Kusatsu Onsen Day 1 - Exploring Yubatake, Hot Spring Town & Traditional Ryokan
On September 1st, 2023, my journey to Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs, began. This first day was filled with the breathtaking Yubatake (hot spring source), the charm of the traditional hot spring town, delicious local cuisine, and luxurious time at a traditional ryokan.
Departure to Arrival
Stopping at a highway service area before departure
We left early in the morning and traveled to Kusatsu Onsen via highway. Along the way, we took breaks at service areas while making our way deep into Gunma Prefecture’s mountainous region.
Inside the service area
Well-stocked souvenir corner
Taking a break at the service area Starbucks
View from the highway
Arriving at Kusatsu Onsen
Arrived at Kusatsu Onsen town. Traditional hot spring ryokans line the streets
In the afternoon, we finally arrived at Kusatsu Onsen! The hot spring town nestled in the mountains presented a beautiful landscape that heightened our expectations.
The atmospheric streets of the hot spring town
The Magnificent Yubatake
When it comes to Kusatsu Onsen, nothing beats the “Yubatake” (hot spring source field)! I was moved by the overwhelming scale that truly befits one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs.
Panoramic view of Yubatake, the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen
Taking a memorial photo with Yubatake in the background
Close-up of the flowing hot spring water at Yubatake
The Yubatake, where 32,300 liters of hot spring water gush out every minute, is truly the heart of Kusatsu Onsen. The dancing yu-no-hana (hot spring flowers) could be watched for hours without getting tired.
Strolling Through the Atmospheric Town
Interior of a charming coffee shop
Shop interior with old-fashioned atmosphere
Old tools are displayed inside the shop
While exploring the hot spring town, I discovered a traditional coffee shop. Inside, old folk tools were displayed, allowing me to feel the history of Kusatsu.
Exquisite Local Cuisine
Dewar’s highball with delicious food
Gunma specialty - maitake mushroom tempura
Crispy maitake tempura - absolutely delicious!
For lunch, we visited a popular local izakaya. The tempura made with Gunma Prefecture’s maitake mushrooms was exquisite with its crispy texture and deep flavor! It paired perfectly with the highball.
Nature Walk
Riverside at the foot of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane
Beautiful volcanic riverside landscape
Artistic landscape created by nature
After exploring around Yubatake, we visited the riverside at the foot of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. The unique landscape created by volcanic terrain is truly a work of natural art.
Checking into the Ryokan
The ryokan where we stayed
In the evening, we checked into the ryokan where we’d spend the night. It’s a building with the traditional charm typical of Kusatsu Onsen.
Calm Japanese-style guest room
Interior view of the guest room from the entrance
Beautiful mountain range visible from the guest room
The guest room was a traditional Japanese-style room with a panoramic view of Kusatsu’s beautiful mountains from the window. We immediately changed into yukata and fully enjoyed the hot spring atmosphere!
Luxurious Dinner at the Ryokan
Dinner menu at Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Resort
Beautifully presented appetizers
Hot spring egg dish unique to this area
Draft beer with seasonal small dishes
Elegant dessert to conclude the meal
Dinner was the ryokan’s specialty kaiseki cuisine. Every dish made with abundant local ingredients was exquisite. The dishes using hot spring eggs were particularly unique to Kusatsu’s distinctive flavors.
Evening Yubatake Illumination
Beautifully illuminated Yubatake
Yubatake creates a mystical atmosphere at night
Yubatake illuminated in blue light
Beautiful spectacle woven by steam and light
Hot spring flow and illumination
Yubatake’s wooden walkways also illuminated
The entire hot spring town mystically illuminated
At night, Yubatake is beautifully illuminated, showing a completely different mystical expression from during the day. The steam illuminated in blue light was truly spectacular! Many tourists were enjoying taking commemorative photos.
Evening Hot Spring Town Stroll
Illuminated Goza-no-Yu
Kusatsu Sankosen-ji Temple at night
After viewing the illumination, we strolled through the hot spring town at night. With its different atmosphere from daytime, we fully enjoyed the unique pleasures of a hot spring town at night.
Relaxing at the Library Corner
Well-equipped library corner at the ryokan
The ryokan had a well-stocked library corner, perfect for relaxation time after warming up in the hot springs.
Late Night Snacks
Rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves
Dessert-like sweet treats
Special dish made with hot spring water
For a late-night snack, we enjoyed local cuisine-style rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves and sweet treats. This is the kind of luxury unique to hot spring travel.
End of Day 1
Yubatake at the end of the day
At the end of the day, we visited Yubatake once more. The quiet Yubatake at night had a beauty of tranquility different from the daytime bustle.
Day 1 Summary
The first day of Kusatsu Onsen exceeded all expectations:
🌟 Highlights:
- Overwhelming beauty of Yubatake - Both day and night illumination
- Gunma specialty maitake tempura - Exquisite crispy texture
- Charm of the hot spring town - Traditional atmosphere
- Ryokan kaiseki cuisine - Deliciousness of local ingredients
- Mystical night scenery - Illuminated Yubatake
Tomorrow we plan to enjoy more hot springs at Otaki-no-Yu and savor even more local cuisine!
📍 Access: Kan-Etsu Expressway Shibukawa Ikaho IC → via National Routes 17 & 353, about 1 hour
🏨 Accommodation: Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Resort
⭐ Recommendation Level: ★★★★★