Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
- Location
- Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
- Temperature
- 60 °C
- pH
- 2
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Bio-active
LowHigh
Rich in active gases or metals — a strong mineral character.
Buoyancy
Standard buoyancy
LowHigh
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
Acide sulfatée chlorurée
At the center of the hot spring town of Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture, the Yubatake — literally "hot water field" — is the source that feeds the resort with the largest volume of naturally occurring hot spring water in Japan. Since the Edo period, this mineral-rich water has been stirred with wide wooden paddles using the traditional yumomi technique. Legend traces Kusatsu's origins back to the 2nd century.
Insider tip — Kusatsu's water is among the hottest and most acidic in Japan. Catch the 'yumomi' ritual at the Netsu-no-Yu, where large wooden paddles stir the water to the rhythm of traditional songs to cool it without diluting it. In the evening, the Yubatake — the steaming wooden water field at the village centre — is beautifully lit up and not to be missed.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 60 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features sulfurous & acidic water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.