I learned about the existence of Kusatsu Onsen from a Japanese friend, who was shocked when she learned that I had never been.
“Kusatsu Onsen is known among Japanese as the best onsen in Japan, by a long shot,” she told me. “Why didn’t you make a short trip there on your many visits to Takaragawa in Minakami Onsen? It’s also in Gunma, after all—it isn’t far away.”
The good news? I finally ticked Kusatsu off my list in early 2025. The better news? I can now answer the question “is Kusatsu Onsen worth visiting?”, though as is often the case there is a catch.
Why My Memories of Kusatsu Onsen Are Mixed
Is Kusatsu Onsen worth visiting? My initial impulse is to say “yes, of course!”. Kusatsu Onsen is a truly impressive destination, even for a person like me who literally has been everywhere in Japan. The Yubatake central square alone, which functions as a distribution device for the crazy amount of hot water that flows out of the ground here, justifies the time and money required to reach Kusatsu from anywhere else in Japan.
On the other hand, I really overdid sightseeing in Kusastu Onsen. I stayed out for hours after sunset, wearing a jacket that realistically was way too thin for how cold the air got once night fell. Looking back, then, it wasn’t a surprise that I woke up feeling chills and body aches, and eventually ended up coming down with the flu. It wasn’t Kusatsu’s fault, but I will always associate the town with getting and being sick.
5 Reasons to Visit Kusatsu Onsen
It’s unique
From the moment you look upon the central Yubatake Square, whether from ground level or up at Kosen-ji temple, it’s clear the Kusatsu Onsen is unlike any other hot springs town in Japan. This is especially evident after night fall, when the square lights up in all colors of the rainbow.
It isn’t crowded
Another thing that makes Kusatsu worth visiting? In spite of the fact that there are always people around, it simply isn’t that crowded. I never saw more than a few dozen tourists in any given place, whether I was strolling outside, or inside watching the show at Netsu-no-yu Performance Hall.
It’s compact
Although there’s an argument to spend multiple nights in Kusatsu Onsen, you can basically see all the attractions I’ve listed in this post in a single night. That’s because the town is so compact. You can walk from one end of the main square to the other in 10 minutes, and all places of note are less than 10 minutes in any direction as well.
It’s affordable
As you browse Kusatsu Onsen hotels, you’ll notice that their prices are very fair, from higher-end lodging such as Hotel Kanemidori, to simpler ones like Oyado Yukizumi, which is notable primarily for the fact that it is right across from the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
It’s “on the way”
Speaking of the bus station, this is the only way in and out of Kusatsu Onsen. As far as where you can go? Two bullet train stations: Karuizawa and Takasaki. Located on the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines, respectively, these are effectively “on the way” from Tokyo to destinations like Nagano, Kanazawa and Niigata.
How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen
The easiest way to reach Kusatsu Onsen is a one-two punch of Shinkansen and bus. You’ll first want to get to Karuizawa Station, which is in Nagano prefecture and served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Do note that only slower Asama trains stop here. If you board a Hakutaka or Kagayaki train, it will blow right past Karuizawa as if it isn’t even there.
Next, you will need to follow the signs to the bus stop and board the Kusakaru Kotsu Bus that’s likely waiting for you. These don’t precisely correspond with every bullet train arrival, but you won’t even have to wait longer than an hour for two. If the bus isn’t coming soon, you can sit down at the cafe within Karuizawa Station for warming Japanese curry, udon or soba.
Other FAQ About Visiting Kusatsu Onsen
Why is Kusatsu Onsen famous?
Although most foreigners have never heard it it, Kusatsu Onsen is well-known among Japanese for being home to the largest throughput of natural hot spring water in the entire country. This fact has much to do with its claim to fame, even though as a foreign visitor I find aesthetic aspects of the town to be more alluring.
Does Kusatsu Onsen smell?
Like most hot springs towns in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen has a faint smell of sulfur everywhere you go. It’s not overwhelming, however, and if we’re being honest your nose mostly adjust to its after you’ve been here for a few minutes.
How many days Kusatsu Onsen?
If I’d had more time in my last Japan itinerary, I’d have spend two nights in Kusatsu Onsen, rather than one. However, even if you only have a single night like I did, you can get a general idea of what it is that makes Kusatsu Onsen such a special place to visit.
The Bottom Line
Is Kusatsu Onsen worth visiting? Certainly, it’s a fascinating place to visit as a foreigner. In spite of being well-known among Japanese travelers, Kusatsu is a captivating wonderland that’s full of surprises if you don’t know what to expect. From the visual beauty of the central Yubatake to the wide variety of hot spring experiences available, Kusatsu will exceed all your expectations (even though I’m betting you have none). Conveniently, it’s easy to access from mainstream destinations like Nagano, which makes it even more appealing. Commission a custom Japan itinerary to seamless integrate Kusatsu Onsen into your next trip.
