Otaki no Yu
Spacious, traditional public onsen in Kusatsu, renowned for its diverse pools and tattoo-friendly policy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Otaki no Yu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spacious, traditional public onsen in Kusatsu, renowned for its diverse pools and tattoo-friendly policy.
"This is the one you want to visit. It's the best hands down. "
✅ Tattoo-Friendly Choice
One of the few public onsens in Kusatsu that welcomes tattoos!
💰 On-site Ticket Purchase
Tickets are typically bought at the entrance; online booking is uncommon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Variety of Pools
Indoor and Outdoor
Experience numerous pools with diverse temperatures, from soothing warm to invigorating hot.
Spacious Traditional Ambiance
Main Bathing Area
Enjoy a large, well-maintained facility offering an authentic and relaxing hot spring atmosphere.
Invigorating Sauna
Sauna Room
A hot sauna (around 90 degrees Celsius) is available for those seeking an extra steamy experience.
Scenic Outdoor Bath
Outdoor Bathing Area
Relax in a beautifully designed open-air bath surrounded by greenery for a tranquil soak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Access
+1Navigating Tickets and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Tattoo-Friendly Choice
One of the few public onsens in Kusatsu that welcomes tattoos!
💰 On-site Ticket Purchase
Tickets are typically bought at the entrance; online booking is uncommon.
🌡️ Pool Temperature Variety
Explore multiple pools with different heat levels for a customized experience.
👟 Beware of Shoe Theft
A past review mentioned shoes being stolen from lockers. Be vigilant.
Kusatsu Onsen
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Tattoo-Friendly Choice
One of the few public onsens in Kusatsu that welcomes tattoos!
💰 On-site Ticket Purchase
Tickets are typically bought at the entrance; online booking is uncommon.
🌡️ Pool Temperature Variety
Explore multiple pools with different heat levels for a customized experience.
👟 Beware of Shoe Theft
A past review mentioned shoes being stolen from lockers. Be vigilant.
🧴 Amenities Provided
Shampoo, body wash, and even body lotion are available for use.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Otaki no Yu is highly praised for its numerous pools with varying temperatures, spacious traditional ambiance, and welcoming policy for tattooed guests. Visitors appreciate the provided amenities and the relaxing outdoor bath. However, a concerning review mentioned shoe theft from lockers and unhelpful staff, alongside accusations of discrimination against foreigners, though other reviews contradict this, highlighting friendly interactions.
"There are many Onsens to choose from. Trust me, this is the one you want to visit. It's the best hands down. I visited many in the area and this is by far my favourite one. It has many pools to choose from, and at different temperatures. It has both indoor and outdoor options. 10/10 would recommend!"
Juan Manzo
"Theives! Do NOT go to this place.
We went to this public onsen place and one of us had his shoes stolen from the lockers. The staff were extremely unhelpful and refused to check the CCTV for us. Imagine taking a bath and ended up with no shoes to leave this place. We ended up buying a new pair of shoes at a run-down place right round the corner. Needless to say, the staff did not offer any compensation at all.
We ended up calling the police but they refused to treat this case a theft and did not bother to issue any certificate for us to claim travel insurance as they "do not believe this was a case of theft". Worst yet, the staff were giggling at us at the back.
This is pure discrimination towards foreigners and I find it really appalling by the rudeness I have been treated by both the staff and the police. Most of the five stars comments are likely fake and the discrimination against foreigners are legit. The staff and police should be ashamed of themselves at the very least."
abc Tam
"That was definitely a great public Onsen! I really liked it. The various Onsen made the experience even better. It was clean, authentic and the people where friendly to me even though I am foreign. The sauna was Hot (90 degrees) how I like it and the three different Basins with different temperatures have been great! The open air bath was beatifully made and relaxing. And the indoor onsen has been big and spacious. Otaki no yu even provides different Sorts of shampoo and body Wash. Even body Lotion at the end. My stay Has been very relaxing!"
Anastasia Weide
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Otaki no Yu is centrally located in Kusatsu Onsen. From Kusatsu-Yumoto Station, you can take a bus to the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal, and it's a short walk from there. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from the main town area.
Yes, there is a parking lot available near Otaki no Yu, as mentioned in some local guides. It's advisable to check for availability, especially during peak seasons.
Absolutely! Otaki no Yu is conveniently located within walking distance of many other Kusatsu attractions, including the Yubatake (hot spring field).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Otaki no Yu are typically purchased on-site at the entrance. Online booking options are not commonly available for this public onsen.
While some facilities in Japan are moving towards card payments, it's best to have cash on hand for onsen tickets, as not all may accept credit cards.
Information on specific discounts for Otaki no Yu is not widely advertised. It's recommended to check the official Kusatsu Onsen tourism website or inquire at the entrance for any available promotions.
Otaki no Yu generally operates during daytime and early evening hours. It's advisable to check the most current operating hours on the official Kusatsu Onsen tourism website before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Yes, you can bring your own toiletries. However, Otaki no Yu does provide a selection of shampoos, body wash, and even body lotion for guests to use.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
Yes, Otaki no Yu is one of the public onsens in Kusatsu that explicitly welcomes guests with tattoos of any size, making it a popular choice.
Otaki no Yu features a variety of pools, including indoor baths, an outdoor bath surrounded by greenery, and multiple pools with different water temperatures.
Yes, Otaki no Yu has a hot sauna, typically around 90 degrees Celsius, for those who enjoy a more intense heat experience.
The water at Otaki no Yu is known for its mineral content, which can feel slightly acidic to some. It's a characteristic of Kusatsu's hot springs.
Yes, Otaki no Yu provides well-maintained changing rooms and shower areas for guests.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Otaki no Yu has a small cafe on-site offering a selection of drinks. For more substantial meals, you'll find numerous restaurants and eateries in the surrounding Kusatsu Onsen town.
Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the bathing areas of onsens. There is a cafe and vending machines available for refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the bathing areas of Otaki no Yu to respect the privacy of other guests. You may be able to take photos in designated areas outside the bathing facilities, but always check for signage.
The surrounding Kusatsu Onsen town offers many picturesque spots, including the Yubatake (hot spring field) and the charming streets. The exterior of Otaki no Yu itself can also be photographed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The variety of pool temperatures means you can find milder options for younger ones, but always supervise children closely in and around the water. ✨ Tattooed Travelers
+1 This policy allows you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic onsen experience without worry. +1 It's a significant draw for those who want to enjoy Japan's rich bathing culture without hiding their body art. +1💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Waters of Kusatsu Onsen
Otaki no Yu, like other Kusatsu onsens, utilizes this potent water. The facility offers different temperature pools, allowing visitors to gradually acclimate to the heat and mineral content.
For those new to onsen culture, it's important to understand the etiquette. This includes washing thoroughly before entering the baths, not wearing swimwear, and keeping towels out of the water.
Navigating Otaki no Yu: A Visitor's Guide
The main attraction is the variety of pools. Otaki no Yu boasts several indoor baths of varying temperatures, allowing you to find one that suits your comfort level.
After your soak, you can use the provided amenities like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit