Kusatsu Onsen(Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture) is Japan's number one hot spring in terms of natural hot spring output. 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushes out every minute, and the Yubatake, located in the center of the hot spring town, is a symbol of Kusatsu Onsen, with steam rising from the hot springs. The illuminated area at night is a must-see. It has been ranked number one for 22 consecutive years in the "Top 100 Hot Springs in Japan," a list voted for by travel agency staff and others.

Recently, the short drama videos released by the Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association have become a hot topic, and the area is gaining attention from the younger generation. It is not only popular with travelers and hot spring enthusiasts of all ages, but also highly recommended by travel professionals, making it one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts.

The biggest reason why Kusatsu Onsen has such widespread support is said to be the ongoing town development that has been carried out jointly by the public and private sectors, centered around Kusatsu Town. Let's take a look at the progress of town development over the past 10 years.

In 2013, the public bathhouse "Goza no Yu," one of Kusatsu's three hot springs, was rebuilt. Using high-quality wooden architecture, the hot spring therapy culture was recreated in modern times. In 2014, "Yuji Hiroba" was developed. The perimeter of the plaza was surrounded by wooden buildings, recreating the retro Showa-era atmosphere of strolling around in yukata. Furthermore, in 2015, "Netsu no Yu" was renovated. The old public bathhouse was given a Taisho-era romantic feel, and was reborn as a facility where you can watch hot spring massage and dance shows.

In 2018, the restoration of Sainokawara Park, where hot springs gush forth from all over the park, was completed. Open-air baths, lighting paths, and other facilities were added, making it possible to enjoy strolling in all seasons. In 2021, Urakusatsu Jizo opened. If the Yubatake area is Omote Kusatsu, the Jizo area is Ura Kusatsu. New spots have been born in the Urakusatsu Jizo area, including Jizo Cafe Tsuki no Kao and Hyakunen Seki Bettei, where you can try your hand at creating artwork.

In 2011, the "Onsen Gate" was completed, which achieved both an overpass to alleviate the chronic congestion at the entrance to the hot spring town and to improve the landscape as a gateway. The outer wall of the Onsen Gate features a woodcarving design, a foot bath is installed in the plaza, and it is lit up at night.

Another face of Kusatsu Onsen is the mountain resort, which is currently being developed as a snow resort. In 2011, the Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort opened the Pulse Gondola Tengu, which is open year-round and features a partially transparent floor. Also, the Crystal Sora, a panoramic restaurant where you can enjoy authentic sushi and other dishes, opened at the top of the mountain.

Kusatsu Town's annual visitor target is 4 million people. Town development is never finished. Currently, landscaping projects and maintenance projects to improve convenience are underway. At Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort, a renovation project for Tenguyama Rest House is underway and is scheduled for completion this winter. Keep an eye on this hot spring town, which continues to evolve.