12 Recommended Day Trip Hot Springs in Kusatsu! From Natural Hot Springs to Private Open-Air Baths
Kusatsu has many charming day trip hot springs!
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring resort that can be fully enjoyed even on a day trip. You can enjoy the famous high-temperature, highly acidic hot springs in open-air baths, large public baths, and "Awase-yu" (baths with different temperatures). Awase-yu is a traditional bathing method in Kusatsu, where you go through baths of different temperatures, which is expected to promote blood circulation and boost immunity. Yubatake, located in the center of the hot spring town, is a symbol of Kusatsu, where you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of rising steam. There are also many spots where you can easily experience hot spring culture, such as free footbaths and "yumomi" (hot water kneading) experiences. You can fully enjoy the charm of Kusatsu Onsen even in a short time, such as open-air baths surrounded by nature in every season and strolling through the hot spring town lit up at night.
12 Recommended Day Trip Hot Springs in Kusatsu
Nishinokawara Open-Air Bath: An Impressive Open-Air Bath Embraced by Nature
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Nishinokawara Open-Air Bath," a representative of Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, is an impressive open-air bath facility boasting one of the largest areas in Japan, totaling approximately 500m². It is characterized by its strong acidic hot spring (pH 1.7) from the Bandaiko hot spring source, which can be enjoyed amidst nature surrounded by a mixed forest. The open male and female segregated baths, where you can enjoy 360-degree seasonal scenery, are attractive, and there is also a unique time every Friday evening when the male bath becomes mixed-gender. Located in Nishinokawara Park, you can also stroll along the hot spring river. The price is affordable at 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children, making it a recommended day trip hot spring with easy access.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 521-3 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1711 |
| Access | 25 minutes by JR Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line to Kusatsu Onsen, alight at the last stop, then a 15-minute walk. From Shibukawa-Ikaho IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway, 60km on National Route 353, 145, and 292 towards Kusatsu. |
| Parking | Tenguyama No. 1 Parking Lot (free, 300 spaces) |
| Opening hours | April 1 to November 30: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM), December 1 to March 31: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) |
| Price | Adults: 800 yen, Children: 400 yen |
Ohtaki no Yu: A Famous Free-Flowing Hot Spring Known for its "Beautiful Skin" Water
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Ohtaki no Yu" is a hot spring facility in Kusatsu Onsen that uses the Nii-kawa hot spring source, famous for its "beautiful skin" water. The distinctive "awase-yu" (baths with different temperatures) allows visitors to enjoy hot springs that are naturally cooled to an appropriate temperature without diluting them with water. In addition to large public baths and open-air baths, there is also a private bath "Shakunage." The spring quality is acidic sulfur spring (pH 2.1), which is expected to be effective for neuralgia, joint pain, and skin beautification, making it particularly popular with women. On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, a "milky white bath" day is also held. The price is affordable at 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children, making it a recommended day trip hot spring in Kusatsu.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 596-13 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1711 |
| Access | 25 minutes by JR Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line to Kusatsu Onsen, alight at the last stop, then a 15-minute walk. |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) |
| Price | Adults: 1,100 yen, Children: 550 yen (ages 3 to elementary school age) |
Shirahatano-yu: Enjoy an Authentic Hot Spring Next to Kusatsu's Symbol, Yubatake
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Shirahatano-yu" is a popular public bath located near Yubatake, the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. It uses the Shirahata hot spring source, which is the only milky white hot spring in Kusatsu, and is characterized by its strong sulfur content and abundant "yunohana" (hot spring minerals). Legend has it that it was discovered by Minamoto no Yoritomo, offering a hot spring experience that allows you to feel the history of Kusatsu. The spring quality is a strong acidic sulfur spring (pH 2.1), effective for neuralgia and skin diseases. The fact that it can be enjoyed for free is also attractive, and it is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (excluding cleaning hours). There are two baths, one hot and one lukewarm, allowing for temperature adjustment. The retro interior and the scent of sulfur enhance the hot spring atmosphere. Weekday evenings are recommended to avoid crowds. Be sure to pour hot water over yourself before bathing to enjoy the hot spring safely.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 417-1 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | 25 minutes by JR Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line to Kusatsu Onsen, alight at the last stop, then a 5-minute walk. |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Price | Free |
Jizo no Yu: A Gentle-Feeling Public Bath Watched Over by Jizo Statues
