Terme Terme — A European-Style Kurhaus
One of the main facilities at Hotel Village is Terme Terme, a pool and hot spring complex inspired by the traditional spa resorts of Germany.
Known as a Kurhaus, a type of European health and bathing resort, Terme Terme combines hot springs, swimming pools, saunas, and relaxation facilities. The result is a place where visitors can experience aspects of Kusatsu’s bathing culture alongside the atmosphere of a modern spa resort.
The facility includes a heated swimming pool area as well as a bathing zone with hot springs and saunas. Rental equipment is also available, making it convenient for visitors who arrive without their own swimming or bathing gear.
Many Ways to Enjoy Kusatsu’s Hot Springs
Terme Terme offers a variety of bathing styles that allow guests to experience the different sensations of Kusatsu’s hot spring water.
Bathing facilities include hot baths, lukewarm baths, reclining baths, and waterfall-style baths. Moving between different baths allows visitors to enjoy the hot spring at different temperatures and in different ways.
The facility also offers an opportunity to experience Jikan-yu, a traditional bathing practice associated with Kusatsu since the Meiji period. In Jikan-yu, bathers follow a prescribed procedure and bathing duration as part of a traditional form of hot spring therapy. The practice provides an interesting introduction to the history and culture of Kusatsu’s bathing traditions.
A Luxurious Hot Spring Experience with Three Different Sources
One of the special features of Hotel Village is the opportunity to experience water from three well-known Kusatsu hot spring sources: the Yubatake Source, Bandai-ko Source, and Watano-yu Source.
Each source has its own characteristics, allowing guests to enjoy a miniature hot spring tour without leaving the resort.
Yubatake Source
The Yubatake Source comes from the hot spring source that emerges at the famous Yubatake, the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen.
With a strongly acidic pH of approximately 2.1, the water is known for its distinctive hot spring character while having a relatively soft sensation on the skin. At Hotel Village, guests can enjoy Yubatake-source water in the large communal baths and open-air baths as naturally flowing spring water.
Bandai-ko Source
The Bandai-ko Source is one of Kusatsu’s most abundant hot spring sources. Compared with some other Kusatsu sources, it has a relatively subtle sulfur scent and offers a clean, refreshing bathing sensation.
Its strongly acidic spring water is another characteristic feature of Kusatsu’s hot spring culture, and bathing in it provides the deeply warming sensation often associated with hot spring bathing.
Watano-yu Source
The Watano-yu Source is known for its milky-white appearance and soft sensation, reminiscent of being wrapped in cotton.
It is available on a rotating basis between the men’s and women’s bathing areas, and private use may also be available at certain times. It is an appealing choice for guests looking for a quieter and more relaxed bathing experience.
Experience Kusatsu’s Traditional Yumomi Bathing Culture
Another cultural experience available at Terme Terme is Yumomi, one of the traditions most closely associated with Kusatsu Onsen.
Yumomi involves stirring hot spring water with long wooden boards to cool it to a more comfortable bathing temperature. Traditionally, the method was used to reduce the temperature without adding cold water, allowing the spring water itself to remain undiluted.
During the experience, participants move the wooden boards to the rhythm of Kusatsu-bushi, a traditional local song associated with the practice. Smaller boards are available for children, allowing the entire family to take part.
For international visitors, Yumomi is an especially interesting way to experience an aspect of Japanese hot spring culture rather than simply observing it.
Yumushi — A Traditional-Style Steam Relaxation Experience
Another distinctive relaxation experience at Hotel Village is Yumushi, which uses the warmth and steam associated with hot spring bathing.
After warming the body with hot spring water, including a preliminary pouring of hot water over the body, participants are wrapped in special bedding to encourage gentle sweating. The combination of warmth and steam creates a deeply relaxing experience.
Afterward, guests can relax with herbal tea, providing a calm period to cool down and rest. It is designed as a leisurely wellness experience centered on the warmth of Kusatsu’s hot springs.
A Swimming Pool for the Whole Family
The pool area at Terme Terme includes a heated indoor swimming pool that can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
The spacious pool can be used for swimming or simply playing in the water. There are also jacuzzis, an exercise pool for water walking, and a children’s pool designed for younger visitors.
During the summer season, an outdoor pool is also available, providing a refreshing place to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.
Saunas and Relaxation Facilities
The bathing area includes several types of sauna, including high-temperature, medium-temperature, and mist saunas.
Guests can cool down after using the sauna with a cold-water bath and then relax in a jacuzzi or foot bath. This combination of heat, cooling, and relaxation is popular among visitors who enjoy Japanese sauna culture and the modern concept of “totonou,” a deeply refreshed and relaxed state often associated with sauna bathing.
A Forest Resort Filled with Outdoor Activities
Hotel Village’s large grounds offer numerous opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation alongside the hot springs.
One of the highlights is Forest Stage, an aerial adventure course built among the trees. Participants move between platforms and obstacles suspended in the forest, creating an adventurous experience with views of the surrounding woodland.
Other facilities include a forest maze, bowling alley, table tennis, billiards, and karaoke. With both indoor and outdoor activities available, there are plenty of options for enjoying the resort even when the weather changes.
Forest Stage — An Adventure Among the Trees
Forest Stage is one of the resort’s signature outdoor activities. The aerial athletic course allows visitors to move from one attraction to another among the trees, combining physical activity with the excitement of being high above the forest floor.
A Unique Experience in the Forest
As participants cross the various obstacles, they can enjoy the changing scenery of the forest throughout the year. Fresh green foliage in spring, cool summer shade, colorful autumn leaves, and the quiet landscape of winter each create a different atmosphere.
