Jizo no Yu
Kusatsu Onsen: Japan's premier hot spring town, famous for its abundant, acidic waters and tattoo-friendly public baths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical illuminations glow
Jizo no Yu
Best Time
Magical illuminations glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kusatsu Onsen: Japan's premier hot spring town, famous for its abundant, acidic waters and tattoo-friendly public baths.
"Free, simple and basic. Perfect for a 15 minutes hot bath."
♨️ Free Bathing at Jizo no Yu
Enjoy a free, simple, and basic hot bath at Jizo no Yu. Perfect for a quick, rejuvenating soak .
🌡️ Water Temperature Caution
The onsen water can be very hot! Wash yourself first and ease in gradually .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yubatake
Central Kusatsu Onsen
The steaming hot water field, the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, showcasing its natural power.
Jizo no Yu
Near the Yubatake
A free, local-favorite onsen with spacious bathing and a unique face onsen.
Otaki-no-yu
Kusatsu Onsen
Experience multiple baths, including a large open-air one, and the traditional 'yumomi' water cooling ritual.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heat: Onsen Etiquette
Navigating Kusatsu's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
♨️ Free Bathing at Jizo no Yu
Enjoy a free, simple, and basic hot bath at Jizo no Yu. Perfect for a quick, rejuvenating soak.
🌡️ Water Temperature Caution
The onsen water can be very hot! Wash yourself first and ease in gradually.
🚶♀️ Walkable Town
Kusatsu Onsen is small and easily explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
💳 Tattoo-Friendly Options
Many public baths, including Jizo no Yu, Otaki-no-yu, and Goza-no-yu, welcome tattoos.+1
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Free Bathing at Jizo no Yu
Enjoy a free, simple, and basic hot bath at Jizo no Yu. Perfect for a quick, rejuvenating soak.
🌡️ Water Temperature Caution
The onsen water can be very hot! Wash yourself first and ease in gradually.
🚶♀️ Walkable Town
Kusatsu Onsen is small and easily explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
💳 Tattoo-Friendly Options
Many public baths, including Jizo no Yu, Otaki-no-yu, and Goza-no-yu, welcome tattoos.+1
🚌 Direct Bus Access
Convenient direct buses run from Tokyo, making it an easy getaway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jizo no Yu for its free access, simple yet spacious facilities, and authentic hot spring experience. The water temperature is noted as hot but tolerable, and the presence of a face onsen adds a unique touch. It's a popular spot for locals and welcoming to tourists, offering a quick and rejuvenating soak.
"It's small, but it's completely free! Changing area is in the bath area, there are toilets, and the water is straight from the hot springs. It seems to be popular with the locals, and tourists are also allowed to use it.
Temperature is on the hotter side but perfectly tolerable!"
Mark Gebbett
"There is a face onsen in front. Very interesting. It uses hot steam from flowing onsen water beneath. Nice to try!"
nutsfoodjourney
"The temperature is perfect and inside is a bit more spacious than other free hot spring spots!
Lovely place for sure!
Come visit and get your free bathing 🧼
Cheers 🥂"
Mr. No Tengo Dinero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by direct bus from Tokyo, which takes about 4 hours.+1 Some buses offer free Wi-Fi and are quite comfortable.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station and then a bus to Kusatsu Onsen.
Yes, Kusatsu Onsen is a popular destination for day trips from Tokyo due to its accessibility via direct bus. However, staying overnight allows you to experience the evening illuminations and enjoy the onsen more leisurely.
Kusatsu Onsen is a compact town and is best explored on foot. Most attractions, including the Yubatake and public baths, are within walking distance of each other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For most public baths like Otaki-no-yu, you can purchase tickets on-site. Jizo no Yu, however, is completely free to use.
Yes, Jizo no Yu is a free public onsen that is popular with locals and tourists alike. It offers a simple yet satisfying bathing experience.
Kusatsu Onsen is known for being one of the most tattoo-friendly onsen towns in Japan. Three of the largest public baths, including Sai-no-kawara, Otaki-no-yu, and Goza-no-yu, welcome tattoos of any size.+1
Operating hours can vary by bathhouse. It's advisable to check the specific hours for facilities like Otaki-no-yu or Jizo no Yu before your visit, though Jizo no Yu is generally accessible for a quick dip.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
The water at Jizo no Yu is known to be on the hotter side, but generally tolerable. It's recommended to wash yourself thoroughly before entering to get accustomed to the heat.
Yumomi is a traditional method of cooling the hot spring water by stirring it with wooden paddles. You can experience this at Otaki-no-yu, where it's performed daily.
Jizo no Yu has a unique face onsen where you can enjoy the hot steam from the spring water beneath. It's a nice addition to the bathing experience.
You'll need a small towel for washing and a larger towel for drying. Many onsen offer rental yukata (robes) and towels, but it's good to check in advance or bring your own. At Jizo no Yu, shelves are inside the bathing area for your clothes.
Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Evenings can be popular due to illuminations, and weekends will naturally be busier.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is not allowed inside the bathing areas of public onsen to respect privacy. However, you can capture the scenic Yubatake and the charming streets of Kusatsu Onsen.
The Yubatake is an iconic spot, especially when lit up at night. The charming streets with traditional buildings and the steam rising from the hot springs also make for great photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Kusatsu's Hot Springs
The iconic Yubatake (hot water field) is the visual centerpiece of Kusatsu Onsen. Here, steaming hot spring water flows through wooden channels, creating a mesmerizing spectacle and releasing a distinct sulfurous scent. This is where the water is naturally cooled before being distributed to the various public baths and private accommodations throughout the town.
Visitors can experience the onsen in several ways. The town features numerous public baths, some of which are free like Jizo no Yu,
Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Culture
Three of the largest and most popular public baths – Sai-no-kawara, Otaki-no-yu, and Goza-no-yu – are explicitly tattoo-friendly.
This welcoming attitude extends to Jizo no Yu, a free public bath that is also generally accepting of tattoos.
Experiencing Kusatsu's Charm
A must-do experience is witnessing the 'yumomi' ceremony, a centuries-old practice of cooling the intensely hot spring water by vigorously stirring it with large wooden paddles.
As dusk settles, Kusatsu Onsen transforms into a magical wonderland with evening illuminations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit