Yubatake

(Source : pixta)

Kusatsu Onsen is considered as one of the three best hot springs in Japan. Yubatake is the spring source and the symbol of Kusatsu. It is located in the center of Kusatsu hot spring town and spurts about 4,000 liters of hot water every minute. It is so hot that the place is always covered with steam. Yubatake has several wooden boxes to cool down the hot water while it streams down to the baths in each inn. There are benches and foot baths, some open space along a promenade, souvenir shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy strolling around.

【Yubatake in the day】

(Source: pixta)

【Yubatake at night】

(Source: pixta)

Wooden Boxes

There are seven wooden boxes placed in the center of Yubatake. In these wooden boxes, Yu no hana (mineral encrustations left by hot springs) are cultivated as a result of elements that settle from the hot spring water. Extremely hot water always keeps flowing in them.

(Source: pixta)

Rent a Yukata at Gozano-yu

This is the first place you should visit in Kusatsu! Gozano-yu offers rental yukata (cotton kimono). They have 30 different kinds of colorful yukata and sash. They will help you to wear them. Enjoy Kusatsu onsen wearing cute yukata (Rental for 3 hours: 2,500 yen).

(Source: 草津三湯めぐり)

Foot Bath: Yukemuri-tei

Yukemuri-tei by Yubatake is the foot bath which is free and open all the time. You can enjoy the hot water from Yubatake and the scenery around it. The building is a reproduction of the public bath in the Edo era. Bathe your hands and feet to warm up.

(Source: 湯けむり四季彩紀行)

Toji Hiroba

Toji Hiroba is a courtyard built in July 2014. It has steps that of a convenient height to sit on and its three sides are surrounded by a wooden corridor. It is lit up at night and serves as a good resting spot.

(Source: ＭＹ夢ガーデンブログ)

Netsu no Yu

The hot water of Kusatsu Onsen is known for its high temperature. "Yumomi" is the way that was invented to cool hot water without adding cold water so as not to dilute the effect of the hot spring. Netsu no yu is a bathhouse where visitors can see demonstrations of yumomi, stirring hot water with boards. The facility is now new and pristine after renovation in the spring of 2015.

(Source: 草津よいとこブログ)

Sainokawara Open-air Bath

It is an open-air bath in Sainokawara park. It only has an open air bath, but the large bath can accommodate as many as 100 people at the same time. You can take your time at this bath viewing the surrounding nature.

(Source: ほっと湯太郎の「温泉ねほりはほり」)

Sainokawara Street

Sainokawara Street is Kusatsu hot springs' must-see spot along with Yubatake. Many shops line up along this street and this street is busy with many people all day long. "Yakitori Shizuka" is especially famous for its delicious yakitori (grilled chicken) that people line up to have a bite. "Matsumura Manju" is also popular that serves tasty manju of refined sweetness.