Kusatsu-Onsen

Last weekend Emi and I visited Gunma Prefecture. It was a three day trip and we tried to do as much sightseeing as we could. The first day of the trip we stayed at Kusatsu Onsen town. Kusatsu is recognized as one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts.

We started our sightseeing at the Shrine that overlooks the center of town.

I always enjoy looking at the small stone statues that are almost always a part of a Shinto shrine.

Each one has a unique expression on it's face.

Descending down the steps of the shrine...

...the center of town comes into view.

And, it is quite lively here today.

Many people walk around town dressed in their hotel's yukata.

In the center of the center of town is the massive Yubatake hot spring. Gushing up from this source at 4000 liters per minute is highly acidic hot water (sulfur).

The water feeds in to these troughs that are designed to separate some sulfur from the water for other uses.

Emi poses by a famous visitor plaque.

Also, there is a free foot soaking hot bath here too!

The troughs make for a visually fun center of attraction.

After exiting the sulfur collecting troughs the water shoots down to a pool where it then continues on to various hot baths around town.

Yubatake hot spring is really quite a sight to see (and smell). Many people enjoy having their picture taken here.

After spending the afternoon strolling around town enjoying the atmosphere we decided head to our hotel to check in and soak in the hotel's fantastic hot spring bath.

On the way a man is offering free sweet dumplings in the hope that if you like them you'll buy some.

Here, on the outskirts of town is our inn for the night.

There will be more posts to come on our three day trip to Gunma so stay tuned!

As usual, thanks for stopping by!
Mike