- Bathing
- Outdoor
Kusatsu produces more hot spring water than any other Japanese resort, and Sainokawara Park is where it runs openly through the rocks before filling a vast rotenburo at the head of the valley.
Balnevia view
Why visit
For the walk through the steaming park and then a very large outdoor bath in snow, surrounded by pine forest.
The water
Thermal water
- Source
- Yubatake and Sainokawara sources
- Mineralisation
- Strongly acidic sulphur-chloride, pH about 2
- Character
- Among Japan's most acidic waters; famously antibacterial
Facilities
- Thermal pools
- Outdoor pools
History
Kusatsu Onsen has been recorded since the twelfth century and was ranked among Japan's finest waters by Edo-period physicians.
Practical information
Wash thoroughly before entering; tattoos may be restricted. Separate male and female baths. The water is strongly acidic — remove jewellery.
- Things to do nearby
- Explore nearby activities on GetYourGuide
Getting there
Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi station, then ten minutes on foot from the Yubatake through the park.
Location
Recommendations
Ryokan around the Yubatake
Traditional inns with private onsen
Stay in the centre of Kusatsu, ten minutes from the open-air bath.
Yumomi water-cooling performance
Netsunoyu, Yubatake
The traditional wooden-paddle cooling ritual, performed daily.
Hotels nearby
Explore places to stay near Sainokawara Rotenburo.
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