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Major Attractions

Kusatsu Town Office Major Attractions

湯畑

Yubatake ("Hot Water Field")

yubatake

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.

Netsu-no-Yu Bathhouse

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 requiredapprox. 2 hours
Participation requirementminimum 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

  1. Board using the front door. Give way to passengers getting off the bus.
  2. On-board guidance will announce each stop. Press the button to inform the driver you want to get off.
  3. 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