Ride the Pulse Gondola Tengu to the Summit
The Pulse Gondola Tengu connects the base of the resort with the summit of Mount Tenguyama. The modern gondola travels approximately 473 meters in about 4 minutes, providing a comfortable way to reach the highland area without a strenuous climb.
The gondola features stylish, open-feeling eight-passenger cabins arranged in three connected sections. During the ride, passengers can enjoy sweeping views of Kusatsu Onsen and the surrounding mountains.
The gondola is also accessible to wheelchair users and passengers traveling with pets, making it a convenient option for a wide range of visitors.
At the summit, approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, the cool mountain air provides a refreshing contrast to the town below. On clear days, the panoramic view can extend as far as Mount Fuji, creating an impressive highland vista.
Tenguyama Terrace and Crystal Ten Restaurant
At the summit, Tenguyama Terrace provides an open space where visitors can relax while enjoying the mountain breeze and panoramic scenery.
The terrace is free to use and is an excellent place to take photographs, enjoy a break, or simply spend some quiet time surrounded by nature.
Enjoy the View from Crystal Ten
For a meal with a view, head to the observation restaurant Crystal Ten. The combination of food and expansive mountain scenery creates a particularly memorable dining experience on clear days.
Looking out over Kusatsu and the surrounding mountains while enjoying a meal gives visitors a chance to slow down and appreciate the highland atmosphere.
BanZip TENGU — Soar Above the Mountains
One of the resort’s signature attractions is BanZip TENGU, a zipline attraction introduced in 2019.
Starting from the summit of Mount Tenguyama at approximately 1,370 meters above sea level, riders travel along a 500-meter-long wire with a vertical difference of approximately 108 meters. At its fastest, the ride reaches approximately 70 km/h.
Secured in a specialized harness, riders glide through the air while looking down toward Kusatsu Onsen and out toward the surrounding mountains. The experience combines the sensation of flying with the excitement of a high-speed roller coaster.
Who Can Ride?
BanZip TENGU is available to visitors who are elementary school age or older and weigh between 25 kg and 109 kg.
The attraction is operated with safety procedures in place, but operation may be suspended during poor weather. Visitors should check operating conditions before heading to the resort.
SKY SWING — A Giant Swing in the Sky
Another distinctive attraction at the summit is the SKY SWING, a giant swing approximately 10 meters high.
Swinging high above the ground while looking down over Kusatsu Onsen creates a strong sensation of floating into the open sky. The swing can also accommodate two people, making it an enjoyable activity for families and friends.
With spectacular views combined with a touch of adventure, SKY SWING is one of the memorable ways to experience the Kusatsu highlands.
Family-Friendly Activities at Tenguyama Play Zone
The Tenguyama Play Zone offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The grassy Mountain Cart is suitable for parents and children to ride together, allowing them to travel down a gentle slope while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Visitors can also enjoy putting golf, mallet golf, trampolines, badminton, and other activities that require little preparation or equipment. This makes the area particularly convenient for families looking for an easygoing outdoor experience.
A Pet-Friendly Highland Destination
During the summer season, a dog run is also available, giving dogs a chance to exercise in the highland environment.
Because pets are permitted on the gondola, the resort is also a convenient destination for travelers who want to enjoy a mountain outing together with their dogs.
Easy BBQ and Dining in the Mountains
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed BBQ experience at an elevation of approximately 1,250 meters. The setup is designed to be convenient, with no need for guests to prepare charcoal or deal with the cleanup afterward.
This makes the BBQ especially suitable for families and groups looking for a casual outdoor meal without bringing a large amount of equipment.
A Variety of Food Options
The resort also offers several places to eat, including Menya Tenguu, dining facilities near the summit, and food trucks.
The selection ranges from familiar Japanese comfort food such as ramen to dishes such as sushi, providing plenty of choices for different tastes.
Some terrace seating areas are also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal together with their dogs while taking in the mountain scenery.
Hiking and e-Bike Adventures
For travelers who prefer exploring at a slower pace, the Hikodani Hiking Course provides an opportunity to experience the natural environment around the resort.
The route offers opportunities for forest bathing, exploring cool air-filled natural ice-house areas, and observing alpine plants. It is a pleasant way to experience the mountain environment beyond the main activity areas.
Explore Kusatsu by e-Bike
Electric-assist bicycles, or e-Bikes, are also available for rental. Their electric assistance makes it easier to explore Kusatsu’s famously hilly streets and the surrounding area.
For visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a little exercise, an e-Bike offers a flexible way to discover places that may be less convenient to reach on foot.
A Full Ski Resort in Winter
Although the green season offers an entirely different experience, Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort returns to its original winter role when the snow arrives.
The resort has a long history dating back to 1914 and is known for the installation of one of Japan’s earliest commercial ski lifts.
Its winter terrain includes a variety of courses, including a 4.3-kilometer-long run and family-friendly slopes designed for beginners.
Winter Fireworks
In March, special winter fireworks events are held, creating an unusual combination of night skiing and fireworks.
This seasonal atmosphere adds another dimension to the resort and demonstrates how the character of the area changes dramatically between winter and the warmer months.
Combine Mountain Activities with a Hot Spring Bath
One of the greatest advantages of Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is its proximity to the famous hot spring town.
After enjoying outdoor activities, visitors can head to the Sainokawara Open-Air Bath, located approximately an 8-minute walk away, and relax in its large outdoor bathing area surrounded by nature.
The experience of soaking in naturally flowing hot spring water after spending time outdoors is a quintessential Kusatsu experience, combining mountain recreation with the town’s centuries-old bathing culture.
A Year-Round Highland Resort in Kusatsu
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is much more than a winter ski destination. During the green season, the resort becomes a highland playground filled with panoramic viewpoints, thrilling attractions, family activities, hiking, cycling, dining, and opportunities to enjoy nature.
From the peaceful views at Tenguyama Terrace to the exhilarating flight of BanZip TENGU and the giant SKY SWING, there are plenty of ways to experience the mountains at your own pace.
Combined with the hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen, the resort offers a distinctive style of Japanese mountain getaway where outdoor adventure and traditional bathing culture can be enjoyed within the same trip.
Whether you are traveling with family, meeting friends for an outdoor adventure, or exploring Gunma with your pet, the green season at Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort offers a refreshing way to discover the highlands in spring, summer, and autumn.