mountain pass
Shibu Pass
At 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.
8 km · about 15 min drive
Gunma, Japan · Asia
Kusatsu works well as a base: 15 minutes from Naganohara, 18km from Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Kusatsu is a town located in Gunma, Japan. With a population of 6,255, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Kusatsu sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Kusatsu to your route.
Kusatsu (草津町, Kusatsu-machi) is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. In September 2020, the town had a population of 6,255, in 3,407 households, and a population density of 130 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 249.75 square kilometres (96.43 sq mi). Kusatsu is one of the most famous hot springsRead more
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Kusatsu offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Kusatsu is located in Gunma, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 36.6167 latitude, 138.6000 longitude.
Kusatsu has a population of approximately 6,255 people, making it a town in Japan.
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Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for Japan8 notable places within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
At 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.
8 km · about 15 min drive
natural wonder
A unique hot spring area where wild Japanese macaques famously bathe in steaming thermal pools surrounded by snow.
18 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
A cobbled onsen village of wooden inns where guests in yukata and geta make a circuit of nine small public bathhouses. It is the road-end village below the snow monkey valley.
20 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
The winding climb to Lake Haruna in Gunma, immortalised as 'Mount Akina' in Initial D. Gentle hairpins, a crater lake at the top, and constant pilgrimages by fans of Japan's street-racing manga.
28 km · about 35 min drive
mountain pass
Historic pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.
31 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
A steep village of thirteen free communal bathhouses maintained by residents, plus an open hot-spring cooking pool where locals blanch vegetables. The Oyu bathhouse is a wooden temple-roofed landmark at the centre.
37 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
A thousand-year-old spa at the foot of the Nagano hills, ringed by ancient temples including a rare octagonal three-storey pagoda. Three small public baths still serve the village for a few coins.
49 km · about 55 min drive
waterfall
A 7 m fall where the Katashina River drops into a fissure worn through flat rock, earning it the name the Niagara of the East. A riverside walkway runs right along the rim.
55 km · about 65 min drive
Other places to explore near Kusatsu.
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