Hotels in Kusatsu Onsen

Embrace Serenity: Discover the Enchantment of Kusatsu Onsen's Healing Waters and Scenic Wonders

Nestled in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is Japan's premier hot spring destination, renowned for its therapeutic waters and stunning natural landscapes. Just a few hours from central Tokyo, this charming town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Wander through the picturesque rhododendron gardens, soak in the iconic Yubatake (hot water field), and explore the scenic Kusatsukiso Valley. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and lush parks, Kusatsu Onsen invites travelers to unwind in its steamy baths and embrace the serene beauty of nature, making it an unforgettable escape for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation. For the best hotel rates in Kusatsu Onsen and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Kusatsu Onsen

Some of the best places to stay in Kusatsu Onsen are Kyukaruizawa, Kurita and Madarao Mountain Resort. Kusatsu Onsen, renowned for its healing hot springs, is an ideal base for exploring nearby destinations. Kyukaruizawa offers a charming retreat with upscale accommodations, while Kurita boasts traditional ryokan experiences, perfect for immersing in Japanese culture. Madarao Mountain Resort is great for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring winter sports and scenic views. For first-time visitors, Kyukaruizawa is recommended for its accessibility and variety of lodging options, including hotels and ryokans with onsen facilities. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful region! These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Kusatsu Onsen:

1. KyukaruizawaOpens in a new window: Kyukaruizawa is a fantastic destination for adventure seekers, especially those who enjoy skiing. This area is home to the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, which offers thrilling outdoor activities, and the scenic Hoshino Onsen Hot Spring, perfect for relaxation. For accommodations, consider Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by HiltonOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel that caters to business and family travelers, providing excellent amenities like meeting rooms and children’s services. Another option is HOSHINOYA KaruizawaOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5.0-star lodge with natural hot springs and easy access to ski facilities, ideal for those who love both wellness and adventure. Lastly, Karuizawa Marriott HotelOpens in a new window, also a 4.5-star hotel, offers an upscale experience with on-site hot springs and business amenities.
2. KuritaOpens in a new window: Kurita is a great spot for sports enthusiasts, particularly for skiing. With attractions like Zenko-ji Temple and Shiga Kogen Ski Area, it perfectly blends culture and outdoor activities. Hotel Sierra Resort HakubaOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, offers dining options and various recreational activities including skiing and entertainment like karaoke. For a more boutique experience, Hotel de La Neige by Onko ChishinOpens in a new window provides a unique atmosphere and business facilities, making it suitable for both leisure and work. Lastly, Hoshino Resorts KAI AlpsOpens in a new window is a charming ryokan that features natural hot springs, providing a serene retreat after a day of skiing.
3. Madarao Mountain ResortOpens in a new window: Madarao Mountain Resort is an outdoor paradise, especially for ski lovers. With numerous ski fields and adventure activities, it ensures a thrilling experience. The Ridge Apartments NozawaOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel that offers a variety of sports activities and entertainment options, making it a great choice for active travelers. Nozawa Grand HotelOpens in a new window is a ryokan featuring hot springs, perfect for relaxation post-skiing, while Nojiriko Hotel El BoscoOpens in a new window provides a resort experience with dining options and nearby golfing, making it versatile for different preferences.

Things to do in Kusatsu Onsen for first time

Kusatsu Onsen, nestled in a stunning landscape of mountains and forests, offers a rejuvenating escape with its famous hot springs. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, while the vibrant atmosphere of local festivals adds to the charm, making it a perfect three-day getaway for nature lovers. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Kusatsu Onsen:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure in the beautiful mountains of Japan at Haruna Shrine, where you can explore the serene atmosphere and stunning architecture nestled in nature. After soaking in the spiritual vibes, head to Shiraito Falls, a picturesque waterfall creating a stunning backdrop for photos. Finally, make your way to Karuizawa Toy Kingdom, a fun-filled amusement park that’s perfect for families, offering rides and attractions that will delight visitors of all ages.
• Day 2: Your day starts with a climb up Mount Yokote for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Next, visit Yugama Lake, a volcanic crater lake known for its striking colors and serene beauty—perfect for a leisurely walk along the shore. Wrap up your day at Yumiike, a tranquil lake where you can relax and enjoy the natural scenery, perhaps even taking a peaceful boat ride.
• Day 3: Kick off your day with a hike on Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, where you can experience the stunning landscapes and unique volcanic features. Afterward, take a stroll along the Shima River, enjoying the calming sounds of water and the scenic beauty of the trails. Conclude your journey at Lake Mononogu, a serene spot that invites relaxation and reflection—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

5 tips to find a great Kusatsu Onsen hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly times to visit Kusatsu Onsen are April, June, and November, when hotel rates are more affordable. To truly appreciate the area, it's recommended to stay for at least 1-2 days, allowing you to explore its main attractions like the famous hot springs, beautiful natural parks, and stunning landscapes. This destination offers great value for money, making it an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Kusatsu Onsen, you might find great offers on Hotels.com. Head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you could uncover discounted rates on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. Consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to stay informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions, giving you a better chance to snag a deal and enjoy the beautiful hot springs of Gunma.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Kusatsu Onsen.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Kusatsu Onsen is usually more expensive. If you opt for accommodations farther from the city center, you can take advantage of transportation options like public transit or private vehicles to explore the area, which can help you save money.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your hotel in Kusatsu Onsen and join Hotels.com's free One Key rewards program, enabling members to earn and enjoy reward points for hotel reservations. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and access perks such as room upgrades when available, exclusive discounts, and unique member offers. Join today.

Best time to go to Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 26.2°F (-3.2°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 71.2°F (21.8°C). July tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Kusatsu Onsen are January, February, and December, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. In contrast, May, June, and September are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.