Courses for Different Experience Levels
Forest Stage includes courses designed for beginners as well as more challenging routes for visitors seeking greater thrills. This makes it possible for children and adults to choose an experience suited to their own level.
An Experience to Share
Many of the challenges naturally encourage participants to communicate and help one another. Families and friends can work together as they move through the course, creating memorable experiences that go beyond simply enjoying an attraction.
Activities for Families and Groups
In addition to Forest Stage, Hotel Village offers a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.
Forest Maze
The Forest Maze is an outdoor attraction located about a 10-minute walk from the main hotel building. Although its layout may look simple at first, finding the correct route can be surprisingly challenging.
It is suitable for both children and adults and offers a fun way to spend time outdoors.
Bowling
Hotel Village is home to what is known as the only bowling alley in Kusatsu. The facility has a history of more than 40 years and was reportedly visited by professional bowlers when it first opened.
It remains a convenient option for guests looking for a casual indoor activity between hot spring visits.
Table Tennis and Billiards
Table tennis tables and billiard tables are also available inside the resort. Table tennis is a particularly familiar part of the traditional Japanese hot spring holiday experience and can be enjoyed casually with family or friends after a relaxing bath.
Forest Bathing and Nature Walks
The area surrounding the hotel includes extensive natural forest, with a forest bathing course approximately 2.5 kilometers long.
The forest can be reached within just a few minutes from the hotel entrance, making it easy to step away from the resort and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the woodland.
The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” refers to spending relaxed time among trees and nature. The forest environment is often associated with relaxation, while the scents of plants and trees provide another sensory element to the experience.
A slow walk through the forest, listening to birds and noticing the changing seasonal scenery, offers a simple way to step away from the pace of everyday life.
Guided Walking Tours
Morning Hot Spring Town Walk
With a professional guide, guests can explore the streets of Kusatsu Onsen while learning about the town’s history, traditions, and hot spring culture.
A guided walk can reveal details that are easy to overlook when exploring independently, offering a deeper understanding of Kusatsu’s distinctive atmosphere.
Afternoon Nature Guide
The afternoon nature walk focuses on the plants, birds, and other natural features of the surrounding forest. Because the landscape changes with the seasons, each visit can provide a different experience.
Seasonal Buffet Dining
Hotel Village also offers buffet-style dining featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
A wide selection of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes is available, allowing guests to choose their favorite foods and sample different flavors throughout the meal.
Enjoying a hot spring bath, spending time outdoors, and then sitting down to a satisfying meal is one of the pleasures of staying at this comprehensive resort.
Guest Rooms
Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Village offers a variety of accommodations surrounded by forest, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing stay in a natural highland environment.
Room types include Western-style rooms, Japanese-Western rooms, maisonettes, and log houses. These options cater to a wide range of travelers, from solo guests and couples to families and larger groups.
Each type of accommodation is designed to provide a comfortable base from which to enjoy the hot springs, activities, and natural surroundings of Kusatsu.
Tower Building — Western-Style Rooms
The Western-style rooms in the Tower Building feature a calm European-inspired atmosphere surrounded by the forest of Bērutsu-no-Mori.
The simple and elegant interiors provide views of the surrounding woodland from the windows. The rooms can accommodate a variety of travel styles, from solo travelers to families, and offer a comfortable stay at a relatively accessible price point.
The Tower Building is also suitable for meetings and seminars, making it useful for business-related stays and group events.
Tower Building — Maisonette Rooms
The maisonette rooms are arranged across two levels, creating a spacious and distinctive living environment.
The multi-level layout is particularly popular with families, offering children a sense of adventure and providing plenty of room for everyone to relax. Large windows also bring the surrounding natural scenery into the room.
Wing Building — Japanese-Western Rooms
The Japanese-Western rooms in the Wing Building combine a traditional Japanese tatami area with Western-style beds.
The building is conveniently located for access to the front desk, communal hot spring baths, and restaurants, making it easy to move around the resort.
The combination of tatami-style relaxation and the comfort of beds makes these rooms particularly suitable for multigenerational family trips and group stays.
Separate Log Houses
The log houses are located among the trees on the hotel grounds, offering a more private and unusual way to experience the resort.
The warm wooden interiors create the atmosphere of a forest retreat, almost like staying in a private mountain cottage.
Each log house is equipped with a kitchen, making this accommodation especially convenient for longer stays and group trips. Guests can enjoy the clean highland air and peaceful surroundings at their own pace.
Chateau Building — Jacuzzi Superior Rooms
The Jacuzzi Superior rooms in the Chateau Building feature a private jacuzzi bath in every room.
Guests can enjoy views of the surrounding natural landscape while relaxing in the jacuzzi, creating a spacious and leisurely resort experience.
The rooms are also generously sized and suitable for groups looking for a more comfortable and private stay.
Dog-Friendly Log Houses
Hotel Village also offers dog-friendly log houses where guests can stay with their dogs.
Surrounded by nature, these private accommodations allow guests to enjoy a relaxing getaway with their pets. For travelers who consider their dogs part of the family, the log houses provide an opportunity to experience Kusatsu’s natural surroundings together.
A Relaxing Resort for Experiencing Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Village brings together hot springs, swimming pools, nature, dining, and recreational activities in one extensive resort.
Guests can experience the famous waters of Kusatsu while also exploring the forest, taking part in traditional activities such as Yumomi, enjoying outdoor adventures, relaxing in the pools and saunas, or simply spending quiet time surrounded by nature.
With accommodation ranging from standard hotel rooms to spacious maisonettes and private log houses, the resort can accommodate many different styles of travel.
For travelers who want to combine the traditional culture of a Japanese hot spring town with the convenience and variety of a modern resort, Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Village offers a memorable way to experience Kusatsu throughout the seasons.