone pool surrounded by forest, segregated by sex. The water is the same as the valley springs, acidic and hot. There are simple changing rooms, and the bath charges an admission fee; towels are sold or rented at the entrance.

In winter the bath is surrounded by snow; in autumn by red and yellow leaves. On the way between the center and the park, Sainokawara Street has shops, cafés and small baths. It’s a pleasant late-afternoon walk before returning to the illuminated yubatake. Along the route there are benches and covered areas to rest amid the steam.