山頂より横手山方面の眺め
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Kusatsu International Ski Resort

4.1
·3k reviews·Kusatsu, Japan

A charming ski resort perfect for beginners, offering gentle slopes and easy access to the famous Kusatsu Onsen hot springs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier gear rental

CrowdLow
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山頂より横手山方面の眺め

Kusatsu International Ski Resort

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier gear rental

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming ski resort perfect for beginners, offering gentle slopes and easy access to the famous Kusatsu Onsen hot springs.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"This special place holds my first memories on the slopes, and now it's where my kids discover the joy of snow!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Gear Up Early!

Rentals can sell out on weekends. Arrive early or consider nearby shops if sizes are limited. ⚙️

🗣️ Embrace the Local Vibe

English signs are minimal, but locals are helpful. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases! :japan:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.1 · 2,644 reviews

Type

Ski Resort

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beginner-Friendly Slopes

Beginner-Friendly Slopes

Lower and mid-mountain areas

Gentle, tree-lined trails perfect for first-time skiers and snowboarders. Enjoy the thrill without the fear!

Yumomi Dance

Yumomi Dance

Kusatsu Onsen town

Witness the traditional centuries-old method of cooling hot spring water with a rhythmic dance.

Onsen Relaxation

Onsen Relaxation

Kusatsu Onsen town

After a day on the slopes, soak in Japan's renowned hot springs for ultimate relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Beginners

Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds and secure gear rentals, especially if you're a first-timer. Weekends can get packed, leading to limited sizes for ski wear and gear. Consider booking lessons in advance if possible.

Navigating the Slopes & Town

While signs might be scarce in English, friendly locals and staff are eager to help. The resort is accessible from Kusatsu Onsen town, with walking routes available. Plan your bus schedule carefully if commuting daily, as taxis can be expensive.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier gear rental
Crowd
Low
When
February
Why
Optimal snow conditions
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer (for zip lines)
Why
Unique warm-weather activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

♨️湯けむりと時の流れに包まれる、日本の名湯三選 Where time slows down in the timeless embrace of steam and silence. 📍【草津温泉・群馬】/ 🇯🇵Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma 毎分4,000リットル以上の湧出量を誇る、名実ともに日本一の温泉地。 湯畑から立ちのぼる湯けむりと硫黄の香りが、古来から人々を癒してきました。 湯もみや無料の外湯巡りも楽しめる、温泉文化の中心地。 📍【黒川温泉・熊本】/ 🇯🇵Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto 阿蘇の山あいにひっそりと佇む温泉郷。 自然に溶け込むように建つ木造旅館と、川沿いに湯気を立てる露天風呂。 “入湯手形”で巡る湯めぐりは、日常を離れた贅沢な癒し旅。 📍【道後温泉・愛媛】/ 🇯🇵Dōgo Onsen, Ehime 日本最古といわれる伝説の湯は、夏目漱石や...
@reo_film
83.5K likes • 2.2M views

🎯 Gear Up Early!

Rentals can sell out on weekends. Arrive early or consider nearby shops if sizes are limited. ⚙️

🗣️ Embrace the Local Vibe

English signs are minimal, but locals are helpful. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases! :japan:

草津の有名旅館、ヤバすぎた 草津の有名旅館、ホテルさくらい 何も知らずに行ったらここはデブ活天国だった 食べきれないくらいの豪華なビュッフェは大盛況! 必ずまた行きたくなる最高の旅館でした 草津温泉 ホテル櫻井 朝食付き一人14000円〜 2食付き一人17600円〜 二人利用、宿泊時 料金は日程プランで変わります This famous inn in Kusatsu is so amazing! Hotel Sakurai, a famous inn in Kusatsu I went there without knowing anything and it turned out to be a paradise for weight-loss activists. The lavish buffet was so delicious it was a huge hit! This wa...
@yuzangurume
36.4K likes • 1.6M views
This is called - yumomi- which is centuries old method to cool the hot spring water down #kasatsuonsen #Gunma #Hotsprings #japan #tiktoktravel
@tokyodreamer420
30.5K likes • 206.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Slopes

Easily accessible from Kusatsu Onsen town via Route 292 or Sainokawara Park. 🚶

🚌 Bus Schedule Savvy

If commuting by bus, be punctual! Schedules are limited and taxis are pricey. 🚌

Places to visit on the other Golden Route: 📍Kusatsu Onsen Town 📍Nagano Snow Monkey Park 📍Hakuba Ski Resort 📍Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 📍Kanazawa 📍Shirakawa-Go (day trip from Kanazawa) 📍Echizen Daibutsu Temple, Fukui 📍Kyoto 📍Nara 📍Osaka More Places to visit: 📍Matsumoto Castle (the "black castle") 📍Karuizawa (Japan's number one holiday home area) 📍Myoko Ski Resort 📍Takayama (old Edo town) 📍Hida...
@japantravelbasics
22.3K likes • 347.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Gear Up Early!

