Unveiling the Secret of Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu is a town like no other in Japan and it has a secret that must be personally experienced to be understood. The townsfolk are in on the secret and are more than happy to share it with visitors. So, just why are the people of Kusatsu so enthusiastic about their home?

Some people say the town’s secret has to do with the beautiful nature surrounding Kusatsu, while others talk about the friendliness and hospitality of the locals and the European inspired architecture. In fact, there are not any McDonald’s, KFC or other chain stores in the town. But ... could the secret just be something in the water? Come on, let’s find out.

These treasure troves of warmth and healing surging up from deep within the Earth are what power the town, its tourism industry; in fact, the onsen could essentially be viewed as the life ‘blood’ of Kusatsu. In the centre of town is the spectacular yubatake, the origin of the hot water coming up from deep underground. The first thing visitors notice is the free flow of piping hot spring water. It then descends into a pool in a dramatic waterfall. The plentiful hot water is also piped into the public bath houses spread throughout the town and there are 18 of these that anyone can use for free.

Kusatsu offers a special spa treatment, called ‘jikan-yu’ (meaning ‘timed bathing.’) Rather than just relaxing in the hot waters, bathers must follow the supervision of a guide. First the temperature must be cooled by inserting large wooden paddles into the water and moving them in a special motion. Hot water is then poured over bathers’ heads four times, before they enter the hot waters for a number of minutes.

This treatment is famous for curing a wide range of conditions, and people travel from all over Japan to try it. Kusatsu is a place that welcomes those with various afflictions – including Hansen’s disease – to come and be cured while sharing time with local people. In summary, almost everything magical about Kusatsu springs from the confidence the locals have in the power of their onsen.

You can also enjoy ashiyu (leg-soaking onsen) in the town center. And at the hot water creek running through the huge Sai-no-kawara Koen, you can easily experience ashiyu while surrounded by nature. You do not have to take off your clothing — simply place your legs in the creek.

Super Onsen Not Only Attraction
You can discover another secret of Kusatsu by venturing into the forest located just outside the town center. The close proximity of the forest – that boasts several well-kept walking tracks, beautiful flowers and rabbits – allows people to get close to nature. In fact, in only 10 minutes you can be breathing clean forest air that will freshen and revive your senses. This beautiful wooded area has amazing rejuvenating powers that can be felt by getting close to the trees and absorbing their energy through your body and hands.

In addition to onsen and forest healing, the taste of nature is another secret. For health and environment-conscious visitors, Kusatsu offers a wide variety of highly nutritious vegetables called “sansai” (mountain vegetables). Since they are grown on the land surrounding the town, these blessings from nature can be enjoyed daily, and their production creates a very low “carbon footprint.”

These secrets of Kusatsu power make the local people proud to be tourism volunteers – a bunch of Kusatsu locals who are more than happy to show off their town to foreign visitors using English and Japanese. These very enthusiastic guides are able to provide ample information about the town, the onsen and the people, and will also readily recommend a good restaurant to take care of your hunger pangs.

Kusatsu also hosts monthly sporting and cultural events. Visitors who came to Kusatsu this August enjoyed a real treat. The summer sumo exhibition event was held there, which attracted a full house. In contrast to the usual Emperor’s Cup Tournaments where security is very strict and sumo wrestlers adopt somber emotionless expressions, this occasion sees them most relaxed, laughing and joking with fans and each other, posing for fans holding their babies, and with their arms around children.

Kusatsu enjoys a top-ranking reputation among the thousands of onsen in Japan. Indeed, it has a magic power that makes the people of Kusatsu proud to welcome people from all over the world. Their confidence in the onsen removes all prejudices and helps them turn strangers into friends. Many people love this warm atmosphere, and move to this town. This is the along with all the other factors, secret of Kusatsu.

Text: Kate GRAHAM, Antonia McLAUGHLIN, Jonathon WALSH

For inquiries:
Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association
www.kusatsu-onsen.org/
www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp

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