Among all the hot spring towns in Gunma, Kusatsu Onsen stands as the most widely recognized and deeply symbolic. Frequently ranked among Japan’s top onsen destinations, Kusatsu represents the heart of Gunma Onsen culture, where powerful waters, long-standing rituals, and town life revolve entirely around bathing.
More than just a famous resort, Kusatsu Onsen reflects how hot springs have shaped communities, beliefs, and travel traditions in Japan for centuries. Visiting Kusatsu is not only about soaking in hot water, but about stepping into a living culture that continues to evolve while staying rooted in the past.
One of Japan’s Strongest Hot Springs
Kusatsu Onsen is known for its exceptionally high volume of natural hot spring water. Millions of liters of hot water gush out daily, much of it flowing directly from underground sources without artificial pumping. This abundance has allowed the town to develop openly around its springs, with water channels, steam, and the scent of minerals present throughout the streets.
The water itself is famously acidic, a characteristic that sets Kusatsu apart from many other onsen areas. Historically, this acidity was believed to have strong antibacterial properties, leading to Kusatsu’s reputation as a place of healing. Even today, many visitors come specifically for the perceived health benefits of Kusatsu’s waters.
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The Central Role of Yubatake
At the heart of Kusatsu lies the Yubatake, or “hot water field,” an iconic wooden structure where hot spring water is cooled and distributed throughout the town. More than an engineering solution, Yubatake is a cultural symbol. It represents the idea that onsen water is a shared natural resource, carefully managed for the benefit of the entire community.
Around the Yubatake, daily life unfolds. Locals walk past it on their way to work, travelers gather to take photos, and steam rises constantly into the mountain air. At night, soft lighting transforms the area into a calm, almost ceremonial space, reinforcing Kusatsu’s timeless atmosphere.
Yumomi and the Ritual of Cooling Water
One of Kusatsu’s most distinctive traditions is yumomi, a ritual method of cooling hot spring water by stirring it with large wooden paddles. Unlike modern cooling systems, yumomi preserves the natural properties of the water while making it suitable for bathing.
Historically performed by locals, yumomi also developed into a cultural performance accompanied by folk songs. While visitors may encounter staged demonstrations today, the practice itself reflects a deeper philosophy: hot spring water should be handled with respect, not altered unnecessarily. This mindset continues to influence how Gunma Onsen towns value natural bathing.
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A Town Built Around Bathing
Kusatsu Onsen is not simply a destination with baths added later. The town itself exists because of the hot springs. Streets radiate outward from the Yubatake, inns cluster near major water sources, and public bathhouses remain integral to community life.
Even travelers staying in ryokan are encouraged to explore the town’s public baths, reinforcing a sense of shared experience. This openness distinguishes Kusatsu from more private or luxury-oriented onsen resorts, making it accessible and welcoming to a wide range of visitors.
Seasonal Beauty and Changing Impressions
Each season brings a different expression of Kusatsu Onsen. Winter transforms the town into a snowy retreat, with steaming outdoor baths offering contrast against white landscapes. Spring and summer reveal lush greenery and cool mountain air, while autumn colors frame the town in warm tones.
These seasonal shifts enhance Kusatsu’s appeal for repeat visitors. The experience of bathing remains central, but the surrounding environment continually changes, adding new layers to each visit.
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Kusatsu’s Place in Gunma Onsen Culture
Within the broader context of Gunma Onsen, Kusatsu serves as both a gateway and a benchmark. Many travelers begin their Gunma onsen journey here, forming expectations shaped by Kusatsu’s strong water, vibrant town center, and visible traditions.
At the same time, Kusatsu sets a cultural standard that influences other onsen towns in the prefecture. Respect for natural water sources, communal bathing practices, and long-term stays for rest and recovery all trace their roots back to places like Kusatsu.
A Living Tradition, Not a Museum
Despite its fame, Kusatsu Onsen has avoided becoming a static tourist display. Locals continue to live, work, and bathe here as they have for generations. Shops adapt to modern travelers, yet the rhythm of daily life remains centered on the hot springs.
This balance between preservation and practicality is what gives Kusatsu its enduring charm. Visitors are not simply observing tradition; they are temporarily stepping into it.
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Why Kusatsu Still Matters
In today’s fast-paced travel culture, Kusatsu Onsen offers something increasingly rare: depth. It invites visitors to slow down, soak repeatedly, and engage with a place shaped almost entirely by water and time.
As part of the wider Gunma Onsen landscape, Kusatsu continues to define what Japanese hot spring culture can be when tradition, community, and nature remain closely connected.
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