Is Kusatsu Onsen Value Visiting?

I realized in regards to the existence of Kusatsu Onsen from a Japanese pal, who was shocked when she realized that I had by no means been.

“Kusatsu Onsen is understood amongst Japanese because the finest onsen in Japan, by an extended shot,” she instructed me. “Why didn’t you make a brief journey there in your many visits to Takaragawa in Minakami Onsen? It’s additionally in Gunma, in any case—it isn’t far-off.”

The excellent news? I lastly ticked Kusatsu off my record in early 2025. The higher information? I can now reply the query “is Kusatsu Onsen value visiting?”, although as is usually the case there’s a catch.

Why My Reminiscences of Kusatsu Onsen Are Blended

Is Kusatsu Onsen value visiting? My preliminary impulse is to say “sure, after all!”. Kusatsu Onsen is a really spectacular vacation spot, even for an individual like me who actually has been all over the place in Japan. The Yubatake central sq. alone, which features as a distribution machine for the loopy quantity of sizzling water that flows out of the bottom right here, justifies the money and time required to succeed in Kusatsu from wherever else in Japan.

Then again, I actually overdid sightseeing in Kusastu Onsen. I stayed out for hours after sundown, carrying a jacket that realistically was method too skinny for the way chilly the air acquired as soon as evening fell. Trying again, then, it wasn’t a shock that I awakened feeling chills and physique aches, and ultimately ended up coming down with the flu. It wasn’t Kusatsu’s fault, however I’ll at all times affiliate the city with getting and being sick.

5 Causes to Go to Kusatsu Onsen

It’s distinctive

 

From the second you look upon the central Yubatake Sq., whether or not from floor degree or up at Kosen-ji temple, it’s clear the Kusatsu Onsen is not like another sizzling springs city in Japan. That is particularly evident after evening fall, when the sq. lights up in all colours of the rainbow.

It isn’t crowded

 

One other factor that makes Kusatsu value visiting? Regardless of the truth that there are at all times folks round, it merely isn’t that crowded. I by no means noticed various dozen vacationers in any given place, whether or not I used to be strolling outdoors, or inside watching the present at Netsu-no-yu Efficiency Corridor.

It’s compact

 

Though there’s an argument to spend a number of nights in Kusatsu Onsen, you’ll be able to principally see all of the points of interest I’ve listed on this submit in a single evening. That’s as a result of the city is so compact. You may stroll from one finish of the primary sq. to the opposite in 10 minutes, and all locations of word are lower than 10 minutes in any course as properly.

It’s inexpensive

 

As you browse Kusatsu Onsen accommodations, you’ll discover that their costs are particularly reasonable, from higher-end lodging akin to Resort Kanemidori, to less complicated ones like Oyado Yukizumi, which is notable primarily for the truth that it’s proper throughout from the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. 

It’s “on the best way”

 

Talking of the bus station, that is the one method out and in of Kusatsu Onsen. So far as the place you’ll be able to go? Two bullet practice stations: Karuizawa and Takasaki. Situated on the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen traces, respectively, these are successfully “on the best way” from Tokyo to locations like Nagano, Kanazawa and Niigata.

The best way to Get to Kusatsu Onsen

The simplest strategy to attain Kusatsu Onsen is a one-two punch of Shinkansen and bus. You’ll first wish to get to Karuizawa Station, which is in Nagano prefecture and served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Do word that solely slower Asama trains cease right here. In case you board a Hakutaka or Kagayaki practice, it should blow proper previous Karuizawa as if it isn’t even there.

Subsequent, you will want to comply with the indicators to the bus cease and board the Kusakaru Kotsu Bus that’s probably ready for you. These don’t exactly correspond with each bullet practice arrival, however you received’t even have to attend longer than an hour for 2. If the bus isn’t coming quickly, you’ll be able to sit down on the cafe inside Karuizawa Station for warming Japanese curry, udon or soba.

Different FAQ About Visiting Kusatsu Onsen

Why is Kusatsu Onsen well-known?

Though most foreigners have by no means heard it it, Kusatsu Onsen is well-known amongst Japanese for being house to the most important throughput of pure sizzling spring water in the whole nation. This truth has a lot to do with its declare to fame, although as a overseas customer I discover aesthetic points of the city to be extra alluring. 

Does Kusatsu Onsen scent?

Like most sizzling springs cities in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen has a faint scent of sulfur all over the place you go. It’s not overwhelming, nevertheless, and if we’re being sincere your nostril principally modify to its after you’ve been right here for a couple of minutes.

What number of days Kusatsu Onsen?

If I’d had extra time in my final Japan itinerary, I’d have spend two nights in Kusatsu Onsen, somewhat than one. Nonetheless, even if you happen to solely have a single evening like I did, you may get a basic thought of what it’s that makes Kusatsu Onsen such a particular place to go to.

The Backside Line

Is Kusatsu Onsen value visiting? Actually, it’s an interesting place to go to as a foreigner. Regardless of being well-known amongst Japanese vacationers, Kusatsu is a fascinating wonderland that’s stuffed with surprises if you happen to don’t know what to anticipate. From the visible fantastic thing about the central Yubatake to the big variety of sizzling spring experiences obtainable, Kusatsu will exceed all of your expectations (although I’m betting you might have none). Conveniently, it’s straightforward to entry from mainstream locations like Nagano, which makes it much more interesting. Fee a customized Japan itinerary to seamless combine Kusatsu Onsen into your subsequent journey.