Kusatsu Onsen From Tokyo: How To Get There Plus Travel Tips
Kusatsu Onsen had been high on my list for years, but living in Tokyo, I kept putting it off simply because it was “too close.”
After spending two years living in Japan and visiting 40 out of 47 prefectures, I knew it was finally time to experience one of the country’s most famous hot spring towns and check Gunma off my list.
I decided to visit Kusatsu Onsen for my birthday, and it turned out to be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Known for its healing waters, traditional atmosphere, and unique cultural experiences like the Netsunoyu water-cooling ceremony, Kusatsu offers a completely different side of Japan that many travellers miss.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get to Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo, where to stay, and whether it’s worth adding to your Japan itinerary based on my firsthand experience living and travelling across the country.
Kusatsu Onsen From Tokyo
Most of the confusion comes down to JR Pass coverage and transfer points. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option, the fastest route, or the best value with a JR Pass, I’ve got you covered.
🚌 By Highway Bus (Most Direct & Economical – My Pick)
Time: ~3–5 hours (depending on traffic and time of day)
Cost: ~¥3,900–4,200 one way
JR Pass: ✖️ Not covered
Taking the bus is the easiest way to reach Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo. It is perfect if you want a laid-back journey.
This was the option I took since I was travelling on a budget.
Steps
💡Tip: Check the address of the departing bus station! Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Bus Terminal are not the same place.
- Board the JR Bus / Kusatsu Onsen Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station (JR Bus Terminal). Some routes also depart from Shibuya or Ikebukuro depending on the schedule.
- Ride directly to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
- 5-minute walk to your ryokan or the town center.
➡️ Seats from Tokyo fills up fast, book your bus tickets to Kusatsu Onsen in advance!
🚆 By Limited Express Train (Comfortable Ride)
Time: ~2h 50m
Cost: ~¥6,500–7,000
JR Pass: ✔️Fully covered with the JR Pass
The Limited Express Train is a comfortable option with 1 transfer, making it a good choice if you want to travel by train without worrying about too many connections.
Steps
- Board the Kusatsu Shima Limited Express at Ueno Station
- Ride to Naganohara‑Kusatsuguchi Station
- Take the JR Kanto Bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (about 25 min)
- 5‑minute walk to town
💡Tip: Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi runs 1–2 times per hour. You can pay with ¥780 cash or with an IC card (Suica/PASMO). View the full bus schedule here.
Note: The Limited Express Train requires a reserved ticket to be purchased in advance.
🚄 By Shinkansen via Takasaki (Bullet Train Lovers)
Time: ~2h 50m
Cost without JR Pass: ~¥7,500–10,000+ depending on train class
JR Pass: ✔️ Covered (shinkansen + local trains + bus)
This route is fully covered if you have a JR Pass. Ideal for travellers who want to ride the Shinkansen (bullet train) and are okay with 2-3 transfers.
💡Tip: This option makes the most sense if you already have a JR Pass — not sure if it’s worth it for your trip? Here’s the full cost breakdown.
Steps
- Take the JR Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station
- Transfer to JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara‑Kusatsuguchi
- Bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal
- 5‑minute walk
Who it’s best for: JR Pass users & people who love the Shinkansen
➡️ I recommend reserving your Shinkansen tickets to Takasaki in advance!
🚄 By Shinkansen via Karuizawa (Scenic + Fastest)
Time: ~2h 40m
Cost without JR Pass: ~¥8,600–12,000 (varies by train class)
JR Pass: ✔️ Shinkansen portion covered (bus not covered)
This route is partially covered by the JR Pass. Ideal for travellers who want the fastest route and are okay with 1 transfer.
Steps
- Take Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station → Karuizawa Station
- Bus from Karuizawa Station to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal
- 5‑minute walk after bus
💡Tip: The bus is not covered under any passes because it is not run by JR. Expect to pay ¥2240 one way, they may only accept cash. You can find the bus timetable here.
Who it’s best for: People who want a scenic route
➡️ Save your seat on the Shinkansen to Karuizawa, seats fill up fast!
🚗 By Car (More Freedom to Explore Rural Areas)
Time: ~4–5 hours (depending on traffic)
Cost: ~¥8,000–12,000+ for gas and tolls (varies by rental and route)
JR Pass: ✖️ Not applicable
Driving to Kusatsu Onsen can be an option if you already have access to a car in Japan.
I personally wouldn’t recommend renting a car just for this trip, but it can work if you want to explore Gunma beyond Kusatsu or are traveling in a group.
💡Tip: Be prepared for left-sided driving and Tokyo traffic. You will also need an international driver’s license.
Steps:
- Drive from Tokyo → Kusatsu Onsen via the Kan-Etsu Expressway and local mountain roads.
- Park near your ryokan or town center (parking may be limited).
➡️ Thinking of renting a car? Reserve in advance to avoid missing out!
Overall, based on my experience living in Japan, I’d consider driving a last resort since public transportation is usually more convenient and cost-effective.
It can still be a good option if you’re traveling in a group or planning to explore more rural areas around Gunma.
Where To Stay
When choosing where to stay in Kusatsu Onsen, it’s important to decide whether you want a ryokan, traditional Japanese inn with hot springs, or a more modern accommodation.
