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10 recommended spots in Kusatsu to visit in Spring and Summer
Kusatsu is renowned as one of Japan’s most desirable hot spring retreats, especially during its colder peak season, when the onsen town turns into a snow-covered winter wonderland.
But is that really all we can experience in Kusatsu? Are we missing something here?
As winter melts away and the greenery returns, Kusatsu reveals a different side: one of sunny weather and outdoor fun, with scenic hiking trails, forest adventures, and onsen retreats.
Beyond its all-too-familiar snow and ski slopes, Kusatsu’s alluring blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation transcends seasons, offering year-round, authentic Japanese experiences for every kind of traveler.
Throughout the two days, we explored Kusatsu and its surrounding areas and discovered 10 rarely explored ways to enjoy the town during its off-season: spring and summer.
To fully experience all 10 listed activities, we recommend planning a trip of three or more days.
Address: 158 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (April–November). (Last admission is 4:00 p.m.)
Website: https://www.visit-gunma.jp/en/spots/tenguyama-play-zone/
Address: 446 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website (Japanese only): https://www.kusatsu.ne.jp/kousenji/
Be sure to take full advantage of the free hot spring foot baths scattered throughout Kusatsu by wearing easily removable footwear and bringing a mini towel to dry off.
Address: Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Website (Japanese only): https://www.town.kusatsu.gunma.jp/www/contents/1485304883583/index.html
Address: 479 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check their website for closed days each month.
Website: http://www.kusatsuhotel.com/en/page2
Address: 596-13 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Last admission is 8:00 p.m.)
Website: https://onsen-kusatsu.com/ohtakinoyu/en/
■ Gozanoyu | 御座之湯
Address:421 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 4/1-11/30 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Last admission is 8:30 p.m.)
12/1-3/31 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Last admission is 8:30 p.m.)
Check their website for more information.
Website: https://onsen-kusatsu.com/gozanoyu/en/
■ Sainokawara Rotemburo | 西の河原露天風呂
Address:521-3 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 4/1-11/30 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.)
12/1-3/31 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.)
*Every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.), the open-air bath for men becomes a mixed bath *Excluding specific days. Check their website for more information.
Website: https://onsen-kusatsu.com/sainokawara/en/
The Yumomi technique of cooling bath water, retains the water’s natural properties and has been passed down from generation to generation into the modern age.
Address: Iriyama, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Website: https://www.town.nakanojo.gunma.jp/soshiki/9/1397.html
This cafe’s confectionery seamlessly blends the traditional Japanese flavors of sugared beans and matcha with contemporary charm and hospitality, sweetening every traveler’s visit to Kusatsu.
Address: 92 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day
Website (Japanese only): https://www.instagram.com/hanaingen_seigetsudou/
Address : 618 Kusatsu, Kusautsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours : Reception desk opens at 8:30 a.m., attraction is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Open from late March to late November. From October onwards, operations close around 4:00 p.m. (Reception closes at 3:00 p.m.).
Please refer to the website for more information.
Website (Japanese only): https://www.forest-stage.jp/
For 100 yen, guests can purchase a small bowl of pre-prepared food and hand-feed many different species. A free shuttle bus service also takes visitors to and from the zoo and Kusatsu town center.
Address: 286 Kusatsu, Kusautsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website (Japanese only): http://nettaiken.com/
A full range of rental services are available for a fee, so you can easily enjoy playing without any of your own equipment. All plans include lunch (with an additional charge depending on the menu) and access to drinks on the course, lockers, and more. With an average annual temperature difference of -7.8°C compared to the Kusatsu city center, you can enjoy playing in comfort even during the height of summer. The club’s lodging facilities also provide comfortable accommodations for extended stays.
Address: 3 Kusatsu, Kusautsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.kusatsu-cc.com/
Fees:
equipment rentals: golf clubs from 4,400 yen, golf shoes from 2,200 yen.
Weekdays: 9,970 yen to 15,140 yen (depending on the time of year)
Weekends and holidays: 15,910 yen to 19,540 yen (depending on the time of the year)
View the full fee details on Kusatsu Country Club’s official website.
>> More information(Japanese only): https://www.kusatsu-cc.com/guide/
To secure your place, be sure to reserve your bus ticket in advance at Highwaysbus.com.
