For having such sweltering summers, Japan’s colder seasons can be surprisingly harsh. As a Texas native, I often find myself dreading even the short walk outside to the train station each morning. Fortunately, thanks to the country’s abundant natural hot springs, there are plenty of places to stay warm during winter, and there is no feeling quite like watching the snowfall while relaxing in one of Japan’s greatest treasures.
One of my favorite spots is the ever-steamy Kusatsu Onsen located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Although the prefecture is well known for its plentiful hot springs and other resorts, Kusatsu stands out among the rest. In fact, this beloved onsen has been voted the top in Japan for many years running. After visiting, it’s easy to understand why.
Not only does Kusatsu have the largest amount of natural, refreshing hot spring water gushing out, but the atmosphere itself is a delight. Since the Edo period, Kusatsu has provided visitors with healing waters, and despite its modern-day popularity, the onsen has preserved that old charm.
The buildings in the area have maintained their old-timey look, and fellow guests can be seen outside in traditional onsen wear as they enjoy a calm walk in the warm, misty air provided by the old Yubatake in the center of the resort which moderates the water’s temperature. But Kusatsu doesn’t just look cozy and old-fashioned from the outside, it is traditional through and through.
Stepping into one of its many nearby ryokan (Japanese inn) is almost like stepping back in time. I stayed at a tiny, rustic ryokan in Kusatsu near the center run by a kind elderly couple who did everything they could to welcome me and ensure that my stay was comfortable and enjoyable.
Even if you’re not an avid hot spring tourist, Kusatsu is worth a visit for its historical and traditional value.
The room was surprisingly warm thanks to the furnace, and the private bath filled by the same water from around the resort ensured I wouldn’t be spending any time shivering in the old, time-worn inn. Staying overnight is the best way to make the most out of your trip because it is so intimate and memorable.
Another way to soak in the full Kusatsu Onsen experience is to join one of the yumomi performances throughout the day. Yumomi is an old technique used to cool the bath while preserving its natural healing qualities by mixing the water with large paddles.
During the show, Japanese women masterfully perform the technique while singing beautiful, traditional folk songs that can be heard throughout the whole resort. They even invite guests to participate during the show by allowing them to handle the paddles themselves and sing along. The presentation is also conveniently given in English.
Even if you’re not an avid hot spring tourist, Kusatsu is worth a visit for its historical and traditional value. It is also a great place to wind down with friends after an exciting skiing trip at one of the nearby slopes in the winter. Some resorts or travel plans even offer busses to take travelers to the famous hot springs after a long day of hiking or skiing.
People travel from all over Japan to visit Kusatsu Onsen because it truly is worth it. This hot spring resort has a lot more to offer than just a nice bath. The experience of Kusatsu is almost indescribable, and visiting in the middle of a long, dreary winter may be just what you need.
Wanna find more hot springs across Japan? Check out our recommendations for where to enjoy naked bathing.
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Kusatsu is high on my list of favorite onsen! Just by chance, we happened to visit during the annual Kusatsu Kanshasai festival ( http://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/cgi-bin/public/matsuri.cgi?p=3 ).
One thing to note is that, sadly, the nearby attraction of Kusatsu-Shirane (a gorgeous bright blue volcanic lake) is closed for the time being because of volcanic activity.
Make me want to go there now!!!!!!!!!