Kusatsu Onsen is a famous hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture, accessible from Tokyo by train or a direct highway bus. The town centers around the iconic Yubatake, a large wooden cooling field where mineral-rich water flows constantly. Visitors can experience traditional customs like the yumomi water-cooling performances at Netsu-no-yu or explore the outdoor trails in Sainokawara Park. With multiple public baths and traditional ryokan accommodations, this mountain destination attracts travelers seeking a winter hot spring escape.
Winter Train Trip from Tokyo to Hotel Spax Kusatsu and Jizo-no-yu
Mona takes a winter train journey from Tokyo to Gunma for a one-night, two-day trip to Kusatsu Onsen. She starts by visiting the central Yubatake water source before taking a morning walk through Sainokawara Park. After a local food crawl, she watches the traditional yumomi and dance performance at Netsu-no-yu. Mona then explores the quieter Ura-Kusatsu area and relaxes at the Jizo-no-yu private hot spring. She checks into Hotel Spax Kusatsu for dinner, views the illuminated Yubatake and Kosenji Temple at night, and ends her trip at Seigetsudou Cafe Hana Ingen.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Jizo-no-yu
- 💡 Best for: Solo Travelers, Relaxing Escapes
Exploring Yubatake, Street Food, and Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort with Seerasan
Seera explores Kusatsu Onsen alongside companion Riko during a trip supported by the Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association. They begin at the central Yubatake to try the public footbath and witness the traditional water cooling ritual. For street food, they stop for local items like hot amazake, pudding, and a pork bun. The itinerary includes a walk through Ura Kusatsu to see local statues and footbaths, followed by a visit to Sainokawara Park. Finally, they showcase a traditional ryokan stay with an outdoor private onsen and a multi-course dinner before heading to Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
- 💡 Best for: Foodies, Winter Sports Fans
Four Days in Gunma: Kusatsu Onsen Naraya Ryokan and Takaragawa Onsen
Suitcase Monkey guides viewers through a four-day winter itinerary across Gunma Prefecture, starting with transport tips from Tokyo to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. The video highlights luxury and moderate ryokan options, including Kusatsu Onsen Naraya, Bettei Senjuan, and Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku. They film inside the hot springs and showcase traditional multi-course kaiseki meals served at these properties. In addition to onsen towns, they travel to Minakami Kogen Ski Resort for mountain views and winter sports. The journey concludes in Takasaki, a city famous for being the home of Daruma dolls.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kusatsu Onsen Naraya Ryokan
- 💡 Best for: Luxury Travelers, Onsen Enthusiasts
Heavy Snow and Night Lights at Yubatake
ITSUKA JAPAN captures a sudden, heavy snowfall that transforms the landscape of Kusatsu Onsen overnight. The video focuses on the illuminated Yubatake water source glowing through the falling snow. Steam rises from the hot spring channels while snow piles onto the wooden structures.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Yubatake
- 💡 Best for: Nature Lovers, Winter Photographers
Yumomi Shows at Netsunoyu and Shopping at Rilakkuma no Yu
Sana travels to Kusatsu Onsen to experience local cultural performances and unique character shops. She visits the central Yubatake before stopping by the Rilakkuma no Yu and the Ghibli Store (Donguri Kyowakoku). At Netsunoyu, she watches the traditional Yumomi performance, then highlights a unique monkey Yumomi show at Osayu. After checking into Hotel Sakurai for dinner, a taiko show, and local baths, she takes a night walk around the illuminated central square. The trip continues with stops at Lift Up Coffee, Seigetsudo sweets shop, Sainokawara Park, and the Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Rilakkuma no Yu
- 💡 Best for: Families, Pop Culture Fans
Planning a Four-Hour Winter Bus Trip from Tokyo to Kusatsu
Most Wandered highlights a winter escape to Kusatsu Onsen, which is reached via a four-hour bus ride from Tokyo. The creator shares scenes of the snow-covered hot spring town and emphasizes the importance of booking a traditional ryokan. The footage showcases the steaming thermal waters contrasted against the cold winter climate.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Various spots in Kusatsu
- 💡 Best for: Weekend Travelers, Winter Explorers
Tattoo-Friendly Public Baths and Yuyado Toki no Niwa Ryokan
Hangry By Nature highlights Kusatsu Onsen as a tattoo-friendly hot spring destination located roughly three and a half hours from Tokyo. The creator points out that many of the town’s public baths are free to use. To show lodging options, they tour Yuyado Toki no Niwa, a luxury ryokan offering mountain views.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Yuyado Toki no Niwa
- 💡 Best for: Couples, Tattooed Travelers
Learning to Ski at Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort with Dane and Stacey
Dane and Stacey travel to Gunma Prefecture in January to document the winter snow season. The video follows the couple as they learn to ski at the Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort. After spending the day on the ski slopes, they transition to exploring the historic hot spring town. They tour the famous central Yubatake area and visit Sainokawara to show how visitors can combine skiing and hot springs in one trip.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
- 💡 Best for: Active Travelers, Couples
Visual Atmosphere of Kusatsu Onsen
Explo_Japan 2.0 presents brief atmospheric footage of Kusatsu Onsen. The video highlights the rising steam from the hot spring waters and the historic wooden architecture of the town. Viewers get a quick look at the central bath structures in Gunma Prefecture.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Various spots in Kusatsu
- 💡 Best for: Quick Planners, Visual Travelers
Natural Mineral Water Rules and Yubatake Etiquette
The Indi Girl explores the famous Yubatake field in Kusatsu Onsen, highlighting the high temperature and rich healing minerals of the water. The video outlines traditional rules, explaining that visitors must wash their bodies before bathing and that swimwear is not allowed. She also notes the local restrictions on tattoos at certain public facilities.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Yubatake
- 💡 Best for: First-Time Visitors, Cultural Explorers
