Kusatsu Onsen And Mount Shirane
About the Kusatsu Onsen Camera
Kusatsu sits at around 1,200 metres in the mountains of Gunma and is among the most celebrated hot spring towns in Japan, known above all for the sheer volume of water it produces. This is one of the town's own official cameras, described as a mobile unit, and it takes in both the resort and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane behind it.
The centre of the town is the Yubatake, the hot water field, where spring water is run through long wooden troughs in the open air to cool before it reaches the baths. Steam rises from it day and night, and the surrounding streets are built around the sight. The yumomi tradition of cooling the water by stirring it with wooden paddles is still performed for visitors.
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane is an active volcano, and that matters here. Its crater lake, Yugama, is the source of the intensely acidic water that gives Kusatsu its character, and volcanic activity has periodically closed the approach roads and trails near the summit.
Highlights & Nearby
- •Watch for: steam over the Yubatake, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane behind the town, heavy mountain snow in winter
- •Nearby: the Yubatake, Sainokawara Park, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, Saiunji
- •Note: run by Kusatsu Town as an official camera; Shirane is an active volcano with access restrictions at times
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kusatsu Onsen camera live?
Yes. Kusatsu Town streams it on its official channel.
What is the Yubatake?
The hot water field at the centre of Kusatsu, where spring water runs through open wooden troughs to cool before being piped to the baths.
Why is Kusatsu's water unusual?
It is strongly acidic, drawing its character from the Yugama crater lake on the active Mount Kusatsu-Shirane volcano.
How high is the town?
Around 1,200 metres, so it is cool in summer and gets substantial snow in winter.