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Jizo no Yu," located in the Ura-Kusatsu area of Kusatsu Onsen, is a free public bath beloved by locals. Conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Yubatake, the slightly milky Jizo hot spring water is known for being gentle on the skin and highly effective for skin beautification. The spring quality is a cold mineral spring containing metasilicic acid, which is effective for neuralgia, lower back pain, and fatigue recovery. It is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and tourists can use it freely, excluding cleaning hours. In front of the bathhouse sits the "Eye-Washing Jizo," believed to be effective for eye diseases, making it a historic place of healing. In recent years, redevelopment has progressed, and cafes and libraries have been built in the surrounding area, making it a popular spot to relax with a hot spring bath.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 299 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | 25 minutes by JR Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line to Kusatsu Onsen, alight at the last stop, then a 5-minute walk. |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Price | Free |
Nikawa no Yu: Enjoy Rare Hot Springs, the Hottest in Kusatsu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Nikawa no Yu" is a public bath known for being one of the hottest hot springs in Kusatsu Onsen. It uses the rare Nikawa hot spring source, which is not provided to Kusatsu accommodations. The strong acidic sulfur spring (pH 2.1) with a water temperature of 48.5°C is also renowned as "beautiful skin water." With an abundant outflow of 817 liters per minute, you can enjoy fresh hot spring water that flows directly into the bathtub without exposure to air. The clear, sulfur-scented water quality is loved by locals. Since the water is extremely hot, it is customary to pour hot water over yourself thoroughly and bathe in several stages, local style. Although it is a small facility and may involve waiting during crowded times, the rare hot spring experience is well worth it.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 583 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | Approximately 3-4 minutes on foot from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal/Yubatake |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | – |
| Price | Free |
Chiyono-yu: Easily Enjoy Kusatsu's Classic Yubatake Hot Spring Source
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Chiyono-yu" is a public bath with excellent access, located just a 1-minute walk from Yubatake. It uses the Yubatake hot spring source, which represents Kusatsu Onsen, and is characterized by its soft texture, making it popular among many hot spring enthusiasts. The spring quality is a sulfur-aluminum-sulfate-chloride hot spring, which is expected to be effective for neuralgia and skin diseases. It is loved by tourists and locals alike. Why not enjoy Kusatsu's hot spring culture at Chiyono-yu, where you can easily stop by after sightseeing at Yubatake?
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 367-4 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | 25 minutes by JR Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line to Kusatsu Onsen, alight at the last stop, then a 7-minute walk. |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Price | Free |
Nagi no Yu: A Quiet Bathing Experience in a Hidden Gem Atmosphere
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Nagi no Yu" is a hidden public bath located on the lively Nishinokawara Street in Kusatsu Onsen, yet offering a quiet bathing experience. It is characterized by its semi-underground wooden structure located behind a manju shop and is the only one of Kusatsu's 18 public baths to use the "Nishinokawara hot spring source." The spring water is colorless and transparent, with a tingling sensation, and since the water temperature is high, it is important to adjust it by adding water. The small wooden bathtub is perfect for 1-2 people, offering a sense of privacy, and it is open 24 hours a day (excluding cleaning hours), which is a convenient feature. This hidden gem, which can be enjoyed for free, is recommended for those who want to relax quietly amidst the bustling tourist spots of Kusatsu Onsen.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 496 Otsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | – |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | 24 hours (with cleaning times within this period) |
| Price | Free |
Ruri no Yu: A Healing Moment in a Blue-Shining Bathtub
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Ruri no Yu" is a quiet public bath located near the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal, loved by locals. It uses the Yubatake hot spring source, and its spring quality is an acidic sulfur-aluminum-sulfate-chloride spring (pH 2.1), which is expected to have skin beautifying, warming, and moisturizing effects. The unique hexagonal bathtub is filled with greenish transparent water, and its moderate temperature makes it easy to enter. It also has handrails, making it considerate of the elderly. It is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and is free to use. Unlike bustling tourist spots, it is a place where locals cherish and protect for a peaceful bathing experience. When using it, please follow manners and visit with gratitude.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 54 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | 63m (1-minute walk) from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal |
| Parking | |
| Opening hours | – |
| Price | Free |
Okinoyu: A Traditional Public Bath with a Retro Atmosphere
