Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉) is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts and is blessed with large volumes of high quality hot spring water said to cure every illness but lovesickness.

Well known as a hot spring resort for many centuries, Kusatsu’s fame was further boasted by German doctor Erwin von Baelz, who served at the imperial court in the late 1800s and recommended Kusatsu for its water’s health benefits.

Kusatsu is situated at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, and offers skiing in winter and hiking during the rest of the year to be enjoyed in combination with hot spring bathing. Kusatsu is also located along Japan’s Romantic Road.