Yubatake, Kusatsu-machi: Address, Phone Number, Yubatake Reviews: 4.5/5
Yubatake
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Hot Springs & Geysers
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About
Kusatsu is recognized along with Gero and Arima as one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts. The Yubatake (Hot Water field) is a central meeting and sightseeing spots in Kusatsu Onsen. This is the source water field for the bubbling Onsen water supplied throughout Kusatsu village. An abundant quality of hot water with a strong acidity of pH2.1, gives the water strong anti-bacterial powers with superior therapeutic and spiritual qualities, and has attracted many people for hundreds of years. The Yubatake (hot water field) is the symbol of Kusatsu Hot Spring. Located in the center of the spa resort, Yubatake is the source of hot springs that gush some 4,000 liters of hot water per minute amid clouds of rising steam. This so-called "hot water field" is surrounded by a promenade made of ceramic roof tiles and there is even a bench in the shape of Mt. Shirane, a nearby volcano. Here, visitors can stroll after taking a bath and relax while enjoying the unusual and very warming atmosphere of this unrivaled resort.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,409 reviews
Excellent
727
Very good
560
Average
113
Poor
7
Terrible
3
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont6,742 contributions
Apr 2019
There certainly is a lot of water gushing through town!
We stayed in Kusatsu for 3 nights and walked around the Yubatake often. The streets are lined with shops and restaurants.
The sulphur odor is not nearly as strong as we were led to expect. Do take care of your camera and phone, however; the spray of the sulphur water can do damage as can the steam.
Lots of photo ops - we wished we were able to get into a nearby surrounding building and climb high up to look down upon this structure for photos. We did get shots from above taken from the stairs of the temple and from the second floor of Onsen Gozanoyu.
The area around the Yubatake can be crowded, and people watching can also provide many photos. Some tourists are wearing yukata from their ryokans; others are in rental kimono.
Do look down at the sidewalk which has images from around town which are incised into the paving.
Take care walking on the steps along the side of Yubatake which can be slippery - hold onto the hand railings.
We stayed in Kusatsu for 3 nights and walked around the Yubatake often. The streets are lined with shops and restaurants.
The sulphur odor is not nearly as strong as we were led to expect. Do take care of your camera and phone, however; the spray of the sulphur water can do damage as can the steam.
Lots of photo ops - we wished we were able to get into a nearby surrounding building and climb high up to look down upon this structure for photos. We did get shots from above taken from the stairs of the temple and from the second floor of Onsen Gozanoyu.
The area around the Yubatake can be crowded, and people watching can also provide many photos. Some tourists are wearing yukata from their ryokans; others are in rental kimono.
Do look down at the sidewalk which has images from around town which are incised into the paving.
Take care walking on the steps along the side of Yubatake which can be slippery - hold onto the hand railings.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
31fannyc
56 contributions
Dec 2019
A very beautiful place. Its in the prime area of the town. You can walk there from many hotels in Kusatsu. Don't think about driving there as there's no parking space. Visit both in the morning and night time, it gives you a different feeling.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for visited to Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake.Hope to you come visit again!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Canmaninjapan
Kamakura, Japan907 contributions
Aug 2021
I had always wanted to see the legendary Kusatsu Yubatake hot spring. I had heard it was cool. I wasn't disappointed. The strong sulfur smell was detectable from blocks away. It is thick with sulfur and a must-see when in Japan. Of course it is a tourist area, but the prices at the nearby shops aren't bad. Enjoy!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sgtraveller_1981
Singapore, Singapore62 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
There is an onsen show which happens all day near the Yubatake. The last show is at 430. Come visit the site at night where it is illuminated by the purple and orange lights. Makes the place very interesting compared to the day time. There is a strong rotten egg smell which is the sulfur from the spring water. The site itself has small onsen pools which you can rest your hand or feet in. Great place for taking photographs.
Written March 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for visited to Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake. Did you have fun and rerax at Kusastu? Hope to you come visit again!
Written March 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Crossingtheglobe
Hong Kong / Kelowna, BC, Canada172 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
Tired of Tokyo and Osaka and would like to be away from big cities and into local Japanese culture? Look no further than to come visit Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture. This place is the home to the country's finest hot spring(s), hospitality and culture!
Here in Kusatsu, you can spend you day dipping into countless springs around the area; enjoy a night in traditional Japanese hosing with traditional meals served; take a 10 mins walk up to the ski hill for some action in winter. Trust me, you'll immediately fall in love with this place!
Understands:
Kusatsu is a small holiday town located in Gumma Prefecture in North Eastern Japan, just about 450km away from Metro Tokyo. This town has a population of about 2,800 and is infamous for its outstanding quality hot spring. This place is a very famous holiday destination for the locals, but not so much for outsiders.
Speak:
Japanese, nothing but Japanese. Nothing else works here.
Get in:
This is one of the very rare place in Japan that is not accessible by Rail. From Tokyo, you have the option of taking JR to Naganohara Kusatsu-guchi Station or the Karuizawa Station and change JR bus from there, the whole journey should be around 3 hrs.
