Things to do in Kusatsu

2026 Asia 50 - Ski Resorts

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is located near the famous Kusatsu Onsen, and the resort stretches across three mountains: Aoba, Onari, and Tengu, with a summit elevation of approx. 1,600m and a base elevation of approx. 1,200m. The high altitude helps maintain the quality of the natural powder snow. The slopes are diverse, ranging from long, gentle family runs with an average gradient of just 8 degrees to the steep Tengu no Kabe section with a 30-degree incline, making it suitable for skiers of all levels. The resort features a kids' park with a permanent magic carpet and inflatable play equipment, ensuring that children who aren't skiing can still have fun. During the off-season, it transforms into a mountain resort where you can experience activities like ziplining and giant swings.

No. 15 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Yokoteyama Shibutoge Ski area

The ski resort is 2,307 meters above sea level and is a particularly famous ski resort in the area. It feels like you have come to a completely different world. It has a 360° panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, the Northern Alps, Sado Island, Mt. Tanigawa, and Mt. Akagi. The base of the ski resort is 1,700 meters above sea level, and the long snow trails extend to the east and west sides of Mt. Yokote. There are also sea and snow trails suitable for racing, as well as the unique Shibutoge area. Come and enjoy an incomparable experience in the sky ski resort surrounded by the sea of clouds.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen, also known as Yaku-de-yu, is one of Japan's well-known hot spring resorts. The spring water originates from the foot of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, and most of the sources have temperatures as high as 50–90°C, with highly acidic water quality. The natural discharge volume of the hot spring is approx. 32,000 liters per minute, ranking among the highest in Japan. In the center of the hot spring town is a source area called Yubatake, where high-temperature spring water steams and flows year-round, making it an iconic and recognizable sight here. It retains a unique bathing method called Jikan-yu—where bathers repeatedly enter and exit the high-temperature bath for short periods under the command of the bath attendant, using 100% spring water drawn directly from the source without adding cold water. To cool the high-temperature spring water to a suitable bathing temperature without altering its quality, the locals invented Yumomi: using wooden boards approx. 180 cm long to stir the spring water to the rhythm of songs, which cools the water and also makes the hot spring components more uniform.

No. 10 of Ski Resorts in Gunma Prefecture

Manza Onsen Ski Resort

Manza Onsen Ski Resort is located in Hoshimata, Tsuma District, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It exclusively enjoys the light and dry powder snow in the entire Northern Alps of Japan. The altitude is 1994M, the maximum slope is 32°, and the maximum sliding distance is 2,000m. Manza Onsen Ski Resort is one of the few powder snow resorts and is known as "Powder Snow Manza". Although the ski resort is not large, it is designed with gradual and rapid steps and orderly ups and downs, making it very suitable for beginner skiers and tourists with children to practice. The surrounding tranquil pastoral scenery makes people forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax physically and mentally.

No. 8 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is located within Joshin’etsukogen National Park in Nagano Prefecture, with elevations ranging from approx. 1,300m to over 2,300m, making it one of Japan's premier large-scale ski resorts. The highland features over 10 interconnected ski resorts. The Yokoteyama area has an elevation of approx. 2,307m, ranking among the highest in Japan. Some events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics were held here, and the Olympic courses at the Mt. Yakebitai and Mt. Higashidate ski resorts are still preserved, allowing skiers to ski along the original competition routes. The charm of this area extends beyond winter. Volcanic activity has created dozens of lakes and wetlands, such as Onuma Pond and Shijuhachi Pond, surrounded by vast areas of primeval forest. The highland is home to wild animals such as Japanese macaques and Japanese serows. The area also features many natural hot springs, and relaxing in a hot spring after skiing or hiking is a classic experience here.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Gunma Prefecture

Yubatake

Yubatake is a landmark of Kusatsu Onsen. Yubatake is located in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, a fenced-off hot spring source about the size of a soccer field, where white steam rises all around and you can faintly smell the sulfur.

No. 18 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Ichinose Family Ski Area

In the central area of Shiga Kogen, the facilities are well-equipped, with professional skis and ski poles. The slopes are well-designed, and the scenery is beautiful with fresh air, making it an ideal place for vacation and leisure.

Roadside Station Yamba Furusatokan

No. 5 of Ski Resorts in Yamanouchi

Shigakogen Takamagahara Mammoth Ski Area

Takamagahara Mammoth Ski Resort is located in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Shiga Kogen Ski Area and is famous for its excellent snow trails and magnificent natural scenery. The resort is located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, with abundant snow and high-quality powder snow. It offers a variety of snow trails to choose from, whether it is a beginner or an experienced skier, you can find a challenge here. In addition to skiing, the natural scenery around the resort is also breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and tranquil forests of Shiga Kogen while skiing. Takamagahara Mammoth Ski Resort is not only a skiing paradise, but also an all-round resort. Whether it is a family trip, a couple's vacation, or a solo trip, it provides a wealth of activities and comfortable accommodation options to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable winter vacation.

Sainokawara Open-Air Bath

Sainokawara Open-air Bath is a popular local hot spring and an ideal place for visitors and locals to relax and enjoy the hot springs. It is located in a scenic mountainous area, surrounded by nature. The facility features a spacious open-air hot spring pool where visitors can soak. It also offers other amenities and services, such as a lounge, massage services, and a restaurant. Visitors can rest here, enjoy massage treatments, and sample local delicacies. In addition, there are walking trails and viewpoints where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains. Sainokawara Open-air Bath also hosts traditional cultural activities, allowing visitors to learn about and experience the local traditional culture.