Kusatsu Onsen was voted the best hot spring resort in Japan

In Japan, there are many hot spring towns known as the best. Some promise luxury, others are strongly nostalgic, and still others want easy access from Tokyo, e.g. Hakone and Atami. But in 2026, Kusatsu Onsen was once again named Japan’s most popular hot spring for the third year in a row.

according to a national survey According to a survey by Jalan Research Center, Kusatsu has topped the list for the third consecutive year, beating out 333 other hot spring destinations nationwide. More than 12,500 people were asked a simple question: Which hot spring towns would you most like to revisit?

What’s so special about Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu is located in Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the mountains of central Japan, about a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. The first thing most people notice when they get there is the smell. Kusatsu’s sulfur spring water gives the town a very unique smell that permeates the air, especially near the city center. The town is also known for having the highest natural hot spring production in Japan, with over 32,000 liters of water gushing per minute.

“Yubatake” or “hot water field” in Kusatsu

In the center of the town there is a Tombatakor hot water field. Thick, mineral-rich spring water emerges from here, then cools naturally and flows through wooden aqueducts that carry the water to different hot springs around town. Kusatsu is also Tomomia traditional way of cooling hot spring water without adding cold water. Using large wooden paddles, hot water is stirred rhythmically, often accompanied by performances of folk songs and dances, performed to the public six times a day.

Speaking of hot spring bathing, Kusatsu has many famous hot spring bathing spots. Nishinogawara open-air hot springOne of the largest open-air baths in Japan, it is especially popular in winter when snow piles up around the steaming pool. Otakino soup There are a range of baths known for beautifying the skin, while smaller public baths like Shirahata-no-yu, Chiyo-no-yu and Jizo-no-yu are easy to visit while walking around town.

soup touching ceremony

Don’t forget to grab a snack while you’re there Hot spring steamed buns (steamed sweet manju), try local dishes like hot udon or grilled river fish, browse the small souvenir shop, and stroll around in a yukata during your soak. In the warmer months, there are easy hikes nearby, and in the winter, the town’s ski slopes add to the reason to visit.

Yufuin hot springs in Oita Prefecture

Other excellent hot springs worth visiting

While Kusatsu topped the “most want to revisit” list, the survey also highlighted other hot spring towns that people are quietly fascinated by or dream of visiting.

Yufuin Onsen in Oita Prefecture ranked No. 1 among “dream destinations”—places respondents have not visited but would like to visit one day. Ginzan Onsen also ranked highly, known for its nostalgic, postcard-perfect streets lined with gas street lamps and charming vermilion bridges. Meanwhile, Beppu continues to climb the popularity rankings thanks to its diverse hot spring experiences, while Hakone continues to attract visitors thanks to its easy access from Tokyo, ranking fifth.

The survey also looked at so-called “hidden gems,” comparing how often a location is recommended to how many people actually visit it. Akita Prefecture’s Nyuto Onsen Village once again stands out, praised for its secluded atmosphere, natural surroundings and deeply relaxing baths.

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Updated on January 20, 2026