Day One Japan

Gunma (群馬県)

See steam rising from Kusatsu’s hot-water field, climb to its hillside temple, then follow the lanes to a park threaded with hot springs.

Open the full walk in Google Maps
Wooden hot-spring channels and turquoise water at the Yubatake in Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake · Aspere · CC0 · Resized and framed for this page

Getting to Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake

From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (長野原草津口駅)

From Ueno (上野駅), take the JR limited express Kusatsu-Shima (草津・四万) to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi. Change there to the bus for Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (草津温泉バスターミナル), then walk down to the Yubatake.

Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (長野原草津口駅)

The JR entrance sign inside Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station in Gunma
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Public transport in Google Maps Gunma’s Kusatsu transport guide

Three stops in order

  1. 1. Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake (草津温泉 湯畑)

    Circle the steaming wooden channels in the center of town. The nearby Netsunoyu (熱乃湯) holds traditional water-stirring demonstrations.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Gunma’s Kusatsu town guide

  2. 2. Kosenji Temple (光泉寺)

    Take the stone stairs beside the Yubatake for a view over the hot-spring field from the temple approach.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Gunma’s official Kosenji guide

  3. 3. Sainokawara Park (西の河原公園)

    Follow the shop-lined lane west toward the park and walk beside the hot streams. For a soak, use the separate outdoor bath farther inside the park.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop JNTO’s Sainokawara Park guide

Check the bus and train connection back to Ueno before you leave the bus terminal. The park paths and temple steps can be slippery in winter.

Transport and visitor information checked .