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Kusatsu Onsen — hot springs by indication | Compare & book 31 inns

Published May 28, 2026·3min read

Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's three most celebrated hot springs, boasts the largest volume of naturally flowing hot spring water in the country. Its highly acidic waters have been cherished for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Come experience the unique atmosphere of the Yubatake-centered town and the potential benefits of its powerful waters, which may support immune system stimulation and promote silky skin.

Kusatsu Onsen is known for its Acidic Spring; listed indications for this spring type include Dry Skin / Atopy. Choose from 31 inns with a hot-spring analysis on file, filtering by spring type, benefits and amenities, and book directly.

See inns in Kusatsu Onsen

On this page you can filter Kusatsu Onsen inns by spring type, benefits, tattoo-friendly, private bath and in-room open-air bath, and book on each property's Agoda or Rakuten page.

Ryokan with private onsen in Kusatsu · 21 stays

Compare & book inns in Kusatsu Onsen

56 matches
Browse free-flowing (kakenagashi) inns in Kusatsu Onsen
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Awaiting analysis(25)
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Yukemuri TeiDay-use Bath
湯けむり亭
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Footbath Taki no YuDay-use Bath
足湯 滝の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Shirahata Hot SpringDay-use Bath
白旗の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Goza no YuDay-use Bath
御座之湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Chiyo_no_yuDay-use Bath
千代の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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JizōnoyuDay-use Bath
地蔵の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Jizō bath footbathDay-use Bath
地蔵の湯まえ足湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Rurino YuDay-use Bath
瑠璃乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Nagi-no-yuDay-use Bath
凪の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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foot bathDay-use Bath
草津温泉BTまえ足湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Okina no YuDay-use Bath
翁の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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foot bathDay-use Bath
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Nigawa no YuDay-use Bath
煮川乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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KiminoyuDay-use Bath
喜美乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Kusatsu Onsen Hotel ShirasagiOnsen Ryokan
草津温泉ホテル白さぎ
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
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ŌtakinoyuDay-use Bath
大滝乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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foot bathDay-use Bath
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
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Choei no YuDay-use Bath
長栄の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Ao no YuDay-use Bath
碧乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Kusatsu no Oyado KiyoshigukanOnsen Ryokan
くさつのお宿 清重館
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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foot bathDay-use Bath
西の河原源泉足湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Nishi no Kawara GensenDay-use Bath
西の河原源泉
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Kusatsu Onsen Yuyado IwafujiOnsen Ryokan
草津温泉 湯宿 いわふじ
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Sainokawara Open-air BathDay-use Bath
西の河原露天風呂
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Bandai Ko Gensen Tetsutsutsuji no YuDay-use Bath
万代鉱源泉 躑躅乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
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Choose a ryokan in Kusatsu

Table of Contents
  1. Overview
  2. Signature Spring Types and Indications
  3. Water Characteristics & Best Season
  4. Access
  5. Sightseeing & Local Cuisine
  6. FAQ

Overview

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, ranked among the "Three Great Onsen of Japan" alongside Arima and Gero. Its history is ancient, with legends attributing its discovery to figures like Prince Yamato Takeru and Minamoto no Yoritomo. The heart of the town is the iconic "Yubatake" (hot water field), where 4,000 liters of hot spring water gush out every minute, creating clouds of steam.

The source water in Kusatsu is extremely hot, ranging from 50°C to over 90°C. To cool it down, the water is channeled through the Yubatake's wooden conduits or stirred using a traditional method called "Yumomi." The "Yumomi and Dance" performance is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Kusatsu's unique onsen culture. Praised as a cure for "all ills but lovesickness," it continues to attract countless visitors seeking its potent benefits.

Signature Spring Types and Indications

Kusatsu's water is known for being one of Japan's most acidic, with a pH of around 2.1, giving it strong sterilizing properties. It is also rich in sulfur, which contributes to its distinctive aroma. The tingling sensation of the water is believed to promote skin metabolism, leaving you feeling exceptionally refreshed after bathing. This spring type is thought to be beneficial for skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

  • Atopic dermatitisThe spring's strong acidity, with a pH of around 2.1, is said to be beneficial for various skin issues, and atopic dermatitis is listed among the indications for acidic springs.
  • Psoriasis vulgarisFor this chronic skin condition, the water's strong acidity is traditionally considered the primary draw, and psoriasis vulgaris is listed among the indications for acidic springs.
  • Impaired glucose tolerance (Diabetes)
  • CutsDue to the water's strong acidity, bathing is said to be beneficial for minor cuts and abrasions, and is traditionally believed to help keep wounds clean.
  • Sensitivity to cold

Water Characteristics & Best Season

With source temperatures exceeding 50°C, the water is naturally cooled without adding cold water. This means almost all ryokans and public baths offer the luxury of "gensen kakenagashi"—100% pure, free-flowing spring water. Due to the high acidity, it's best to remove metal accessories before bathing as they may tarnish. If you have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to rinse off with fresh water after your bath.

Situated on a plateau at 1,200 meters, Kusatsu is a cool retreat in the summer and a winter wonderland for enjoying snow-viewing baths and skiing. It's a captivating destination year-round, but the illuminated Yubatake at night and the scenery in winter are particularly magical.

Access

Tokyo StationTravel timeApprox. 3 hours
RouteTake the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station (approx. 70 min), then a local bus (approx. 80 min). The JR Pass covers the Shinkansen portion.
Shin-Osaka StationTravel timeApprox. 5.5 hours
RouteTake the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa, then take a bus. A JR Pass is highly recommended.
Haneda Airport (HND)Travel timeApprox. 3.5 hours
RouteTake the Keikyu Line/JR to Tokyo Station, then transfer to Shinkansen and bus. Direct or Karuizawa-bound highway buses are also available. Use a Suica or Welcome Suica card for easy travel.
Narita Airport (NRT)Travel timeApprox. 4 hours
RouteTake the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transfer to Shinkansen and bus. Direct highway buses may be available (check schedule).

Sightseeing & Local Cuisine

  • Yubatake (hot water field), especially when lit up at night
  • Sainokawara Park & Sainokawara Rotenburo (a vast open-air bath)
  • Netsunoyu Hall (to watch the "Yumomi and Dance" show)
  • Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort (in winter)
  • Trying different Onsen Manju (steamed buns)
  • Maitake mushroom tempura
  • Okkirikomi Udon (a local noodle dish from Gunma)

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Q & A

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap any question to expand the answer

Can I narrow down to only inns with a hot-spring analysis in Kusatsu Onsen?
Yes. You can compare Kusatsu Onsen inns that have a registered hot-spring analysis by spring type and benefits, and book from each property's Agoda or Rakuten page.
Can I find tattoo-friendly inns with private baths or in-room open-air baths in Kusatsu Onsen?
Yes. Use the filters to select tattoo-friendly, private bath or in-room open-air bath, and only matching Kusatsu Onsen inns will be shown.
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References

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