Major city · Japan
Kusatsu草津
Go for one night, two if you want a full soak day: the town is small, the baths are the point, and a day trip from Tokyo costs 8+ hours in transit.
Kusatsu is a hot-spring town at about 1,200 m on the edge of Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park, one of Japan's three famous springs and fed by more than 32,000 litres of hot water a minute from Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane. There is no train station: you arrive by bus or via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, then walk the centre. Come for the water, the yubatake and the open-air baths, not for a sightseeing checklist.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- May–Jun, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jan–Feb (deep snow and road closures), Golden Week and Obon
- Airports
- HND · NRT
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kusatsu110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kusatsu, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyVery safe for tourists; the real risks are the 70 °C (158 °F) acidic water, icy pavements in winter and a missed last bus.Very safe for tourists; the real risks are the 158 °F (70 °C) acidic water, icy pavements in winter and a missed last bus.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHND Tokyo Haneda (Bus or rail to Tokyo, then the Jōshu Yūmeguri bus from Shinjuku or the limited express from Ueno; about 4–5 h door to door.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable but hilly; the town loop bus costs ¥100 (≈ under US$1) and links the bus terminal, the Yubatake and the bigger hotels.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a soft drink¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerlocal craft or a can from a shop¥600–900 (≈ US$5–7)¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person¥4,000 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedRyokan or hotel double room, a night, per room¥22,000 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedRyokan or hotel double room, a night, per room¥45,000 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥6,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ¥12,000 (≈ US$85) · High ¥22,000 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HND Tokyo Haneda (Bus or rail to Tokyo, then the Jōshu Yūmeguri bus from Shinjuku or the limited express from Ueno; about 4–5 h door to door.) · NRT Tokyo Narita (Add about 1 h to reach Shinjuku or Ueno before the onward leg.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Feb
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Best
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: May–Jun, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C) low), wettest Jul (17 rain days), driest Nov (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kusatsu: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
12 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
12 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
15 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
17 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
15 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
9 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable but hilly; the town loop bus costs ¥100 and links the bus terminal, the Yubatake and the bigger hotels. Free hotel shuttles run from the bus terminal and the Yubatake. A bus line connects the terminal with the ski area.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Karuizawa
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus from Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal, about 1 h 20 min
Shopping street and outlet mall; a half day is enough.
Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and the Agatsuma Line
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus from the bus terminal, 25 min, ¥710 (≈ US$5)
The rail link out; the limited express Kusatsu runs to Ueno twice in the morning.
Kusatsu-Shirane crater lake
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car or taxi up the Shirane volcano road
The road and trails close when the volcano alert level rises: check the official status before setting out.
Minakami
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h
Bus or car via Naganohara, then rail
Too long for a return day; sleep there if you want the gorges and rafting.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around the Yubatake
The centre: baths, shops and food on foot. Most expensive and books out first in autumn and on weekends.
Sainokawara side
10–15 min walk west of the Yubatake, next to the park and the big open-air bath; quieter.
Kusatsu Hotel Village / ski-area side
15 min walk or a short bus ride out; larger hotels, Therme Therme and the ski area.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥6,000–10,000 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥10,000–18,000 (≈ US$70–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥18,000 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Ryokan or hotel double room1 × 1 night × ¥22,000 | ¥22,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥12,000 | ¥24,000 |
| Jōshu Yūmeguri bus, Shinjuku to Kusatsu, one way2 × ¥3,600 | ¥7,200 |
| Bus, Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi to Kusatsu, one way2 × ¥710 | ¥1,420 |
| Town loop bus, one ride2 × ¥100 | ¥200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥5,980 |
| Trip total≈ ¥32,900 per person per day, bed included | ¥65,800≈ US$450 |
Half board is common; dinner and breakfast are often included.
2026 estimate in yen; travel to Kusatsu excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Sainokawara Open-air Bath | ¥600 (≈ US$5) adults, ¥300 (≈ US$3) children |
| Otaki Hot Spring | ¥900 (≈ US$7) adults, ¥400 (≈ US$3) children |
| Goza Hot Spring | ¥600 (≈ US$5) adults, ¥300 (≈ US$3) children |
| Yumomi ceremony at Netsu-no-yu | ¥700 (≈ US$5) adults, ¥350 (≈ US$3) children |
| Hand-made soba or wide udon set meal | ¥1,000–1,700 (≈ US$7–12) |
| Coffee or a soft drink | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Beer, local craft or a can from a shop | ¥600–900 (≈ US$5–7) / ¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train station: the last bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi leaves in the early evening, so check the timetable before a late arrival.
- The water is strongly acidic and hot: rinse off, don't put your head under, and keep metal jewellery out of the bath.
- Winter brings snow and ice on the pavements and occasional road closures over the pass; carry grip soles.
- Many small baths and shops take cash only.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Kusatsu草津
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in town; most are in Tokyo. The US embassy is in Tokyo (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Shinjuku → Kusatsu, Jōshu Yūmeguri bus: ¥3,000–3,600 (≈ US$25), about 4 h
- Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi → Kusatsu, bus: ¥710 (≈ US$5), 25 min
- Town loop bus: ¥100 (≈ under US$1) a ride
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- 大人一枚ください — One adult, please (otona ichimai kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Baths are shared and mostly naked; tattoos may be refused at some facilities, so ask first or book a private bath.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kusatsu. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Oct–Nov · avoid Jan–Feb (deep snow and road closures), Golden Week and Obon · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HND and NRT: last Jōshu Yūmeguri departure from Shinjuku field-checked, rail fallback via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Yubatake, Sainokawara Park, the Otaki and Goza baths, the ski-area and Hotel Village side.
- Place pages with verified hours and prices (Yubatake, Sainokawara Open-air Bath, Otaki, Goza, Netsu-no-yu, visitor centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Volcano-alert and winter-road fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialKusatsu town official site
- officialKusatsu Onsen tourist association portal
- officialSainokawara Open-air Bath
- officialOtaki Hot Spring
- officialGoza Hot Spring
- officialKusatsu International Ski Area
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kusatsu, revision 5330867 (CC BY-SA 4.0)