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Okinoyu" is a public bath located near Nishinokawara Street in Kusatsu Onsen, with a quiet environment and a charming retro atmosphere. It is characterized by its acidic sulfur-aluminum-sulfate-chloride hot spring (pH 2.1, temperature 52.7°C) using the Yubatake hot spring source, and is loved by locals. The concrete bathtub and glass-partitioned interior evoke a retro hot spring ambiance. Many of the baths have relatively warm water, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a relaxing soak. It is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Yubatake and is open 24 hours a day (excluding cleaning hours). This free facility may be overlooked due to its unassuming exterior, but it offers a hot spring experience integrated into daily life in Kusatsu. Tourists are welcome to use it, but please enjoy it while observing manners as it is an important resting place for locals.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 468-4 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | 5 minutes on foot from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal/Yubatake Parking Lot |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | – |
| Price | – |
Tatsumi no Yu: A Hidden Hot Spring with Greenish-Transparent Water
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Tatsumi no Yu" is a public bath located on the east side of Kusatsu Onsen, in a quiet area slightly away from the tourist attractions. This hot spring, loved by local residents, uses the Yubatake hot spring source and is characterized by its greenish-transparent water and slightly warm temperature. It is an acidic sulfur-aluminum-sulfate-chloride hot spring, offering a mild and skin-friendly bathing experience with the characteristic acidity of Kusatsu. The concrete bathtub, approximately 3 meters square, has a wooden rim, and its retro atmosphere is charming. It is available 24 hours a day (excluding cleaning times) and can be enjoyed for free. Equipped with a security chime, it is open to a wide range of people, from local regulars to tourists enjoying hot spring hopping. It is recommended for those who want to spend a quiet and relaxing time.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | Get off at "Tatsumi no Yu" bus stop on the Kusatsu Onsen town circulation bus C-loop route. |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | – |
| Price | Free |
Kimi no Yu: A Hidden Hot Spring in a Residential Area, Featuring a Curved Roof
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Kimi no Yu" is a hidden public bath quietly nestled in the residential area of Kusatsu Onsen. It features a distinctive curved roof exterior and offers hot spring water from the Yubatake source, which is a strong acidic sulfur spring (around pH 2.1). The colorless and transparent water has a sweet alum scent and a slimy texture, making it highly effective for beautiful skin. With a temperature of 41-45°C, the shallow, elongated bathtub (for 4-5 people) is perfect for relaxation. The soft sunlight filtering through the skylight creates a charming atmosphere. It is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (excluding cleaning hours) and can be used for free. Loved by local residents, it is a recommended hot spring for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist areas and spend some quiet time. Its high-quality hot spring experience is highly regarded by hot spring connoisseurs.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma |
| Access | – |
| Parking | – |
| Opening hours | – |
| Price | Free |
Tsutsuji no Yu: Enjoy a Highland Resort Feel Surrounded by Grand Nature
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Tsutsuji no Yu" is a day-trip hot spring facility located in a highland resort in Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture, surrounded by grand nature at an altitude of 1,150 meters. The light green, free-flowing hot spring water has the properties of bicarbonate and chloride springs, which are expected to have skin beautifying and warming effects. In addition to large public baths and open-air baths, a bedrock bath is also available, and the usage fee is an affordable 750 yen. Local specialty products can also be purchased at the facility. There are also tourist spots such as "Aisai no Oka" (Wife's Hill) nearby, where you can enjoy magnificent seasonal views. It is a recommended hot spring for couples, families, and friends, where you can spend a luxurious time refreshing your mind and body.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 930 Tashiro, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1614 |
| Access | Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Manza-Kazawaguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line |
| Parking | 100 spaces |
| Opening hours | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
| Price | – |
Enjoy Kusatsu's Popular Day Trip Hot Springs!
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot springs, known for its abundant hot water and high-quality spring water. Day trip hot spring facilities are also well-equipped, making it widely loved by tourists and locals alike. The appeal is that you can enjoy various bathing styles, from public baths with free-flowing hot spring water to relaxing private open-air baths. In addition, there are plenty of other attractions besides hot springs, such as strolling through the hot spring town and savoring local gourmet food. Combined with the seasonal beauty of nature, it offers the ultimate healing space where you can refresh your mind and body. Why not experience the true essence of Japanese hot spring culture at Kusatsu Onsen? It will surely be an unforgettable memory.