Kusatsu Onsen (草津町) Travel Guide & City Profile

最終確認日 · 掲載されている料金（円 / ¥）は目安です。October 24, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Kusatsu (草津町, Kusatsu-machi) is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. In September 2020, the town had a population of 6,255, in 3,407 households, and a population density of 130 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 249.75 square kilometres (96.43 sq mi). Kusatsu is one of the most famous hot springs resorts in Japan.

Within Gunma Prefecture (Kanto region), Kusatsu Onsen (草津町) serves as a historic onsen town in gunma prefecture. Travelers exploring Gunma often combine a stop in Kusatsu Onsen with regional highlights such as Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls.

Getting to Kusatsu Onsen & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)): 50m from Tokyo Station to Takasaki on the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to local JR lines and highway buses to Kusatsu and Ikaho.

• Local rail & IC cards: Once in Gunma Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Maebashi with Kusatsu Onsen. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Gunma have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kusatsu Onsen en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kusatsu Onsen are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Gunma can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

Kusatsu Onsen & Gunmaの名物グルメ・郷土料理

Kusatsu Onsenでは、GunmaおよびKanto地方ならではの豊かな食文化を楽しめます。訪問時にぜひ味わいたい名物料理はこちらです：

• Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles) — a signature specialty across Gunma Prefecture.
• Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew) — a signature specialty across Gunma Prefecture.
• Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns) — a signature specialty across Gunma Prefecture.
• Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork — a signature specialty across Gunma Prefecture.
• Shimonita negi (giant leeks) — a signature specialty across Gunma Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kusatsu Onsen.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

Year-round for hot springs; July–August for cool Oze National Park boardwalks; October for Minakami &谷川岳 (Mount Tanigawa) autumn leaves; winter for snow onsen.

Regional highlights across Gunma Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kusatsu Onsen include: Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls.

Kusatsu Onsen旅行の実用アドバイス・注意点

• Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)) or major stations in Gunma Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
• Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kusatsu Onsen accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
• Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.