Yukio Region Story #03
Yukio Regional Story #03
Kusatsu Onsen – Cures Everything Except Love Sickness
Each Yukio holds a small story about a region in Japan. This episode's star hails from Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture – voted number one by Japanese people and a dream hot spring village that makes you never want to leave once you've soaked in it.
Kusatsu Onsen (くさつおんせん)
Kusatsu Onsen is located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture and is one of Japan's three most famous hot springs (the other two being Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture). It has been voted the number one hot spring nationwide by Japanese people for 23 consecutive years, a well-deserved reputation.
There's an old saying in Kusatsu that has been passed down for centuries: "Kusatsu no yu wa manbyō ni kikuga, koi no yamai dake wa kikanai" – The waters of Kusatsu can cure all ailments, except for love sickness. This saying is a folk wisdom passed down from the Edo period and is also the origin of this episode's Yukio's personality.
Since the Edo period, a large number of samurai and commoners have traveled to Kusatsu specifically for "Tōji" (とうじ) – long-term bathing with the purpose of hot spring therapy. Stays ranged from a few days to several months, and Kusatsu was almost considered the "natural hospital" in the hearts of Japanese people at that time.
Details of Kusatsu Yukio
White Headband – This is the traditional attire of the Kusatsu Onsen water stirrers (Yumomi), and the white hachimaki on their heads is their symbol.
Aqua Blue Design – Echoes the color of Kusatsu Onsen's waters, while also evoking the feeling of steam filling the air when soaking in a hot spring.
Yumomi Board – The long wooden board held by Yukio is the famous "Yumomi Board," approximately 1.8 meters long, used to stir the hot spring water to cool it naturally.
Kusatsu Onsen Fun Facts
🏆 One of Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs · #1 Nationwide for 23 Consecutive Years
Consistently tops the "Japan Hot Spring General Election," the most authoritative hot spring ranking in Japan, holding the longest record as number one.
💧 Natural Spring Water, 32,000 Liters Per Minute
Kusatsu Onsen water doesn't need to be pumped; it flows naturally from underground. With an astounding flow rate of 32,000 liters per minute, it is one of Japan's largest natural spring water sources, ensuring fresh and continuous supply.
🔥 Nearly 50°C High Temperature, No Cold Water Added for Cooling
When Kusatsu Onsen water emerges, its temperature is close to 50°C, which is too hot for the human body. However, the people of Kusatsu insist on not adding cold water to dilute it – because adding water would compromise the quality and bactericidal properties of the spring. Their solution is to use the "Yumomi" technique, passed down for centuries: stirring the hot spring water collectively with long wooden boards. This allows it to cool naturally through contact with the air while preserving its original properties. Yumomi performances are still a daily routine in Kusatsu, with public demonstrations held at scheduled times.
🦠 pH 2.2 Strongly Acidic, Strongest Natural Sterilization
The pH value of Kusatsu Onsen water is around 2.2, making it extremely acidic. It has strong inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi. In addition to skin conditions, it is traditionally believed to help with rheumatism, neuralgia, and chronic fatigue – this is the scientific basis for the saying "manbyō ni kiku."
The most famous attraction in central Kusatsu, "Yubatake," is an open-air hot spring field where hot spring water emerges from underground and flows through wooden channels to cool down. Steam perpetually fills the air, and at night, illuminated by lights, it becomes a popular spot for photos.
"There's no ailment that one hot spring soak can't fix; if there is, just soak twice more!!!"
——From an avid hot spring lover
Kusatsu Onsen Yukio, with its aqua blue plush design, iconic white headband, and the centuries-old Yumomi board in hand – every detail is a microcosm of this thousand-year-old hot spring village.