▼
Highway bus booking [highwaybus.com]
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official websites before your visit.
But is that really all we can experience in Kusatsu? Are we missing something here?
As winter melts away and the greenery returns, Kusatsu reveals a different side: one of sunny weather and outdoor fun, with scenic hiking trails, forest adventures, and onsen retreats.
Beyond its all-too-familiar snow and ski slopes, Kusatsu’s alluring blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation transcends seasons, offering year-round, authentic Japanese experiences for every kind of traveler.
To learn more about what exactly Kusatsu has to offer, we hopped on the Tokyu Bus from Shibuya and headed there for a one night, two-day stay. Tokyu Bus, a highway express service known for its swift direct routes between major sightseeing destinations, departs from Shibuya Mark City’s 5th floor Bus Terminal, offering an unparalleled travel connection between Tokyo’s vibrant metropolis and Kusatsu’s enduring tranquility.
Throughout the two days, we explored Kusatsu and its surrounding areas and discovered 10 rarely explored ways to enjoy the town during its off-season: spring and summer.
To fully experience all 10 listed activities, we recommend planning a trip of three or more days.
1. Experience Family-Friendly Fun at Tenguyama Play Zone
From late April to early November, Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is transformed into Tenguyama Play Zone, an outdoor adventure park where visitors of all ages can experience a range of activities such as riding carts down the resort slopes and trampolining. You can also ride the Play Zone’s BanZip Tengu, a 500-meter-long zipline that soars up to 108 meters above the ground at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. This outdoor place space is approximately a 23-minute walk or a short car drive away from Kusatsu’s town center and is an ideal destination for casual travelers, experienced outdoor adventurers, and families with children.
Information
Tenguyama Play Zone | 天狗山プレイゾーンAddress: 158 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (April–November). (Last admission is 4:00 p.m.)
Website: https://www.visit-gunma.jp/en/spots/tenguyama-play-zone/
2. See the cherry blossoms at Kosenji Temple
This cherry blossom image is for reference only
Kosenji Temple is a historic temple located directly up the hill from the famous Yubatake Onsen, Kusatsu’s central cultural sites and most photographed spots. The Yakushido Hall is said to have been founded in 271, and Kosenji Temple itself was established in 1200 (Shoji 2). It is an enduring symbol of Kusatsu’s connection to Japan’s Buddhist practices. The grounds feature statues of prominent Buddhist deities and a vibrantly colored, five-story pagoda. Though the temple grounds are spectacular year round, they are particularly so in spring, when a flurry of blooming cherry blossoms grace the site from early to mid-April.
You can also observe the temple’s “Yubatake Candle Yume no Akari” seasonal event that takes place during a specified time each year, during which, approximately 1,200 lit candles are placed on the steps leading up to its grounds. Seasonal variations affect dates, please refer to the official Kusatsu Onsen Tourist Association website for details.
Information
Kosenji Temple | 光泉寺Address: 446 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website (Japanese only): https://www.kusatsu.ne.jp/kousenji/
3. Stroll around Sainokawara Park’s hot spring ponds
Sainokawara Park is a natural hot spring park and is one of Kusatsu’s most visited sites due to its steaming hot spring ponds. The path from Yubatake to Sainokawara Park leads visitors through streets lined with many storefronts carrying local specialties, including half-boiled eggs, sweet beans, sweet miso dango, and steamed fish skewers. During warmer weather, many visitors dress in traditional yukata, stroll through the park, and dip their feet into the park’s foot baths.
Be sure to take full advantage of the free hot spring foot baths scattered throughout Kusatsu by wearing easily removable footwear and bringing a mini towel to dry off.
Information
Sainokawara Park | 西の河原公園Address: Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Website (Japanese only): https://www.town.kusatsu.gunma.jp/www/contents/1485304883583/index.html
4. Dine in at Art Cafe Kusatsu
Located a short walk from Yubatake, Art Cafe Kusatsu and the adjoining Kusatsu Tsurutaro Kataoka Art Museum offer a delightful and culturally enriching experience. The museum is dedicated to the works of Tsurutaro Kataoka, a renowned Japanese actor and artist. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Kataoka’s on-screen work, the museum offers a peaceful space to pause, reflect, and appreciate his artistry. Art Cafe Kusatsu serves a selection of freshly prepared cakes, sandwiches, and beverages, making it the perfect place to relax and refresh while enjoying the artsy atmosphere.
Information
Art Cafe Kusatsu | 草津アートカフェAddress: 479 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check their website for closed days each month.
Website: http://www.kusatsuhotel.com/en/page2
5. Soak in Kusatsu’s Tattoo-Friendly Onsens while enjoying the green scenery
The Otakinoyu hot spring, located east of Yubatake, is renowned for its unique awase-yu baths, a method of soaking in four or five tubs of increasing temperatures to gradually acclimate to the hot water.Alternatively, Gozanoyu, situated near Yubatake, features a wooden building reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture, replicating structures from the Edo to Meiji periods. Here, you can enjoy bathing in waters drawn from two distinct hot spring sources, allowing you to experience the subtle differences between them. For a totally outdoor experience, Sainokawara Rotenburo, located adjacent to Sainokawara Park, offers expansive open-air baths surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Particularly beautiful in spring, when the surrounding greenery is vibrant, this outdoor bath provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where all visitors can experience the essence of Kusatsu’s hot springs.
Pictures courtesy of Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association
Pictures courtesy of Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association
Pictures courtesy of Visit Gunma
■ Otakinoyu | 大滝乃湯
Address: 596-13 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Last admission is 8:00 p.m.)
Website: https://onsen-kusatsu.com/ohtakinoyu/en/
■ Gozanoyu | 御座之湯
Address:421 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 4/1-11/30 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Last admission is 8:30 p.m.)
12/1-3/31 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Last admission is 8:30 p.m.)
Check their website for more information.
Website: https://onsen-kusatsu.com/gozanoyu/en/
■ Sainokawara Rotemburo | 西の河原露天風呂
Address:521-3 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 4/1-11/30 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.)
12/1-3/31 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.)
*Every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.), the open-air bath for men becomes a mixed bath *Excluding specific days. Check their website for more information.
Website: https://onsen-kusatsu.com/sainokawara/en/
For those wanting to experience Kusatsu's bath and onsen culture while staying completely dry, Netsunoyu onsen venue’s Yumomi dance daily shows invite you to watch a performance of the traditional hot spring cooling method that has been practiced for centuries. During the show, kimono-clad women stand on the onsen bath’s edge and use long wooden paddles to mix and launch water into the air to aerate and cool it.
The Yumomi technique of cooling bath water, retains the water’s natural properties and has been passed down from generation to generation into the modern age.
■ Yumomi Dance Show at Netsunoyu | 熱乃湯「湯もみと踊り」ショー
Address: 414 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Performed daily at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Performances are approximately 20 minutes, and times and other details are subject to change depending on the season. Please visit the official website for details.
Website: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/netsunoyu/
6. Explore the Unique Natural Environment of Yoshigadaira Wetlands
Pictures courtesy of Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association
Pictures courtesy of Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association
Stretching across the northeastern flank of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane within Joshin’etsukogen National Park, the Yoshigadaira Wetlands offer visitors a serene and accessible natural retreat amidst one of Japan’s richest natural landscapes. The wetlands’ unique mosaic of moors, ponds, and streams shaped by past volcanic activity supports over 500 species of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered. Easily reachable via the scenic Shibu Pass hiking trail, the wetlands provide outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, stargazing, and savoring local cuisine at the on-site restaurant, Yoshigadaira Hutte. To ensure your safety when hiking, be sure to prepare suitable outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear in advance.
Information
Yoshigadaira Wetlands | 芳ヶ平湿原Address: Iriyama, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Website: https://www.town.nakanojo.gunma.jp/soshiki/9/1397.html
7. Indulge in picture-perfect sweets at Kusatsu Hanaingen Seigestudou Cafe
Hanaingen Seigetsudou Cafe, a charming establishment produced by Kusatsu’s long-established Japanese confectionery store, offers visitors a delightful retreat within walking distance of Yubatake. This cafe’s menu features onsen-themed drinks and sweets, providing a perfect setting for guests to relax and indulge in local delicacies. With two year-round locations in Kusatsu, Hanaingen Seigetsudou Cafe is easily accessible, making it an ideal pit stop.