➡️ Hanaingen ($$) Adult-Only Ryokan – Perfectly positioned between the bus terminal and Yubatake — just a 2-minute walk to each — Hanaingen is one of the best-located ryokans in Kusatsu.
The highlight is its 4 private onsen baths, and also one of the few tattoo-friendly options in town. Breakfast is a bean-themed Japanese spread, welcome sweets greet you on arrival, and free parking is available on-site.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Hanaingen by clicking here!
➡️ Hotel Ichii ($$$) — Best Location in Kusatsu – With over 300 years of history and a location directly in front of the Yubatake, Hotel Ichii is the most centrally located option in Kusatsu.
It offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, with dinner and breakfast included in your stay. A free shuttle from the bus terminal makes arrival easy — just contact the hotel in advance. Note: not tattoo-friendly in the public baths.
Tips To Trip By
After visiting Kusatsu Onsen myself, there are a few things I wish I knew before going.
These tips will help you make the most of your trip and avoid some common mistakes, especially if it’s your first time visiting an onsen town in Japan.
Book Your Accommodations Early
Kusatsu Onsen is popular year-round, not just with tourists, but with Japanese locals who plan their trips 6 months to a year in advance.
Ryokans in particular fill up fast since most properties only have a handful of rooms, and the best ones go quickly regardless of season.
That said, if you’re visiting during peak season (December–March for winter onsen season, or Golden Week in late April/early May), book as early as possible, ideally 3–6 months out.
Use Booking.com to check availability, and always confirm your reservation directly with the ryokan if you have special requests like a specific room type or dietary needs for meals.
Learn Basic Onsen Etiquette Before You Go
Visiting an onsen for the first time can feel intimidating, especially since you’ll be bathing completely nude, but don’t stress too much. Locals don’t expect foreign visitors to know every rule, and honest mistakes are always forgiven.
A little prep goes a long way though, so here are the key things to know before you arrive.
The most important things to check in advance: confirm whether your chosen onsen is tattoo-friendly (Hanaingen is, Hotel Ichii is not), and leave your jewelry at your accommodation since the minerals in Kusatsu’s water are highly acidic and can damage metals and stones.
Beyond that, the core etiquette is simple — rinse off thoroughly at the shower station before entering the bath, keep your towel out of the water, and avoid loud conversation.
Stay Overnight If You Can
A day trip to Kusatsu is doable from Tokyo, but you’d be missing the best part. The Yubatake looks completely different at night where the illuminations turn the steam and bubbling water into something magical.
Staying overnight also unlocks the full ryokan experience: slipping into your yukata after a soak, wandering Sainokawara Park under the lights, catching a Rakugo comedic storytelling performance, and ending the evening with a traditional multi-course dinner.
If you can only spare one night, that’s enough — but two nights lets you try more of the onsen baths, explore at a slower pace, and actually decompress rather than rush back to Tokyo.
If you’re planning to explore more of Japan, I’ve also shared detailed guides on destinations like Nikko and Nagasaki, which pair well with a Tokyo-based itinerary.
FAQs
Here are the questions that I get asked the most about visiting Kusatsu Onsen.
Is the Kusatsu Onsen worth visiting?
Yes and it’s definitely an underrated destination in Japan. It offers the Yubatake illuminations at night, quality hot springs, and the traditional ryokan experience. I chose to spend my birthday here and it was the perfect escape from Tokyo.
Can you take a day trip to Kusatsu Onsen?
Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Kusatsu Onsen is about 3–5 hours away from Tokyo depending on your route, which leaves very little time to actually enjoy the town. Staying at least one night lets you experience the Yubatake at night, soak properly, and wake up to a ryokan breakfast .
What is the closest train station to Kusatsu Onsen?
Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station is the closest, from which you take a 25-minute bus ride into town. Alternatively, the highway bus from Shinjuku drops you directly at Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, which many travellers find more convenient.
Can you stay at Kusatsu Onsen?
Yes, and I strongly recommend that you do. Staying overnight, ideally at a ryokan is what makes Kusatsu special. You get access to the hot springs morning and night, a traditional multi-course dinner, and the full atmosphere of the town after the day tourists have gone home.
Is Kusatsu Onsen Worth the Trip from Tokyo?
Kusatsu Onsen is absolutely worth visiting from Tokyo, whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a slower, overnight escape. After living in Japan for two years and visiting most of the country, this was one of the destinations that stood out to me.
The steaming Yubatake and relaxing hot springs, offer a side of Japan that feels different from the fast pace of Tokyo.
Getting to Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo might seem a bit confusing at first, but once you break down the options, it’s actually very manageable.
You can choose the highway bus for a budget-friendly, direct route or opt for one of the train options. There’s a way to fit every travel style and budget. Personally, I preferred the bus for its simplicity, but each route has its own advantages depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re planning a longer trip through Japan, Kusatsu pairs well with other destinations like Nikko or even heading further south to experience events like the Nagasaki Lantern Festival or exploring the local food scene in Nagasaki.
If you can, I highly recommend staying at least one night to fully experience everything Kusatsu has to offer. Slow down, soak in the onsen, and enjoy the atmosphere after the day-trippers leave, that’s when Kusatsu really feels special.
The feature image is courtesy of Visit Gunma Tourism Organization.