Enjoy Street Food and Souvenir Shopping
Nishinokawara Street is an enjoyable place to explore while sampling local treats. Shops along the street offer freshly steamed onsen manju hot spring buns, hot spring eggs, rich soft-serve ice cream, grilled skewers, and other casual foods that are easy to enjoy while walking.
One well-known traditional shop, Aji no Ganso Choju-ten, is particularly popular for its freshly steamed onsen manju. The soft, fluffy dough is filled generously with sweet red bean paste, making the buns a convenient snack to enjoy during a stroll through the hot spring town.
Many stores also sell local specialties, traditional crafts, Japanese-style accessories, and charming souvenirs. Visitors wearing yukata, traditional casual summer robes, can often be seen strolling through the streets, adding to the distinctive atmosphere of a Japanese onsen town.
A Walking Route Around Yubatake
As you walk down the slope toward the center of Kusatsu, Yubatake comes into view. Yubatake literally means “Hot Water Field” and is the symbolic heart of Kusatsu Onsen.
Rows of wooden channels called yu-doi carry the naturally hot spring water and allow some of its mineral content to settle, producing a substance known as yunohana, or hot spring mineral sediment. The scene is one of the most recognizable sights in Kusatsu.
There are steps and uneven surfaces around the area, so visitors should take care when walking, particularly after rain or when the ground is wet.
The “Goyōkumiage” Hot Spring Collection for Shogun Yoshimune
One historic spot near Yubatake is associated with Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. According to tradition, hot spring water from Kusatsu was collected for Yoshimune and transported to Edo Castle, present-day Tokyo.
A ceremonial recreation known as the “Goyōkumiage no Gi” has also been held to commemorate this historical connection, offering a glimpse into the relationship between Kusatsu Onsen and Japan’s Edo-period rulers.
Wooden Channels and Yunohana
The wooden channels beside Yubatake allow the hot spring water to flow while some of its mineral components settle. The resulting yunohana has long been associated with Kusatsu and is also sold as a popular local souvenir.
These wooden channels are both functional and visually distinctive, making them one of the defining features of the Yubatake landscape.
Yukemuri-tei Foot Bath
Yukemuri-tei is a convenient public foot bath where visitors can rest their feet in warm hot spring water. It is a relaxing place to take a break while exploring Kusatsu.
Foot baths are also a pleasant part of Japanese hot spring culture, and sitting beside other travelers can naturally lead to casual conversations and shared moments during a journey.
Hot Spring Waterfall and Stone Lanterns
The hot spring waterfall at Yubatake is an impressive sight as large amounts of hot spring water flow rapidly over the rocks. The rocks are also home to Ideyukogome, a rare primitive type of algae that thrives in the strongly acidic environment created by Kusatsu’s hot springs.
After dark, stone lanterns around the area are illuminated, giving Yubatake and its surroundings a beautiful and atmospheric appearance.
Discover Kusatsu’s History and Culture
The area around Yubatake also contains several features that introduce the history of Kusatsu. Stone pillars around the hot spring source bear the names of 100 notable people who visited Kusatsu, providing an interesting connection between the present-day resort and its long history.
The Monument to the Shogun’s Hot Spring Water Collection also commemorates the story associated with Tokugawa Yoshimune and his connection with Kusatsu’s hot spring water.
Yumichi Plaza
Yumichi Plaza is a pleasant public space near Yubatake characterized by a wooden corridor with a nostalgic, retro-Japanese atmosphere. Its design was inspired by the image of terraced rice fields, creating a visual contrast with Yubatake’s “field” of hot spring water.
It is a convenient place to take a short break while enjoying food or drinks purchased nearby. Events are also held here from time to time, adding to the lively atmosphere of the area.
Traditional Yumomi at Netsu-no-yu
At Netsu-no-yu, visitors can watch the traditional Yumomi performance accompanied by Kusatsu folk songs such as Kusatsu Bushi.
The approximately 25-minute performance demonstrates how large wooden boards were traditionally used to stir and cool the extremely hot spring water. Some performances also include an opportunity for visitors to try Yumomi themselves, providing a hands-on introduction to one of Kusatsu’s most distinctive traditions.
Nearby Hot Spring Experiences and New Attractions
A short walk from Nishinokawara Street brings visitors to Ohtakinoyu, another popular hot spring facility in Kusatsu. One of its distinctive experiences is Awase-yu, a traditional bathing method in which visitors move through baths with different water temperatures in sequence.
Further exploring the town leads to the Ura-Kusatsu Jizo area, which was renovated in 2022. This quieter part of Kusatsu offers a variety of hot spring experiences, including foot baths, hand baths, and face baths, providing a different atmosphere from the busy Yubatake area.
Mangado — A Haven for Manga Fans
Mangado is a unique attraction for fans of Japanese manga. The facility houses more than 10,000 manga volumes and features handwritten signatures and illustrations by well-known manga artists.
For travelers interested in contemporary Japanese pop culture as well as traditional hot spring culture, Mangado offers an interesting way to experience a different side of Kusatsu.
Access to Nishinokawara Street
From JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, take a bus bound for Kusatsu Onsen and get off at the final stop, Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. Nishinokawara Street is approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus terminal.
The area is easy to explore without a car, making it convenient for visitors traveling by public transportation from Tokyo and other parts of Japan.
Experience the Atmosphere of Kusatsu Onsen
Nishinokawara Street brings together many of the things that make Kusatsu Onsen special: traditional hot spring culture, historic landmarks, local food, shopping, and the distinctive atmosphere of a Japanese onsen town.
From the steaming waters of Yubatake and the traditional Yumomi performances to local sweets and souvenir shops, there are plenty of reasons to slow down and explore on foot. Take your time, follow the steam through the streets, and enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Kusatsu Onsen.