What this area is like
At the centre, the yubatake channels steaming spring water through wooden troughs. Watch a yumomi water-stirring performance, then soak at a public bath such as Sainokawara open-air bath.
Plan your visit
The water is strongly acidic; rinse afterwards if your skin is sensitive. Buses run from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Kusatsu Onsen and Sainokawara open-air bath
One of Japan’s best-known hot springs, centred on the steaming Yubatake channels, with a huge open-air bath in a wooded valley.
- Access
- From JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, JR bus about 25 minutes; or bus from Karuizawa Station.
- Hours
- Sainokawara: 7:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30); from 1 December to 31 March opens 9:00.
- Fee
- Sainokawara adults ¥800, children ¥400.
- Address
- Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma District, Gunma
Watch a yumomi water-cooling show at Netsunoyu by the Yubatake, and visit the Yubatake again after dark when it is lit up.
How to plan your time here
- Stay at least one night to try several public baths and the Yubatake at night.
- Direct highway buses from Shinjuku take about 4 hours.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.