The Famous “Yumomi and Dance Show”
The main attraction at Netsu-no-yu is the “Yumomi and Dance Show”, which showcases one of Kusatsu Onsen’s most distinctive traditional practices. During the performance, the performers use long wooden boards to stir the hot spring water while singing traditional Kusatsu folk songs such as “Kusatsu Bushi” and “Kusatsu Yumomi Uta.”
The performers move the boards rhythmically while calling out “Choina, Choina!” The combination of music, singing, dancing, and synchronized movements creates a lively performance that is unique to Kusatsu.
The program includes an opening video, traditional dancing to Kusatsu Bushi, a demonstration of Yumomi, and a finale combining dancing with the Yumomi performance. Watching the performers work with the hot spring water from close range provides an entertaining introduction to Kusatsu’s traditional bathing culture.
Why Was Yumomi Necessary?
The natural hot spring water of Kusatsu is extremely hot, with water from the sources reaching around 50°C (122°F) or more. In the past, the water was too hot to enter directly. However, simply adding cold water would dilute the mineral-rich hot spring water and alter its original characteristics.
To solve this problem, the people of Kusatsu developed Yumomi. Using wooden boards approximately 180 centimeters long, they stirred the hot spring water while exposing it to the air. This helped lower the temperature without adding water and diluting the spring.
Yumomi was also said to make the water feel softer and served as a form of preparation before bathing. What began as a practical method for preparing extremely hot spring water eventually became an important part of Kusatsu’s cultural heritage.
The Traditional Bathing Culture of the Edo Period
Kusatsu developed its own distinctive bathing customs during the Edo period (1603–1868). One traditional bathing method is known as “Dento-yu,” or traditional bathing.
After the hot spring water was cooled through Yumomi, bathers would enter the bath together according to instructions from a person known as the Yu-cho, who was responsible for supervising the bathing process. The bathers would enter at the same time and leave together after a designated period.
Before entering the bath, bathers traditionally performed “Kaburi-yu,” pouring hot spring water over their heads using a wooden bucket. This was followed by a short bath of approximately three minutes. The process could be repeated several times a day.
These customs provide a glimpse into how the people of Kusatsu traditionally enjoyed and managed the powerful hot spring waters that have shaped the town’s history.
A Beautiful Building Inspired by Taisho-Era Design
The current building of Netsu-no-yu was rebuilt in 2015 and features a design inspired by the romantic atmosphere of Japan’s Taisho era (1912–1926). Extensive use of wood gives the interior a warm and welcoming character.
The building features a spacious two-story atrium, creating an open atmosphere while maintaining the cozy feeling associated with traditional Japanese architecture. The scent and texture of the wood add to the relaxing atmosphere of the hot spring town.
The entrance features a decorative design depicting the traditional bathing culture of Kusatsu. At night, the entrance is illuminated, creating a beautiful and atmospheric scene. It is also a popular spot for photographs, making it a memorable place to capture the atmosphere of Kusatsu Onsen.
Try a Hands-On Yumomi Experience
Visitors to Netsu-no-yu can do more than simply watch the show. Depending on the schedule, they may also have the opportunity to experience Yumomi themselves.
With guidance from the staff, participants use long wooden boards to stir the hot spring water while joining in with the traditional “Choina, Choina!” chant. The experience offers a fun and interactive way to learn about Kusatsu’s hot spring traditions.
Taking photographs after the experience can also provide a special souvenir of your visit. For international visitors experiencing Kusatsu Onsen for the first time, the activity is an enjoyable way to learn about the history and customs of this famous hot spring resort.
Kusatsu’s Traditional Folk Songs
The folk songs performed during Yumomi are collectively known as Yumomi songs and form an important part of Kusatsu’s traditional culture. Famous examples include “Kusatsu Bushi,” “Kusatsu Yumomi Uta,” and “Kusatsu Kouta.”
Among them, Kusatsu Bushi is particularly well known. Its famous opening line, “Kusatsu yoitoko, ichido wa oide,” expresses an invitation to visit Kusatsu and has become closely associated with the hot spring town.
These traditional songs have been passed down through generations and are still enjoyed by visitors today. They are an essential part of the Yumomi performances at Netsu-no-yu.
A Must-Visit Attraction in Kusatsu Onsen
Netsu-no-yu stands directly in front of Yubatake, the iconic centerpiece of Kusatsu Onsen, making it an easy stop during a walk through the hot spring town.
Visitors can combine a stroll around Yubatake with a Yumomi performance or, when available, take part in a hands-on Yumomi experience. Together, these activities offer a deeper understanding of the traditions that have developed around Kusatsu’s hot spring waters.
Kusatsu Onsen is not only a place to enjoy bathing in natural hot springs. It is also a destination where visitors can discover centuries-old customs, music, performing arts, and local history. Netsu-no-yu plays an important role in preserving and presenting this cultural heritage, making it a worthwhile place to visit when exploring Kusatsu Onsen.