Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉) is a hot spring resort located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is a popular tourist destination.

There are 13 public baths at Kusatsu Onsen. The small bathhouses that are free for both town residents and tourists are managed by the townspeople themselves.^[1]

The source of its hot water is nearby Mount Kusatsu-Shirane and the appearance of the waters range from cloudy to clear, because the sources of the water that the baths rely upon are different.^[2]

The springs were known as a resort for centuries, but they became well known after the water was recommended for its health benefits by Erwin von Bälz, a German doctor who taught medicine at Tokyo University.^[3]

The locals claim the hot springs can cure all forms of ailments, other than lovesickness. Guests have claimed that pain disappears while soaking in its hot water.^[4]