
Major Attractions

湯畑
Yubatake ("Hot Water Field")
Kusatsu is recognized along with Gero and Arima as one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts.
An abundant quality of hot water with a strong acidity of pH2.1, that gives the water strong anti-bacterial powers with superior therapeutic and spiritual qualities, has attracted many people for hundreds of years.
Yubatake is the symbol of Kusatsu Hot Spring.
Located in the center of the spa resort, Yubatake is the source of hot springs that gush as much as 4,000 liters of hot water per minute among clouds of rising steam.
This so-called "hot water field" is surrounded by a promenade made of ceramic roof tiles and a bench in the shape of Mt. Shirane, a nearby volcano. Here, visitors can stroll after taking a bath and relax while enjoying the exotic atmosphere of this unique resort.

熱乃湯(湯もみ)
Netsu-no-Yu Bathhouse
At this traditional bathhouse, visitors can see demonstrations of yumomi and traditional dance done to a local folk song.
A few members of the audience will be selected to try yumomi and will receive a certificate and complimentary gift.
In the evening, traditional "rakugo" comic storytelling performances are given here.
・Yumomi Performancs
<Schedule>
Open throughout a year
(It may be closed due to maintenance or events.)
9:30am/10:00am/10:30am
3:30pm/4:00pm/4:30pm
(Performance is held 6 times a day.)
<Admission Fee>
Adult 600 yen, Child 300 yen
・Yumomi Experience
11:30am-2:00pm
(last acceptance at 1:45pm)
Every Saturday and Sunday as well as on National Holidays
<Admission Fee>
250 yen

西の河原通り
Sai-no-Kawara Street
This is a lively street that extends from Yubatake to Sai-ho-Kawara Park.
Lining the street are traditional Japanese style inns that have accommodated visitors since the 19th century and shops selling traditional sweets.

西の河原公園
Sai-no-Kawara Park
Situated on the west side of Kusatsu, this huge area has numerous wells from which hot water springs out to form a flowing river of hot water amongst large clouds of steam.
Legend says a demon lives here, and visitors should not speak loudly or the demon will appear.

白根神社
Shirane Shrine
Enshrined here is the god Yamato Takeru, who is said to have discovered Kusatsu Hot Spring.
Climbing the steep stone stairs from Yudaki Dori, a street lined with souvenir shops, will bring you to a hill that overlooks entire spa resort.
Surrounded by trees, the shrine precincts are a world apart from the spa's downtown.
A grove of rhododendron bushes blooms in pink flowers during early May in most years.
At the shrine's lively festival each year on July 17 & 18, more than ten portable shrines are paraded through the town.
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
Kusatsu Ski School(Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort)
Japan's first skiing school opened in 1931
In addition to regular courses that teach skiing and snowboarding techniques from basic through advanced, the school also offers nature courses.
On the nature courses, participants use skis and show shoes to walk through snow-laden woods and view the wonders of areas not open to skiers.
Regular Classes
- Registration times
- 8:45 – 9:50 am & 12 – 12:50 pm
- Class times
- 10 am – 12 noon & 1 – 3 pm
Daily Lessons
Offered daily from mid-December through the end of March
Although intended for beginners, lesson contents are adjusted to the level of participants
Lesson Type | Half-day rate | Full-day rate | Days of operation |
---|---|---|---|
Regular Lessons (for junior high school students and above) |
4,000 yen | 5,500 yen | Daily |
Snowboard Lessons (for elementary school students and above) |
4,000 yen | 5,500 yen | Daily |
Private Lessons (maximum: 3 persons) |
13,000 yen | 20,000 yen | weekdays only |
Private Lessons | 18,000 yen | 27,000 yen | Saturdays, Sundays & holidays |
Group Lessons (for groups with a minimum of four persons) |
20,000 yen | 30,000 yen | Daily |
One-Point Lessons | 6,000 yen per hour | Maximum: 2 persons: from 3 pm |

Junior Lessons
Popular lessons geared for small children
Lesson type | Half-day rate | Full-day rate | Days of operation |
---|---|---|---|
Junior Lessons (for elementary school students) |
4,000 yen | 5,500 yen | Saturdays, Sundays & holidays |
Naturing Programs
Nature skiing through snowy woods

Snowshoe Trekking
Walk with snowshoes through the woods.
A way for persons who don't ski or snowboard to enjoy Kusatsu in the winter!
Short course(Reservation required) | |
---|---|
Contents | Walk through the woods and along frozen valleys and streams. Route varies according to weather and snow conditions |
Fee | 4,000 yen/person (reservations required; includes equipment rental) |
Time required | approx. 2 hours |
Participation requirement | minimum of 2 persons |
* Since the courses do not include ski slopes, trekking may be canceled due to snow and weather conditions.
* Contact the Kusatsu Ski School for details.

SAJ Approved Certification Exams
(Badge Tests)
Prize Exam
- Fees and time required depends on course and plan contents
- Since the courses do not include ski slopes, they may be canceled due to snow and weather conditions
- Contact the Kusatsu Ski School for details
Level certification tests are for persons in junior high school and above. However, elementary school students with junior level 1 certification are eligible.
Levels 3 -5 are for elementary school students.
Examination Fees
Exam fee | Official fee | SAJ registration fee | |
---|---|---|---|
Crown | 10,000 yen | 7,000 yen | |
Technical | 10,000 yen | 5,000 yen | |
Level 1 | 7,000 yen | 3,000 yen | 2,000 yen |
Level 2 | 7,000 yen | 2,200 yen | |
Level 3 | 4,500 yen | 1,800 yen | |
Level 4 | 4,000 yen | 1,300 yen | |
Level 5 | 4,000 yen | 1,100 yen |
For inquires and reservations contact the Kusatsu Ski School
TEL: 0279-88-4683 (during ski season) 0279-88-1190 (year round)
FAX: 0279-88-1190 (year round)
Kusatsu Loop Bus
Fare: 100 yen per ride
* Children in elementary school and below are free when accompanied by an adult. Please inform the driver when getting off the bus.
How to ride the loop bus
- Board using the front door. Give way to passengers getting off the bus.
- On-board guidance will announce each stop. Press the button to inform the driver you want to get off.
- Use the front door to get off. Put the exact fare into the fare box.
The loop bus departs from and arrives at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal No. 8 stop.
Timetable