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Before you go
Your trip to Kusatsu.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Kusatsu – Gunma
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Haneda (HND) Tóquio · 221 km
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Terminal de ônibus de Kusatsu Onsen 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal, in the center, receives buses from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, about 25 minutes away, where the express from Ueno stops, about 2.5 hours from Tokyo. Buses link Karuizawa to Kusatsu in about 1 hour 15 minutes, and there are direct buses from Shinjuku.
How many days
One night for the yubatake, the yumomi, Sainokawara and a public bath. With two nights, explore other bathhouses and, in winter, the ski resort.
When to go
Year-round. Winter, from December to March, has snow and skiing. Spring and summer are cool because of the altitude, good for walking. October brings fall color. The road to the top of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane closes in winter.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The village is walkable from the bus terminal, and the yubatake, Netsunoyu and Sainokawara are a few minutes apart. Local buses connect the center with hotel areas and the ski resort.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Kusatsu
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Afternoon
Yubatake and the yumomi
Arrive at the bus terminal and walk down to the yubatake. Watch a yumomi performance at Netsunoyu, next to it.
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Late afternoon
Sainokawara Park
Walk along the shopping street to Sainokawara Park and take a bath in the large outdoor bath surrounded by forest.
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Evening
Yubatake lit up
After dinner at your inn, return to the yubatake to see the steam illuminated and stroll the alleys in a yukata.
2 days in Kusatsu
Day 1
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Afternoon
Village center
See the yubatake and the yumomi at Netsunoyu and try manju sweets sold in the surrounding shops.
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Evening
Bath and yubatake
Take a bath at a public bathhouse and see the yubatake lit up.
Day 2
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Morning
Sainokawara early
Walk through Sainokawara Park early, with steam rising from the rocks, and take the outdoor bath.
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Afternoon
Otaki no Yu
Try Otaki no Yu, with baths at various temperatures, before catching the bus back.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Kusatsu Onsen?
See the yubatake, watch the yumomi at Netsunoyu, walk through Sainokawara Park with its open-air bath, try the public baths, and in winter, ski.
Does Kusatsu have baths for day visitors?
Yes. There are large public bathhouses, like Otaki no Yu and the Sainokawara open-air bath, and many ryokan accept day visitors at set times.
What are Kusatsu’s community baths?
They are small baths maintained by residents, scattered around the village, free of charge. Some accept visitors; respect the rules and keep quiet.
Does Kusatsu have skiing?
Yes. Kusatsu Onsen ski resort is on the slopes above the village, with buses from the center, generally from December to March.
Beyond the guide