Alternatively, there are buses that departs Shinagawa and Shibuya and head directly to Kusatsu, takes about 4.5hrs.
Recommended: DRIVE! Rental a car from Toyota Car Rental (only one that deal with non-Japanese Speakers), it cost roughly around USD$100 for a full-size with winter tires. All cars are fitted with GPS with English Speaking capability. The drive from Metro Tokyo to Kusatsu is about 3.5-4 hrs with a road toll or about USD60.
Getting Around:
You should be able to walk to any attraction within 15mins from you hotel. If not, there is a 100Yen shuttle service that goes in circle that links up all the attractions, runs every hour on the hour. Taxi is also available, but not recommended.
Stay:
Avoid big hotels unless you plan to spend a huge amount of money. Local hostel provide you with an authentic Japanese Experience with Tatami and "Real" Japanese Food, you can visit Kusatsu-onsen website for a list of available accommodation options.
This place is highly recommanded for everyone, especially travelling as couples or family!
Here in Kusatsu, you can spend you day dipping into countless springs around the area; enjoy a night in traditional Japanese hosing with traditional meals served; take a 10 mins walk up to the ski hill for some action in winter. Trust me, you'll immediately fall in love with this place!
Understands:
Kusatsu is a small holiday town located in Gumma Prefecture in North Eastern Japan, just about 450km away from Metro Tokyo. This town has a population of about 2,800 and is infamous for its outstanding quality hot spring. This place is a very famous holiday destination for the locals, but not so much for outsiders.
Speak:
Japanese, nothing but Japanese. Nothing else works here.
Get in:
This is one of the very rare place in Japan that is not accessible by Rail. From Tokyo, you have the option of taking JR to Naganohara Kusatsu-guchi Station or the Karuizawa Station and change JR bus from there, the whole journey should be around 3 hrs.
Alternatively, there are buses that departs Shinagawa and Shibuya and head directly to Kusatsu, takes about 4.5hrs.
Recommended: DRIVE! Rental a car from Toyota Car Rental (only one that deal with non-Japanese Speakers), it cost roughly around USD$100 for a full-size with winter tires. All cars are fitted with GPS with English Speaking capability. The drive from Metro Tokyo to Kusatsu is about 3.5-4 hrs with a road toll or about USD60.
Getting Around:
You should be able to walk to any attraction within 15mins from you hotel. If not, there is a 100Yen shuttle service that goes in circle that links up all the attractions, runs every hour on the hour. Taxi is also available, but not recommended.
Stay:
Avoid big hotels unless you plan to spend a huge amount of money. Local hostel provide you with an authentic Japanese Experience with Tatami and "Real" Japanese Food, you can visit Kusatsu-onsen website for a list of available accommodation options.
This place is highly recommanded for everyone, especially travelling as couples or family!
Written January 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this great write up for Kusatsu Onsen. Your information is very helpful and we will use this to give good advice to other visitors. We hope you can come back again soon.
Written March 24, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hiroaosta
Dalian, China2,012 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
It’s fantastic view, especially at night.
I visited many Hot spring place in Japan.
But this view can be only one.
Visitors will feel Hot Spring atmosphere.
I visited many Hot spring place in Japan.
But this view can be only one.
Visitors will feel Hot Spring atmosphere.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for visited to Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake. Did you have fun and rerax at Kusastu? I 'm so gla to you like viewof the Yubatake. Hope to you come visit again!
Written October 14, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christophe PJ
Knokke-Heist, Belgium372 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
There's a small bench at the bottom where you can dip your feet to get an experience if you don't have time to visit the Park or the magnificent open air bath.
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for visited to Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake. Did you have fun and rerax at Kusastu and footbath ? Hope to you come visit again!
Written September 23, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anthony_Chow
Hong Kong, China643 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Beautiful places with lots of restuarants, shops, convenient store. Have experience in most of the famous Onsens in Japan and Kusatsu is definitely one of the most well organized one and with such a signature spot.
Free footbath and onsen around, can absolutely make you in relaxing mood.
More photos and travel tips in my Instagram @atoy.c
Free footbath and onsen around, can absolutely make you in relaxing mood.
More photos and travel tips in my Instagram @atoy.c
Written September 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Anthony for taking the time to comment about Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake. We are very happy to hear that you liked it and thank you for mentioning the organization. We very much look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Written January 21, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SPS
Perth, Australia70 contributions
Sep 2019
Picturesque strolls around Yubatake and small lanes, tidy shops and restaurants. Very much enjoyed a show, outdoor music, food and friendly locals. A gem!
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for visited to Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake.I'm so glad to you have fun and rerax at Kusastu. Hope to you come visit again!
Written September 23, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
richard g
Portland, OR774 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
The source of the Kusatsu Hot Springs water is very impressive with the hot water running out at 52 C at this mountain town located at about 1,200 meters. Lots of little shops and places to eat. Several demonstrations throughout the day of people at a location close by of people stirring this hot water to help cool it down a bit.
