KUSATSU草津町
The spa town of Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture) is considered one of the very best places to experience hot springs in Japan, and the area is geared almost exclusively to relaxing and bathing in volcanic baths.
Located near the active volcano of Mount Shirane, the town is like a scene from a film, where hot steam rises from the grates in the streets, and visitors can relax their feet in one of many free-to-use foot baths. Every other building is a bathhouse, either old or new. Kusatsu is surrounded by beautiful countryside and boasts an impressive ski resort, open throughout the winter months.
One of the 100 hidden towns in Japan chosen for this publication.