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[Part 1] Unstoppable evolution! What is the appeal of Kusatsu Onsen?
Kusatsu Onsen(Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture) is one of Japan's most famous hot springs, boasting the largest natural spring water output in Japan. About 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushes out every minute, and the steam rising from the symbolic "Yubata" is a spectacular sight. At night, the hot spring is lit up, creating a fantastic glow.
Illumination of the symbol of Kusatsu, the Yubatake
It has been ranked number one in the "Top 100 Hot Springs in Japan" for 21 consecutive years, and also number one in the "Jalan 2024 Nationwide Popular Hot Spring Destinations Ranking," making it a hot spring destination that is supported not only by travel professionals but also by many other people.
Above all, it is the quality of the spring water that attracts hot spring enthusiasts. It has a strong antibacterial effect and is effective for cuts, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and the unique smell of the hot springs is captivating to fans.
Back Kusatsu Jizo
"Kusatsu Onsen is different every time I come," and "New attractions are constantly being created, so I never get bored." Many tourists who have visited Kusatsu agree. Starting with the reconstruction of "Goza-no-yu," the development of Yuji Hiroba, and the renewal of "Netsu-no-yu," the undergrounding of power lines and the creation of comfortable toilet spaces, in 2021 a new attraction following the Yubatake, "Urakusatsu Jizo," opened.
In addition to Mangado, Cafe Tsuki no Kao, and Hyakunenseki Bettei, the Urakusatsu area also has a unique "Kaoyu" bath. It might be fun to find your own favorite spot!
"Face bath" at Urakusatsu Jizo
Furthermore, in order to alleviate chronic traffic congestion at the entrance to the hot spring town and to improve the scenery, the "Hot Spring Gate" was opened in October last year. It will be integrated with a free parking lot that can accommodate about 100 cars, and in the near future, it will be possible to go to the hot spring town via Chuo Dori, where a sidewalk will be constructed.
The "Onsenmon" gate at the entrance to Kusatsu
Another face of Kusatsu is that it is a mountain resort centered around the Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort. There are plenty of spots to enjoy Kusatsu throughout the year, not just in the winter.
Pulse Gondola Tengu
In 2019, "BanZip Tengu," the steepest zip line in Japan with a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour, opened! The number of users who enjoyed the thrills and dynamic scenery has exceeded 80,000 in total. In addition, new facilities are appearing one after another, such as "Sky Swing," a swing that is one of the largest in Japan at 10 meters high, "Pulse Gondola Tengu," and "Crystal Sora," a restaurant that serves Edomae sushi.
The rest house is scheduled to open in the winter of 2025 (conceptual image)
A rest house equipped with a restaurant, terrace, bar counter, etc. is scheduled to be completed in the winter of 2025. The bus terminal will also be renovated to make access even more convenient.
These efforts have been successful, and the number of visitors is expected to reach a record high of 3.7 million in 2023. Mayor Kuroiwa Nobutada is enthusiastic, saying, "We are always evolving, and town development is never complete."Kusatsu Onsen that continues to evolve, so keep an eye on it.
【basic information】
・Address: 158 Forest Section, Kusatsu-Shirane National Forest, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 377-1711 ・Website: https://www.932-onsen.com/winter/index