Written March 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for visited to Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake. Did you have fun and rerax at Kusastu? Hope to you come visit again!
Written March 12, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
8pins
Singapore, Singapore204 contributions
Hi, 8pins. What would you like to know about this attraction?
is one night sufficient to tour the place?
is it convenient to go to the nearby mountains by public transport?
KusatsuonsenKK
Kusatsu-machi, Japan
Thank you for questions.
You can fully enjoy this town in a day:)
We are very sorry Kusatsu Sirane mountain and Moto-shirane mountain is not open in thi.s season.(open at April or so) And ”Yugama" also.
we hope you will have a good trip.
Angelica Lomite... L
London, UK6 contributions
Hi! I’m planning to go Japan end week of March 2018. Arriving Either from Tokyo / Osaka : We would like to stay on hot spring area then Day trip to the cities.
Just wondering if you can advice us how to spend our 6 full days around Kanazawa/Takayama/Nagano + Gunma(if doable):
If we are arriving from Osaka:
Day 0- Airport to Kanazawa ? Kagaonsen
Day 1- Sight See the city then to Shirakawago at night Day 2- Shirakagawago to Takayama ? Gero Onsen or ? Hirayu Onsen
Day 3- Takayama - shintoka ropeway
Day 4- We want to see the snow monkeys ? Shibu Onsen
Day 5- Kusatsu Onsen
Day 6- need to be in Tokyo by 19:00 to meet mum and bro just arriving in Japan to join us in the next 2 weeks (Tokyo/Hakone/Kyoto/Hiroshima/Osaka)
Nick_YOSHIDA
Hanoi, Vietnam6 contributions
I know it is too late to respond to you query.
Anyway, If you are interested in visiting hot springs, I strongly recommend you to select certain part of Japan, such as Gumma, Nagano, and try to visit various spas in the area, rather than moving around all over the main island.
On paper, you might be able to design an itinerary like yours. However, yours is a little too hectic to visit from hot spring to another to make you feel tired, rather than relaxed.
Most of the spas you mentioned are in the mountainous areas, connected only by bus, rather than by commuters trains as found in Tokyo.
vlvl1
Singapore, Singapore
How do i get to kusatsu onsen from yugawara? Planning to stay 21-23dec, is it a good time to go? Thanks!
KusatsuonsenKK
Kusatsu-machi, Japan
it's about 4 or 5 ours. You can take bus from Shinjuku or Shibuya,
or train from Tokyo or Ueno.
Yes, you shoud back to Tokyo.
December is very cold. Sometimes it is snowing.
Have a wonderful tirp! :)
Passion4Travel
Toronto, Canada64 contributions
Do I have to make a reservation and pay to come here? And how do I do that? Thank you!
Kristine H
Vancouver, Canada165 contributions
If you want to stay over night, its better to make a hotel reservation. But just for a day trip, the town is open at all time free of charge, as well as parks.
Maventy
Melbourne, Australia144 contributions
may i know how to go there? im going early march but cant seem to find on google on how to go there from tokyo, its so confusing..
thanks so much for all the answer, appreciate it! :)
RRla
los angeles, CA172 contributions
There is no direct way to get there if you don't drive. See below extract from Japan Guide website.
By train and bus via Naganohara
Trains travel as far as Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, from where there are JR buses to Kusatsu Onsen (30 minutes, 690 yen). The train journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass, but the bus ride is covered only by the Japan Rail Pass.
There are various ways to get from Tokyo to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. The most convenient is by direct limited express train from Tokyo's Ueno Station, requiring 2.5 hours and costing about 5000 yen for the one way trip. However, there are only around three round trips per day.
Alternatively, you can do the whole trip by local trains, which takes about four hours, requires a transfer of trains at Takasaki and cost 3020 yen one way. Faster and more expensive is taking the shinkansen to Takasaki and transfer there to a local train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
By train and bus via Karuizawa
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Karuizawa (70 minutes, around 5500 yen) and then a bus (Seibu Kogen Bus or Kusakaru Kotsu) from Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen (80-100 minutes, 2200-3880 yen). JR passes are not valid on the buses between Karuizawa and Kusatsu.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yubatake
- Hotels near Yubatake:
- (0.01 mi) Yubatake Soan
- (0.02 mi) Daitokan
- (0.03 mi) Hiranoya
- (0.03 mi) Hotel Ichii
- (0.03 mi) Yamamoto-kan
- Restaurants near Yubatake:
- (0.01 mi) Yamabikoonsen Manju Shop
- (0.02 mi) Hiranoya
- (0.02 mi) Dan
- (0.02 mi) Ramen Ichiban
- (0.02 mi) Yakitori Shizuka
- Attractions near Yubatake:
- (0.00 mi) Kusatsu Onsen
- (0.01 mi) Yukemuritei Foot Bath
- (0.02 mi) Shogun Okumiage No Yuwaku
- (0.03 mi) Netsunoyu
- (0.04 mi) Shirohata no Yu