From Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen
Japan is a country of volcanoes and deep forests, with boiling pools of water bubbling up from the earth found scattered throughout the land. Since ancient times, Japanese people have put these natural resources to great use through utilizing this naturally heated and mineral filled water to make baths designed to heal the body and relax the mind. This tradition is still ongoing, and there is nowhere better to observe it than Kusatsu. One of Japan’s most famous Onsen (hot springs) and consistently ranked the best Onsen in Eastern Japan for centuries, this town provides an amazing landscape centered around the Yubatake, a giant “field” of water coming from deep under the earth and from which the bath water for the local establishments is harvested. This tour will bring you through an amazing natural landscape of dried lava on Mount Asama before an afternoon of relaxation and great views in Kusatsu, the preferred getaway for all classes of Japanese going back centuries.
Options
Join from Karuizawa Station
Starting point:
Karuizawa Station, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0102, Japan
What's included in From Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Onioshidashi Volcanic Park
Enjoy the amazing scenery and stroll through the lava rocks. Formed by a volcanic eruption in the 1700’s, the landscape here feels nearly alien. Towering rocks formed from dry lava cover the mountainside, and pine trees and various bushes struggle to grow here and there in the harsh terrain. These elements together create what may be called a natural Japanese garden, its rock placement and stunted trees evoking thoughts of Zen Temples and Bonsai trees trimmed into unique shapes. John Lennon of the Beatles has even visited here before with his family, and is said to have taken great inspiration from Japanese culture. The views over the surrounding scenery are themselves nothing short of breathtaking – looking over the valley below, one sees only forests extending towards the far off mountains which surround the valley. Far from the hustle and bustle of human life, the sound of wind whistling through the rocks will be the only thing to greet your ears while enjoying this natural wonder.
Sai no Kawara Rotenburo
walk towards town through the Sai no Kawara Park. This small valley is equipped with well maintained walkways and a number of areas to soak your feet in the warm waters of its thermal river. As towels will not be provided on the tour it may be a good idea to bring your own, although in general your feet will air dry in no time at all once removed from the water.
Yubatake
Your guide will show you around and teach you a little about the history of the area, before equipping you with recommendations for good food and good day-use hot springs and sending you off to have some free time. We will provide enough time to eat lunch and try visiting a local hot spring, so if you are interested in doing so it is best to bring your own towel on the tour! For guests who may not be interested in entering a hot springs, there are still a number of eateries and interesting sites around to occupy your time.
Inclusions
- Transport to all destinations included in the tour
- English speaking guide
- Entry to the Onioshidashi-en on Mount Asama
- Guided tour at each location
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Walking time is already included in the tour duration
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The second meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ticket gates inside of JR Karuizawa Station. Your guide will be waiting for you just outside the gates, with a Snow Monkey Resorts tour tag. Please make sure to be waiting at the meetup point at no later than 9:30 A.M.
