Yubatake

Yubatake, which translates to "hot water field," is the beating heart and main symbol of the famous resort town of Kusatsu, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Japan. This unique natural attraction is located right in the center of town and is a mesmerizing sight that attracts travelers from all over the world. It was around Yubatake that the entire infrastructure of one of the country's most famous onsen resorts grew.

At its core, Yubatake is a large open-air facility where geothermal water surfaces. Hot, mineral-rich water with a temperature of over 70°C flows through a system of seven wooden chutes. This clever design allows the water to cool naturally to a comfortable temperature before being distributed to the town's numerous ryokans and public bathhouses. Thick clouds of steam and the characteristic scent of sulfur create a truly unforgettable atmosphere here.

The power of this spring is impressive: more than 4,000 liters of water flow through Yubatake every minute, making it one of the most productive in Japan. The water is highly acidic and saturated with mineral deposits, which locals call "yu-no-hana" (water flowers) and use as natural bath salts. In the evening, the entire structure is beautifully illuminated, turning the central square into a fairytale-like place for walks and photos.

Yubatake is a public open-air attraction located in the heart of Kusatsu. As it is an open public space accessible 24/7, it does not have specific contact details such as a phone number, official website, or email address.

For the latest tourist information, maps, event schedules, or answers to any questions regarding your visit, it is recommended to contact the Kusatsu Resort Tourist Information Centers. The staff at these centers can provide up-to-date information and help you find your way around the area.

Visiting Yubatake is primarily a visual and sensory immersion into the unique atmosphere of onsen culture. Tourists can observe the impressive process up close: how powerful streams of hot mineral water surface and flow along special wooden structures for natural cooling. This sight, shrouded in thick clouds of steam, creates wonderful photo opportunities, especially in the evening when the illumination is turned on. Comfortable observation decks are built around the spring, offering picturesque views not only of the steaming flows but of the entire central square of Kusatsu.

Of course, the main highlight in Kusatsu is to experience the healing power of the water for yourself. Numerous traditional ryokans and public onsens (Japanese baths) are located near Yubatake, where you can fully relax in hot baths. For those who want to combine water relaxation with a nature walk, the scenic Sainokawara Park is within walking distance. Here you can stroll among natural thermal springs and hot water streams while enjoying the region's untouched nature.

Kusatsu is attractive at any time of year. In winter, the region becomes a popular destination for downhill skiing, and after an active day on the slopes, there's nothing better than warming up and relaxing your muscles in one of the many onsens filled with water straight from Yubatake. Thus, a visit to the "hot water field" becomes the central element of a comprehensive vacation that combines wellness, sports, and nature contemplation.

Since Yubatake is located in the very heart of Kusatsu, finding it is quite easy once you arrive at the resort. The most common way to get here from Tokyo is a combination of train and bus. First, take a JR train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, where buses depart regularly for the Kusatsu bus terminal. The entire journey from Tokyo takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.

From the Kusatsu bus terminal, Yubatake is just a few minutes' leisurely walk away, allowing you to dive into the resort's unique atmosphere almost immediately. For those who prefer direct travel or are traveling with heavy luggage, there are direct bus services from Tokyo (for example, from Shinjuku Bus Terminal) and other major cities in the Kanto region. This trip takes about 4 hours but allows you to reach your destination without any extra hassle.

Travelers arriving by car will also find it convenient. There are public and private parking lots near the central part of Kusatsu, where you can leave your vehicle and walk to the famous "hot water field" and its surrounding attractions.

The history of Yubatake is inextricably linked to the centuries-long development of Kusatsu. The first mentions of a settlement in these parts date back to 1200, when the Kosenji Temple was founded. However, the springs gained true fame during the Edo period. The healing properties of the local water were so highly valued that the Tokugawa shoguns ordered it to be delivered from Japan directly to their residence in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Even then, Yubatake was considered the heart of the resort, and its mineral-rich, highly acidic waters were used for health promotion and medical treatments.

In the late 19th century, the fame of Kusatsu's waters reached a new level thanks to the German doctor Erwin von Baelz, who served at the Imperial Court. He scientifically confirmed and actively promoted the medicinal properties of the local springs, drawing even more attention to the resort. An important and unique feature of Yubatake has always been not just the water itself, but the ingenious natural cooling system. Flowing through wooden chutes, the extremely hot water gradually cools to a comfortable temperature before entering the town's bathhouses, while retaining all its beneficial properties.

One of the most vibrant local traditions, "yumomi," is also associated with the cooling process. This is a ritual of stirring the water with special wooden boards to lower its temperature, which over time has turned into a colorful performance for tourists. Today, as many centuries ago, Yubatake remains the main center of attraction in Kusatsu. Recent infrastructure updates around the spring have made this area even more comfortable and appealing to travelers from all over the world who come here to touch living history and experience the healing power of the legendary waters.

When planning a visit to Yubatake, you should aim for a time frame of 30 minutes to an hour and a half. This is plenty of time to explore the spring itself without rushing, enjoy the unusual sight of bubbling and steaming water, take memorable photos, and walk around the central square. In half an hour, you'll have time to get a general overview of this unique Kusatsu attraction.

If you want to immerse yourself deeper in the resort's atmosphere, it makes sense to set aside more time. For example, you can take a leisurely break in one of the free foot baths (ashiyu) located right by the spring, or stop by one of the many cafes to try local delicacies like onsen tamago eggs. Additionally, public bathhouses and souvenir shops are located right next to Yubatake. The area takes on a special charm in the evening when the illumination is turned on, creating a truly magical scene, which is why many tourists return here after sunset.

One of the main advantages of Yubatake is its accessibility. Since it is a natural open-air site located in the city center, it is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no fee to see the "hot water field," so you can come here at any time convenient for you, whether it's early morning or late evening when the picturesque illumination is on.

No advance reservation is required to visit Yubatake itself. However, please note that the onsens, ryokans, restaurants, and shops located around the spring operate on their own schedules. If you plan to visit a specific public bathhouse or book a dinner, it is recommended to check their opening hours and visiting conditions in advance on their official websites or at the Kusatsu Tourist Information Center.

A visit to Yubatake is just the starting point for exploring the wonderful town of Kusatsu. The resort is very compact, and many of its treasures are within walking distance of the central square. A stroll through the surroundings will allow you not only to see other interesting sites but also to deeply feel the unique atmosphere of one of Japan's best onsen resorts.

Exploring nearby attractions will enrich your experience, whether it's visiting traditional bathhouses, discovering local culture at an ancient temple, or simply enjoying local cuisine in a cozy restaurant. Below is a list of places located right next to the "hot water field" that are worth including in your itinerary.