This cafe’s confectionery seamlessly blends the traditional Japanese flavors of sugared beans and matcha with contemporary charm and hospitality, sweetening every traveler’s visit to Kusatsu.
Information
Seigestudou Cafe Monzen Dori Store | 清月堂カフェ 花いんげん 門前通り店Address: 92 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day
Website (Japanese only): https://www.instagram.com/hanaingen_seigetsudou/
8. Zip Line through Kusatsu Forest Stage
Located within Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Village’s grounds, Kusatsu Forest Stage offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure, inviting visitors to navigate a series of 31 course challenges amidst the forest canopy. Adjacent to the Forest Stage, Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Village hosts a variety of facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, a game corner, and tennis courts, ensuring a comprehensive recreational experience for all guests.
Information
Kusatsu Forest Stage | 草津フォレストステージAddress : 618 Kusatsu, Kusautsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours : Reception desk opens at 8:30 a.m., attraction is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Open from late March to late November. From October onwards, operations close around 4:00 p.m. (Reception closes at 3:00 p.m.).
Please refer to the website for more information.
Website (Japanese only): https://www.forest-stage.jp/
9. Surround yourself with flora and fauna at Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland
Located on the outskirts of the town center, Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland offers you the chance to see and interact with a diverse range of Japanese and exotic animals. Home to over 200 species primarily from subtropical regions, Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland sets itself apart from conventional zoos with its close-up enclosures with animals, including monkeys, capybaras, owls, and more. As Japan’s highest-altitude zoo, sitting at an elevation of 1,165 meters, it provides a one-of-a-kind experience, especially for visitors with young children.
For 100 yen, guests can purchase a small bowl of pre-prepared food and hand-feed many different species. A free shuttle bus service also takes visitors to and from the zoo and Kusatsu town center.
Information
Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland | 草津熱帯圏Address: 286 Kusatsu, Kusautsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website (Japanese only): http://nettaiken.com/
10. Get your Golf on at Kusatsu Country Club
Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Kusatsu’s south, Kusatsu Country Club stands as a premier golfing destination, offering an 18-hole, par-72 championship course.
A full range of rental services are available for a fee, so you can easily enjoy playing without any of your own equipment. All plans include lunch (with an additional charge depending on the menu) and access to drinks on the course, lockers, and more. With an average annual temperature difference of -7.8°C compared to the Kusatsu city center, you can enjoy playing in comfort even during the height of summer. The club’s lodging facilities also provide comfortable accommodations for extended stays.
Information
Kusatsu Country Club | 草津カントリークラブAddress: 3 Kusatsu, Kusautsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma (MAP)
Hours: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.kusatsu-cc.com/
Fees:
equipment rentals: golf clubs from 4,400 yen, golf shoes from 2,200 yen.
Weekdays: 9,970 yen to 15,140 yen (depending on the time of year)
Weekends and holidays: 15,910 yen to 19,540 yen (depending on the time of the year)
View the full fee details on Kusatsu Country Club’s official website.
>> More information(Japanese only): https://www.kusatsu-cc.com/guide/
Travel in Comfort
The most convenient way to travel to Kusatsu from central Tokyo is by Tokyu Bus, available twice daily via Shibuya Mark City, a multi-functional complex beside Shibuya Station. Each Tokyu Bus has facilities to enhance passenger comfort, including free and unlimited Wi-Fi, charging ports, reclinable seating, and an onboard restroom. Along the route, passengers can also enjoy a 15- to 20-minute rest stop, allowing you to stretch your legs and pick up a snack or souvenir from the rest area’s stores. Bus tickets can be reserved in advance online or purchased on the day of travel at the Shibuya Mark City Highway Bus Waiting Room, subject to seat availability. Upon arrival at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, you will find coin lockers of various sizes to securely store your belongings, making it even easier to explore the town before check-in time.
Information
For more bus schedules and reservation information, please visit the Tokyu Bus Timetable 2025.To secure your place, be sure to reserve your bus ticket in advance at Highwaysbus.com.
▼
Highway bus booking [highwaybus.com]
*The above article is based on information from March 2025.
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official websites before your visit.
＊Sponsored by：Tokyu bus corporation ＊PR
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 03 28,2025 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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