sainokawara park

Sainokawara Park is a popular sightseeing spot in Kusatsu Onsen, about a 10-minute walk from the Yubatake. Walk along the Kawahara Street lined with souvenir shops and you’ll reach a riverbed area where lava rocks lie scattered and steam rises thickly. Along with Yubatake, it’s one of the must-visit places for tourists. Historically, because the strongly acidic hot spring water prevented plants from growing, it was feared as a barren place called “Sai no Kawara / Oni no Sensui,” but today it has well-maintained walking paths and a pleasant atmosphere for strolling. Hot springs bubble up in many places throughout the park, flowing into streams and forming features like waterfalls and pools such as Ruri Pond and Kohaku Pond, which can appear milky white or greenish depending on mineral composition—creating mysterious scenery. You can enjoy footbaths in several spots, and at the far end of the park there is also the large Sainokawara Open-Air Bath with a total area of 500 m², perfect for soothing your body after a walk. At night, the park is illuminated; how about bathing while looking up at the starry sky?