Begin your experience at Yubatake, the symbolic heart of Kusatsu, where steaming hot spring water flows openly through the center of town. Learn why Kusatsu’s hot springs are unique, how the water has shaped the town’s layout, and how hot springs have historically been understood in Japan not only as a place to bathe, but as a way to rest, recover, and spend time away from daily life.

Continue to Netsu-no-Yu, where you can watch a traditional yumomi performance. Rather than cooling the water by adding cold water, people in Kusatsu developed the practice of stirring the hot spring water with wooden paddles while singing. This performance reflects how local knowledge, music, and community customs evolved around living with extremely hot water.

From there, walk along the street leading toward Sainokawara Park, passing shops that specialize in local hot spring snacks and sweets. Enjoy a casual tasting experience, choosing items that appeal to you and enjoying Kusatsu’s food culture in an informal, relaxed way.

At Sainokawara Park, explore an open landscape where hot spring water naturally flows through rocks and pools. Learn how this area demonstrates the original meaning of Kusatsu as a place of healing, where people once spent extended periods allowing their bodies to recover in nature. Even without entering the baths, the sound, steam, and warmth of the area make it easy to imagine why people came here to rest and reset.

Conclude your tour back near Yubatake, leaving you in a central and convenient location to continue exploring Kusatsu on your own. By the end of the experience, gain a deeper understanding of why hot springs occupy such an important place in Japanese life—not merely as a physical activity, but as a cultural idea tied to relaxation, healing, and the enjoyment of time itself.