Kusatsu Onsen: Japan’s Iconic Hot Spring Culture

Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts, is famed for its mineral-rich waters and unique traditions. At its heart lies the dramatic Yubatake, or “hot water field,” where steaming springs flow through wooden channels. Visitors can also experience the centuries-old practice of yumomi—stirring and cooling the scalding waters with large wooden paddles while singing folk songs—an iconic ritual that captures the spirit of Kusatsu.