All ColumnsOnsen Areas
ONSEN AREAS

Kusatsu Onsen — relief & relaxation | Compare & book 17 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 — well suited to Dry Skin / Atopy. Choose from 17 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.

Compare & book inns in Kusatsu Onsen

41 matches
Browse free-flowing (kakenagashi) inns in Kusatsu Onsen
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
TripAgoda楽天じゃらん
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
TripAgoda楽天じゃらん
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
TripAgoda楽天じゃらん
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
TripAgoda楽天じゃらん
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
TripAgoda楽天じゃらん
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
TripAgoda楽天じゃらん
Check Availability & Rates
PRIncludes affiliate links
Awaiting analysis24
Yukemuri TeiDay-use Bath
湯けむり亭
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Footbath Taki no YuDay-use Bath
足湯 滝の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Shirahata Hot SpringDay-use Bath
白旗の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Goza no YuDay-use Bath
御座之湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Chiyo_no_yuDay-use Bath
千代の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
JizōnoyuDay-use Bath
地蔵の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Jizō bath footbathDay-use Bath
地蔵の湯まえ足湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Rurino YuDay-use Bath
瑠璃乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Nagi-no-yuDay-use Bath
凪の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
foot bathDay-use Bath
草津温泉BTまえ足湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Okina no YuDay-use Bath
翁の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
foot bathDay-use Bath
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Nigawa no YuDay-use Bath
煮川乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
KiminoyuDay-use Bath
喜美乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
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
ŌtakinoyuDay-use Bath
大滝乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
foot bathDay-use Bath
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Choei no YuDay-use Bath
長栄の湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Kusatsu Now Resort HotelOnsen Ryokan
草津ナウリゾートホテル
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Ao no YuDay-use Bath
碧乃湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
foot bathDay-use Bath
西の河原源泉足湯
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Nishi no Kawara GensenDay-use Bath
西の河原源泉
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
Sainokawara Open-air BathDay-use Bath
西の河原露天風呂
Gunma 草津町
群馬県 草津町
Awaiting analysis
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
Awaiting analysis
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 powerful sterilizing effect, a result of its strong acidity with a pH of around 2.1, is said to be beneficial for various skin issues. This property may help to cleanse the skin and soothe the irritation associated with atopic conditions.
  • Psoriasis vulgarisFor this chronic skin condition, the water's exceptional sterilizing power is considered the primary benefit. The high acidity is believed to help manage symptoms by cleansing the affected areas of the skin.
  • Impaired glucose tolerance (Diabetes)
  • CutsDue to the water's strong acidity and resulting sterilizing effect, bathing is said to be beneficial for minor cuts and abrasions. This natural cleansing property is believed to help keep wounds clean and support the healing process.
  • 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)

MORE WITH THE SAME SPRING TYPE

Loved the Acidic Spring of Kusatsu Onsen? Try these too

Picked from onsen across Japan where you can enjoy the same Acidic Spring.

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.
TRY IT NOW

Find This Onsen on the Map

References

Famous Onsen Areas with Acidic Spring

Check access and tourist information on each onsen area column

Related Articles

Acidic Springs: Powerfully Antibacterial Waters for Skin Conditions
SPRING TYPEMay 5, 2026· 1min read

Acidic Springs: Powerfully Antibacterial Waters for Skin Conditions

Acidic springs contain hydrogen ions at 1 mg/kg or more (typically pH 2–3). Their strong antibacterial action is indicated for atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, and epidermoid suppuration. Note: contraindicated for sensitive skin and elderly guests with dry skin — always confirm before bathing.

Sulphur Springs: Milky White Waters with Powerful Skin Benefits
SPRING TYPEMay 5, 2026· 1min read

Sulphur Springs: Milky White Waters with Powerful Skin Benefits

Sulphur springs contain total sulphur at 2 mg/kg or more. Their signature milky-white color and boiled-egg aroma (hydrogen sulphide) are icons of Japanese onsen culture. Indicated for atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, and chronic eczema. The hydrogen sulphide type also helps peripheral circulatory failure.

Hoshi Onsen: A Secluded Hot Spring Loved by Literati, with Waters Bubbling from the Floor
famous-onsenMay 28, 2026· 3min read

Hoshi Onsen: A Secluded Hot Spring Loved by Literati, with Waters Bubbling from the Floor

Nestled in the mountains of Gunma, Hoshi Onsen is famed for the historic Chojukan inn, a registered tangible cultural property. Here you can experience a rare onsen where spring water wells up directly from the floor of the bath. The lukewarm sulfate spring provides a restorative warmth, inviting deep relaxation. Discover the historic spa culture with your Onsen Wellness Journal.

Ikaho Onsen: A Historic Spa Town with Two-Toned Waters
famous-onsenMay 28, 2026· 3min read

Ikaho Onsen: A Historic Spa Town with Two-Toned Waters

Immerse yourself in Ikaho Onsen, a historic spa town praised in ancient Japanese poetry. It features two distinct springs: the iron-rich, brownish 'Kogane-no-yu' and the clear 'Shirogane-no-yu.' The sulfate and iron-rich waters offer restorative warmth and support rejuvenation, making it a perfect wellness escape combined with a stroll along its iconic stone steps.

Manza Onsen: Heavenly Hot Springs at 1,800m with Japan's Richest Sulfur Water
famous-onsenMay 28, 2026· 3min read

Manza Onsen: Heavenly Hot Springs at 1,800m with Japan's Richest Sulfur Water

Discover Manza Onsen, a celestial hot spring village at an altitude of 1,800 meters. Its milky-white waters, boasting the highest sulfur content in Japan, have long been cherished for balneotherapy. The highly acidic spring may support immune system stimulation and promote silky skin, offering a true wellness retreat.

Minakami Onsen-go: A Nature-Rich Hot Spring Resort at the Foot of Mt. Tanigawa
famous-onsenMay 28, 2026· 3min read

Minakami Onsen-go: A Nature-Rich Hot Spring Resort at the Foot of Mt. Tanigawa

Minakami Onsen-go, in northern Gunma, is a collection of hot spring areas nestled in the majestic nature of Mt. Tanigawa. The onsen scattered along the clear Tone River offer deep relaxation, potentially helping to support rejuvenation of both mind and body.