Rentals can sell out on weekends. Arrive early or consider nearby shops if sizes are limited. ⚙️

🗣️ Embrace the Local Vibe

English signs are minimal, but locals are helpful. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases! :japan:

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Slopes

Easily accessible from Kusatsu Onsen town via Route 292 or Sainokawara Park. 🚶

🚌 Bus Schedule Savvy

If commuting by bus, be punctual! Schedules are limited and taxis are pricey. 🚌

♨️ Onsen After Skiing

The perfect way to unwind. Kusatsu Onsen is famous for its therapeutic hot springs. :onsen:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kusatsu International Ski Resort is highly praised for its beginner-friendly slopes and the overall charm of Kusatsu Onsen town. Visitors appreciate the affordability and the opportunity to combine skiing with relaxing hot springs. However, some find the lack of English signage and occasional communication difficulties challenging.

"It suited my level beginner-intermediate snowboarding. Hardly any English signs in the area but enough friendly people trying their best to help. It's easy to get to as well from the town, I walked there via route 292. Some part of the road can be narrow but you can cut across via the Sainokawara park.
The chair to the upper half of the skifield was closed due to strong wind but the sign was only at the entrance of the chair. However to get to this entrance, you'll have to go down slightly from the gondola exit, and when I figured it was closed, it's either walk uphill back to gondola platform or go down (intermediate). It was daunting as I was still a beginner at that stage.
Also the gear rental can be done on site without online booking. Maybe it's communication difficulties, I was just given the gear, no fitting. Pretty much DIY.
The gear rental accept credit card, but the entrance ticket office cash or cards only (I didn't pay attention which one).
Food was decent and affordable. There's a water station in the cafeteria."

Khor Ting Yen

"People staff amenities. It's a sweet spot. Older skiers work well. Snowboards abound. Not always skilled. Slamon snowboard to avoid collision. Consider rhem ground covering. I'm commuting daily by bus from below. The next visit will be overnight. Only 3 hours per day, the bus schedule is limited, and do not be late. Taxi down will be costly. Try to plan ahead. I did not."

David A Lasky

"Throwback to where my skiing journey began! This special place holds my first memories on the slopes, and now it's where my kids discover the joy of snow for the very first time. Family fun and unforgettable moments!"

the wanderlust explorer

What People Like

Great for beginners
Affordable onsen access
Scenic mountain views

What People Dislike

Limited English signs
Weekend crowds
Gear rental availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily walk to the ski resort from Kusatsu Onsen town via Route 292. Some parts of the road can be narrow, but you can also cut across via Sainokawara Park for a scenic route. Reddit

If you're commuting daily by bus, be mindful of the limited schedule and do not be late. Taxis are available but can be costly for the journey back. Reddit

Kusatsu Onsen Town is often considered an alternative destination on the 'other Golden Route,' alongside places like the Nagano Snow Monkey Park and Hakuba Ski Resort. TikTok

Yes, while known for skiing, the resort offers activities like zip lines during the summer months, making it a year-round destination. TikTok

From the gondola exit, you might need to go down slightly to reach the chair lift entrance. Be aware that the chair lift can be closed due to strong winds. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Online booking for tickets is not always available. The entrance ticket office accepts cash or cards, but it's advisable to check on-site or inquire beforehand. Reddit

Skiing and snowboarding on the public slopes are free as long as you have your own gear. Gondola and ski lift rides typically cost around ¥2000 each. Reddit

Yes, gear rental is available on-site. However, on busy weekends, sizes can run out quickly, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

The gear rental accepts credit cards. The entrance ticket office also accepts cards, but it's good to confirm which payment methods are accepted. Reddit

Yes, residents of Kusatsu Onsen can reportedly use the Gondola and lifts freely as much as they want. Reddit

🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience

Absolutely! The resort is highly recommended for beginners due to its gentle, not-too-tough slopes, making it ideal for learning. Reddit

If on-site rentals are full or don't have your size, there are nearby shops in Kusatsu Onsen town where you can rent ski wear and gear. Reddit

Food at the resort is generally described as decent and affordable. There's a food court available, but expect it to be packed on weekends, requiring a wait for tables. Reddit

There are hardly any English signs at the resort, but the staff and locals are very friendly and will try their best to assist you. Reddit

Yumomi is a centuries-old method of cooling hot spring water by dancing and stirring it with wooden paddles. You can witness this traditional practice in Kusatsu Onsen town. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the scenic tree-lined slopes and the panoramic views from the upper half of the ski field. The traditional atmosphere of Kusatsu Onsen town also offers many picturesque opportunities. TikTok

Yes, you can photograph the Yumori dance as it's a cultural performance. It's a unique visual to capture the essence of Kusatsu Onsen. TikTok

During summer, the resort offers zip lines, which can make for dynamic action shots. The surrounding natural beauty also provides a lovely backdrop. TikTok

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be ideal for capturing both the wide ski slopes and any wildlife you might encounter. A waterproof case is advisable for snowy conditions. :camerawithflash:

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and any specific rules posted by the resort or onsen facilities. :camerawithflash:

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