Yubatake, Hot spring source in Kusatsu, Japan.
Yubatake is a natural hot spring source in the center of Kusatsu Onsen that continuously releases steaming mineral water. The flow moves through wooden channels that distribute it across the town, shaping how visitors move through the area.
The thermal springs of Kusatsu have operated continuously for more than 1,800 years, establishing the town as a leading wellness destination in Japan. This long history shaped how people built and organized the place around the water source.
The Netsunoyu facility showcases yumomi performances where people cool steaming water with wooden paddles in synchronized rhythms. This tradition has become woven into daily life and attracts visitors who come to watch the skill and timing involved.
Visit during off-peak times to see the spring with fewer crowds and better views of the steaming water and channels. The site sits within easy walking distance once you reach Kusatsu, making it simple to fit into your day.
The spring produces the highest water volume among Japanese hot springs and has highly acidic properties that naturally eliminate bacteria and microorganisms. This chemical quality makes the water particularly effective for bathing and has contributed to its reputation over the centuries.
Location: Gunma Prefecture
Address: 401 Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1711, Japan
Phone: +81279887188
Website: https://kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/portal
GPS coordinates: 36.62326,138.59690
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Hot springs form where geothermal activity or groundwater systems naturally heat water. This collection features such springs across volcanic zones, mountain ranges and remote areas on all continents. Each location has distinct mineral content and temperatures shaped by its underlying geology. In Iceland, the Blue Lagoon offers mineral-rich water in a lava field near Grindavík, while Deildartunguhver in the west produces one of Europe's most powerful hot springs. Pamukkale in Turkey's Denizli region displays terraced limestone pools formed by calcium-rich thermal water. The Széchenyi Baths in Budapest draw water exceeding 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) from nearly 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) below ground. In Wyoming, Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring shows intense colors produced by its size and thermophilic bacteria. Japan hosts numerous onsen, including Takaragawa in Gunma Prefecture along a river and Yubatake in Kusatsu with visible high mineral output. Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is known for macaques that bathe there. In North America, the collection spans Banff Upper Hot Springs in Alberta, Chena Hot Springs in Alaska and smaller sites such as Baker Hot Springs in Utah. Grutas Tolantongo in Hidalgo, Mexico, combines warm pools with river flows in a canyon. New Zealand's geothermal zones appear at Champagne Pool in Waiotapu and Hell's Gate Park near Rotorua.
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