Embark on a journey through time at Kusatsu Onsen, where the iconic Yubatake showcases centuries of history in its quaint old buildings. Delight in the traditional Yumomi show, then wander through Saikokawara Park, immersed in nature's tranquility. Finally, rejuvenate your body and soul at Sainokawara Rotemburo, a sprawling outdoor onsen offering serene relaxation amidst picturesque surroundings.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Your Hotel
- I can meet you at your hotel anywhere in Tokyo.
We can catch the 7:52am bullet train to Takasaki.
Then the local train to Naganohara Kusatsuguchi departing 8:53am arriving at 10:19.
Finally we will take a bus ride the remainder of the way to the Kusatsu Onsen. The bus leaves shortly after the train arrives. Takes about 30minutes
As the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the Yubatake, or Hot Water Field, stands as a captivating symbol of the town. Emitting over 5000 liters of hot spring water per minute, it ranks among Japan's most abundant sources. Here, hot water, rich with sulfur and reaching temperatures of over 70 degrees Celsius, flows into wooden conduits, cooling slightly before nourishing the town's baths and ryokan. Visitors flock to witness this natural marvel, often adorned in yukata and geta, especially during evening illuminations. Additionally, the area offers a free foot bath (ashiyu), adding to the immersive experience of this cultural and geological treasure.
Indulge in a culinary delight at Yubatake Silverback restaurant, offering a sumptuous beef lunch complemented by the silky perfection of an onsen egg. Enjoy a blend of flavors amidst the town's tranquil ambiance. Plus, delight in a complimentary manju and refreshing green tea, immersing yourself fully in Kusatsu's hospitality and charm.
Nestled just beyond Kusatsu's bustling center, Sainokawara Park enchants visitors with its picturesque valley adorned with bubbling hot springs and tranquil ponds. Follow winding trails through lush landscapes, witnessing the natural spectacle of steaming pools and gentle streams. Don't miss the rejuvenating experience of the Sainokawara Rotemburo, boasting expansive outdoor baths where you can immerse yourself in the soothing warmth of the region's mineral-rich waters.
Please note, while towels are allowed for modesty, the onsen experience is typically enjoyed in the nude, in gender-separated facilities, except for Friday evenings when it becomes mixed-gender.
Step into the Taisho era and witness the enchanting Yumomi show, a cherished tradition in Kusatsu Onsen. Experience the art of cooling natural hot spring water without compromising its essence, as practiced by locals for centuries. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic ambiance of Netsunoyu building near Yubatake, where daily performances transport you back in time, accompanied by traditional songs and dance. Engage with history as you witness this captivating display of cultural heritage.
Delight in a journey through Kusatsu's charming streets adorned with an array of gift and souvenir shops. Discover unique treasures capturing the essence of the town, from traditional crafts to locally sourced delicacies. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you explore these quaint establishments, each offering a glimpse into Kusatsu's rich culture and heritage. Find the perfect memento to cherish your unforgettable visit to this enchanting onsen town.
We will meet at the bus terminal to catch the bus at 17:00. Then will go on a series of trains switching to the bullet train at Takasaki and back to Tokyo with an expected arrival time of 20:40.
From Tokyo Station I can lead you back to your hotel.
Your Hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Tour Guiding
Interpreting
Hotel Pick Up/Drop within Tokyo 23wards
Guides Transportation
Guides Admissions
Guides Lunch
You need to purchase the JR East Tokyo WIDE rail pass which is roughly 15,000yen for 3days.
Bus fare from the station to Kusatsu Onsen roughly 1800yen round trip.
Admissions: 500 yen for onsen, 700 yen for the Yomomi show.
Your transportation.
Your Admissions.
Your Lunch and Dinner.
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
“Customized 4 hr tour”
Grant was fantastic, he met me at the Ariake Tennis Park. My main goal was to see some sites and learn how to use the Tokyo transit/train system. He more than exceeded my expectations and made the rest of our trip to Tokyo a success. He provided additional information on some of the additional activities my wife wanted to take in and we managed to find everything using the train system. I would highly recommend Grant for a tour.
“Ginza Line tour with Grant”
Grant was an excellent tour guide! He was very kind, flexible and extremely knowledgeable about Tokyo history, customs and areas. It was a fantastic introduction to a very complex city. He gave us a great orientation to the transit system and how it works. His Japanese fluency is terrific and he is besides all that funny and personable, very easy to be with. We felt so much more confident about the rest of our 2 week stay in Japan. We would have booked another tour but he was pretty much booked up! We highly recommend his tours!
“Great 2-Days With Grant”
My family of 7 people booked two days with Grant and it was a wonderful trip. Grant made the trip relevant and exciting for ages 11-75. He arranged for us to have lunch (no easy task seating 8 people in Tokyo), and shared his knowledge on everything from the design and reconstruction of Tokyo through nuances of the language (which was great for my oldest son who is here on a study abroad semester). We got oriented to the city over the course of two days and got to see the very best highlights of traditional, historic, and modern Tokyo. Absolutely would do it again.
$267/ per group
Reserve