Things To Do
in Kusatsu
Kusatsu is a famous hot springs resort town located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its high-quality thermal waters, which are said to have numerous health benefits. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
Kusatsu also offers traditional Japanese culture experiences, such as onsens, yukata-wearing, and tea ceremonies.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a soothing soak in the Yokoyu River, known for its scenic beauty. Afterward, visit the iconic Yubatake, a symbol of this hot spring town.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local soba restaurant, where you can taste freshly made noodles. Post-lunch, take a stroll in the serene Sainokawara Park, surrounded by natural hot springs.
As the sun sets, indulge in a traditional kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients. Wrap up your day by relaxing in an onsen with views of the starry sky.
Begin your day with an invigorating hike on the trails around Mount Kusatsu. The lush greenery and fresh air will energize you for the day.
After your hike, treat yourself to a lunch featuring lokal delicacies at a nearby eatery. Spend your afternoon unwinding at a local ryokan's hot spring bath.
As evening falls, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the town, exploring local shops and craft stands. Dine at a charming izakaya for a taste of local nightlife.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Famous for its beautiful hot springs and therapeutic waters.
- Rich in natural scenery, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
- Offers a unique cultural experience with traditional Ryokan accommodations.
- Home to the picturesque Yubatake (hot water field) which is a local landmark.
- Variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing in nearby areas.
- Strong tourism infrastructure with restaurants, shops, and local events.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially in winter.
- Limited accessibility for those without a vehicle, as public transport may be infrequent.
- Some hot springs may be expensive to use, particularly in high-end resorts.
- Weather can be quite variable, with heavy snowfall in winter affecting travel plans.
- Not much nightlife or entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Limited English signage and language barriers may pose challenges for foreign visitors.
Best Activities in Kusatsu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the famous hot spring baths for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Explore the scenic trails surrounding the hot spring source, Yubatake.
Enjoy a variety of skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter season.
Challenge yourself with a rewarding trek up the volcanic mountain for stunning views.
Take a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque lake and its surrounding areas.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kusatsu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kusatsu
Visit one of these nice places.
A famous hot spring area with wooden structures and steaming hot water that provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for photos.
A beautiful park with walking trails, open-air hot spring baths, and stunning natural scenery. It offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially during the autumn foliage season.
A popular spot for hiking and skiing, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's especially photogenic during the cherry blossom season in spring.
Food in Kusatsu
Kusatsu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Soft-boiled eggs cooked in the hot spring waters of Yubatake, offering a unique and flavorful experience. Best enjoyed at local ryokans and inns around the Yubatake area.
Must-Try!
A steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste, a popular souvenir item and a delightful treat found in various shops around Kusatsu.
Buckwheat noodles mixed with hot spring water using the traditional Yumomi method, creating a unique and refreshing dish. Can be savored at Yumomi performances and restaurants in Kusatsu.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a wide variety of local produce, snacks, and street food, including grilled skewers (yakitori), takoyaki, and freshly made senbei. Located near the Yubatake area and open on weekends.
An array of stalls and food carts offering local delicacies such as imagawayaki, a type of stuffed pancake, and freshly made soft serve ice cream. It's a perfect spot to sample diverse street food delights around Kusatsu.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, a ryokan, or certain traditional establishments in Kusatsu as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
In public settings and when interacting with others, maintaining an appropriate distance and being mindful of personal space is important in Kusatsu's cultural norms.
When visiting onsen (hot springs), it is essential to follow the local customs, such as bathing thoroughly before entering the communal baths and refraining from bringing towels into the water.
Safety
Tipping in Kusatsu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not expected in Japan, including Kusatsu. It is not a common practice in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. In fact, leaving a tip may be considered rude in some cases, as it can be seen as implying that the service provider is not doing their job properly. Instead, customers are expected to pay the full amount stated on the bill.
In Kusatsu, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most common form of payment. While credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, it is still advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses and rural areas. Contactless payment methods, such as mobile wallets and transit cards, are also gaining popularity in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Kusatsu as the cherry blossoms bloom and the weather is mild. Expect beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures.
In summer, Kusatsu is a popular destination for its cool climate and abundance of outdoor activities. Expect lush greenery and pleasant weather.
Autumn is another wonderful time to visit Kusatsu as the foliage turns vibrant colors, creating picturesque landscapes. Expect crisp, cool weather and stunning natural beauty.
Winter is the ideal time to visit Kusatsu for its famous hot springs, as the town is transformed into a winter wonderland. Expect snow-covered landscapes and rejuvenating onsen experiences.
Kusatsu at Night
Hiking in Kusatsu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering scenic views and a chance to see the volcanic activity of the area.
A beautiful mountain with well-marked trails that provides an excellent hiking experience with panoramic views.
An active stratovolcano that features various trails suitable for hikers of different skill levels.
A vast area that offers multiple hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, and hot springs.
While primarily known for its hot springs and snow monkeys, it also has hiking paths leading through beautiful natural surroundings.
Aiports
How to reach Kusatsu by plane.
Located approximately 200 km from Kusatsu, Narita International Airport serves as a major international gateway to Japan.
Approximately 220 km from Kusatsu, Haneda Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers numerous international flights.
Located about 380 km from Kusatsu, Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka region and offers a wide range of international services.
Approximately 300 km from Kusatsu, Chubu Centrair International Airport is located near Nagoya and provides various international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Kusatsu, consisting of individuals who identify as culturally and ethnically Japanese.
This group includes expatriates and long-term residents from various countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the town.
Annual visitors, primarily from within Japan and international travelers, who come to experience the hot springs and cultural attractions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a popular sport in Kusatsu, with local clubs and community events encouraging participation across all age groups.
Baseball holds a special place in Japanese culture and is widely played in Kusatsu, supported by school teams and recreational leagues.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Kusatsu, with many schools offering programs and a growing number of basketball courts in the area.
Tennis is enjoyed in Kusatsu, with local courts available for both casual play and organized competitions.
Running is a popular sport among residents, with numerous trails and parks that promote outdoor activities and events throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kusatsu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants in Kusatsu offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives such as tempura vegetables, tofu-based dishes, and vegetable sushi rolls. Inquiring with the chefs or staff can help in finding suitable options.
Some restaurants and cafes in Kusatsu provide gluten-free menu items or can accommodate dietary needs upon request. Rice-based dishes, sashimi, and certain noodle dishes could be viable choices for individuals seeking gluten-free options.