Introduction
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, located in the Gunma Prefecture. The Kusatsu town itself is charming with traditional architecture, picturesque landscapes, and onsen resort. The best time to visit on winter and its great timing to healing yourself, that can help treat a wide range of ailments.
Access from Tokyo
Getting to Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo is relatively straightforward. You have several options:
Train: The most convenient way is to take the limited express train from Ueno Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and then transfer to a bus that takes you directly to Kusatsu Onsen. The entire journey takes approximately 3 hours and costs around ￥6,000.
Bus: Direct buses from various Tokyo locations like Shinjuku go to Kusatsu Onsen. They take about 4 hours and cost approximately ￥3,500 one-way.
What You Can Do in Kusatsu Onsen
Hot Springs (Onsen): The main attraction, of course, are the hot springs themselves. You can either enjoy the public baths or more private options available at various ryokan (traditional inns).
Yumomi Performance: Witness the traditional way of cooling down hot spring water to bathing temperature without diluting its minerals.
Sainokawara Park: The best place is taking a walk in this scenic park. The park also has an outdoor hot spring bath.
Enjoy Onsen area atmosphere: You can walking around and wearing Yukata. You can do shateki (shooting games), which is a traditional Japanese game in which cork bullets are loaded into an air gun and shot to the dolls, toys, and other targets.
Must-Try Foods
Onsen Manju: A steamed bun filled with red bean paste.
Onsen Tamago: Eggs soft-boiled in hot spring water.
Approximate Cost
A trip to Kusatsu Onsen depends on where you stay or how to get there. However, here is an approximate cost:
Accommodation: ¥10,000 - 30,000 per night in the ryokan
Meals: ¥1,000 - 3,000 per meal
Hot Springs: Public baths are often less than ¥1,000; private baths can range from ¥2,000 - 10,000
Trip itinerary of Kusatsu Onsen
Morning
07:00 am – Depart from your accommodation in Tokyo to Ueno Station.
07:30 am – Arrive at Ueno Station. Purchase your tickets for the limited express train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Optionally, you can buy some snacks or a bento box for later.
08:15 am – Board the limited express train bound for Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
Afternoon:
11:00 am – Arrive at Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Once you arrive, transfer to the bus headed for Kusatsu Onsen.
11:40 am – Arrive at Kusatsu Onsen. Check into your ryokan and leave your luggage.
12:30 pm – Head out for lunch at a local restaurant to try some Onsen Manju or Onsen Tamago and enjoy a public bath at Shirahata Hot Spring.
01:30 pm – Explore the Yubatake area, where hot spring water flows through wooden channels, and watch a Yumomi performance if available.
Evening:
03:30 pm – Make your way to Sainokawara Park. Enjoy a walk around the park and a relaxing soak in the outdoor hot spring bath amidst natural surroundings.
04:30 pm – Head back to your ryokan or return to Tokyo. If you stay in a ryokan, you should prepare for your onsen experience. Most ryokans provide yukata (traditional robes) for their guests.
07:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan or savor food at the Yubatake area. Ryokans provide a multi-course meal featuring local and seasonal ingredients, a highlight of the ryokan experience.
08:30 pm – Take a night walk through the area, perhaps picking up a few souvenirs or local crafts along the way.
Night:
09:30 pm – Return to your ryokan for a good night's sleep or one last soak in the ryokan's onsen before bed.
Nearby Attractions
Joshinetsu Kogen National Park: One of Japan's oldest and most diverse natural reserves. It features an array of landscapes from mountains and plateaus to lakes and hot springs.
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane: An active volcano located near Kusatsu Onsen. The mountain has a striking turquoise crater lake called Yu-gama, one of the most acidic lakes in the world. *As of 2023, the Kusatsu-Shiranesan area is closed to visitors due to mountain entry restrictions.
Ikaho Hot Spring (Onsen): Located around an hour’s drive from Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho is another famous hot spring town. It's known for its long stone steps called "Ishidan," which are lined with shops and lead to the Ikaho Shrine.
Conclusion
Kusatsu Onsen offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty. Its accessibility from Tokyo makes it a perfect weekend getaway or an essential part of any extended tour of Japan. With its relaxing baths, delicious local cuisine, and scenic attractions, Kusatsu Onsen is truly a destination that promises rejuvenation for the body and soul.
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