Kusatsu is a charming town located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. It is renowned for its natural hot springs and picturesque landscapes,…
Best for you if…
Kusatsu is a strong pick for onsen (hot springs) & sightseeing — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Spring and Autumn.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 96/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈14.3 km span)
High season: Spring and Autumn
Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · March · November · December
10°C - 20°C
10°C - 20°C
20°C - 30°C
-5°C - 5°C
Kusatsu is a beautiful resort town located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. Known for its hot springs and stunning natural scenery, Kusatsu is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here are a few ways to reach Kusatsu:
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to reach Kusatsu is by train. From Tokyo, you can take the JR Limited Express train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, which is the nearest station to Kusatsu. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, you can then take a bus or taxi to reach Kusatsu Onsen, the main hot spring area in Kusatsu.
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and take the Kan-Etsu Expressway from Tokyo. The drive to Kusatsu takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Once you reach Kusatsu, there are several parking lots available in the town.
Another option is to take a bus from Tokyo to Kusatsu. There are direct buses available from Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. Buses are a comfortable and affordable option for reaching Kusatsu.
If you are coming from overseas, the nearest airport to Kusatsu is Tokyo's Narita International Airport. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Tokyo, and then follow one of the above-mentioned methods to reach Kusatsu.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Kusatsu is worth the journey. The town's natural beauty, hot springs, and traditional Japanese atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Japan.
Kusatsu is a charming town located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. It is renowned for its natural hot springs and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Steeped in history and tradition, Kusatsu offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and relaxation.
The town is best known for its onsen, or hot springs, which are considered some of the best in all of Japan. The waters are rich in minerals and are believed to have numerous health benefits. Visitors can enjoy bathing in the hot springs and soaking in the rejuvenating waters, which are said to relieve fatigue and promote good health.
In addition to its hot springs, Kusatsu is also home to stunning natural scenery. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, offering ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. The Yubatake, a large hot water field in the center of town, is a particularly popular spot for visitors to explore and experience the area's unique geothermal activity.
Kusatsu also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The town is famous for its traditional Japanese architecture, with many old buildings and traditional ryokans (inns) still standing. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by staying in a ryokan and experiencing the traditional tatami rooms and delicious kaiseki meals.
Overall, Kusatsu is a hidden gem in Japan that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you are seeking a serene retreat, a taste of authentic Japanese culture, or simply a relaxing bath in the soothing hot springs, Kusatsu has something to offer for everyone.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
50 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~1.3 km · 4 places
~0.9 km · 4 places
~0.1 km · 2 places
~1.4 km · 5 places
~0.9 km · 5 places
~1.7 km · 3 places
~2.1 km · 3 places
~2.1 km · 7 places
~4.1 km · 7 places
~7.4 km · 7 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~1.7 km path
~2.4 km path
~4.9 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Kusatsu, Japan.
High season is typically Spring and Autumn.
Travelers often find better value in January, February, March, November, December.
Kusatsu suits Onsen (Hot springs), Sightseeing, Hiking, Nature exploration.
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Pack comfortable shoes for hiking
Add Kusatsu and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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