Kusatsu, Japan
Explore Kusatsu Onsen, located in Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, not Kusatsu City. Here is an introduction to Kusatsu Onsen:
Features and Advantages
- Excellent water quality: Kusatsu Onsen is a strong acidic sulfur spring with a pH value of 1.7 to 2.1. It has strong bactericidal power and can kill bacteria and harmful microorganisms in seconds. The spring water contains sulfur, aluminum, sulfate, chloride, and other components, which are effective for many diseases and can also beautify the skin.
- Large output: Kusatsu Onsen has the largest natural output of any hot spring in Japan, with about 40,000 liters per minute. There are more than 100 natural springs, with water temperatures ranging from 25°C to 96°C.
- Pure natural hot spring: Kusatsu Onsen adheres to the "spring quality principle" and uses only pure natural spring water from the source, without heating, boiling, cooling, or recycling.
Culture and Activities
- Yumomi performance: This is a unique traditional activity at Kusatsu Onsen. In the past, people used long wooden boards to stir the spring water in the bath to lower the temperature. Today, it has become a popular performance, usually held from April to November.
- Mineral crystal collection: The wooden pipes of the Yubatake are temporarily blocked four times a year to collect mineral crystals by hand. Only about 7,000 to 8,000 crystals can be collected each year, making them very precious. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate.
Main Hot Spring Baths
- Otaki no Yu: This bath attracts visitors with its large bath, waterfall, and mixed-gender hot spring with different structures for men and women. "White Turbid Water" days are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
- Goza no Yu: Located in Yubatake, this bath is a reconstruction of a building from the Edo to Meiji periods. The wooden structure, cedar roof, and plaster walls exude an ancient charm.
- Sainokawara Open-air Bath: This is one of the largest open-air baths in Kusatsu Onsen, with a total area of 500 square meters for men and women. Surrounded by natural scenery, it offers different views with the changing seasons.