GUNMA Kusatsu Steamy volcanic Kusatsu remains top of the onsen towns

Japan's travel agents have named Kusatsu Onsen the best in the country for well over a decade. Located in the highlands of western Gunma, Kusatsu is a haven for winter sports and hot springs. The healing waters are the big draw, but the landscape of this region is ideal for taking long nature walks.

Kusatsu Onsen is easily accessible by train and bus from Tokyo and Nagano.

Train: JR trains run from Ueno in Tokyo to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (two and a half hours). A JR bus will then take you to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal in 25 minutes.

Bus: The Joshu Yumeguri-go buses run directly from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kusatsu Onsen daily (three hours and 45 minutes).

Two buses run from Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture) to Kusatsu Onsen daily. The Kusakaru bus takes just over an hour from Karuizawa to the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. The Seibu Kogen bus runs from Karuizawa to Manza Onsen and Onioshidashi before reaching the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.

The Yubatake—literally meaning hot water field—is where the mineral-rich waters gush out from the ground. This is the symbol of Kusatsu, and it is right in the center of town. It is used to cool the hot water to a more bearable temperature. The onsen water is known for its high acidity, and it is potent enough to kill various kinds of bacteria.

Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane is an active volcano renowned for the craters around its summit.

Located on the border of Gunma and Nagano prefectures, Mt. Asama is an active volcano with a treeless conical shape. Onioshidashi Park is a must-see for its eerie volcanic rock formations, which were created during the last major eruption in 1783.

Kusatsu has scenic hiking trails, and an international music festival in summer. If you love winter sports, visit Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort . Located between Kusatsu and Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, you can ski and snowboard, and then come back to relax with a long soak in the famous hot springs.

Explore the narrow streets near the Yubatake and you will find treats to eat such as onsen manju (steamed buns), onsen tamago (eggs boiled in the hot spring), and rice crackers. There are arts and crafts shops and museums toward Sai-no-Kawara Park.

Nearby Manza Onsen has been a local secret for many years. You can feel the high sulfur content of the milky-white waters tingling on your skin. This is one of the highest-altitude hot springs in Japan, making it an ideal place to enjoy a rotenburo outdoor bath in the snow with a view.