K u s a t s u

The closest route from Yamanouchi to Kusatsu is closed during the winter period because of snow, so we have to take a longer route via the highway. This journey took almost 2 hours, and by the time we reached Kusatsu, it was already dark. The fact that the sun sets early in winter period did not do us any favour. Thanks to our reliable GPS, we got there just in time for check-in and dinner.

While waiting for the dinner table to be ready, we sneaked out for some photos taking of Kusatsu at night.

This is the famous hot spring that boasts the largest flowing water volume of all hot springs in Japan.

The quality of the hot spring water here is said to cure any ailment except heartache.

Yubatake is the symbol of Kusatsu, where Japanese Cypress wood is the optimum choice material used to withstand the strong acidity of the spring water. 

This is the reason why many onsens and homes still use old wooden bath tubs made of similar material.

Here's us freezing the cold before we head back to our room.

Coloured lanterns lining the street gives a romantic feel to the place.

Here is the frontage of our beautiful inn for the night.

Ekinariya Inn is located at the heart of Kusatsu town. 

We paid a premium to stay in this inn for its individual chartered onsen. There is no sharing and we could have unlimited usage of the onsen to ourselves. 

A high price to pay must come with a wide spread of food. We ate like no tomorrow that night.

After another sumptuous breakfast, we checked out the town.

Daytime presents another perspective of the Yubatake with quaint buildings surrounding it.

Trail of steam enhances one's experience of having arrived at an onsen town.

The spring source came from Mount Shirane, which is an active volcano close to Kusatsu town. We are not allowed to visit it because of volcanic activity lately.

Fat cat series porcelain display.

Little laughing monks.

This shop encourages people to display photos of their cats on its wooded facade.

Some souvenirs to take home to.

These look familiar. Are they leftovers from last night's dinner?

Fancy a postcard home? I wonder what's the colour on the post box represents for?

Our overnight stay at Kusatsu came to an end. We could have stayed for another night but unfortunately, due to limited funds, we can only stay one night.

I would probably come back again, and spend less on lodgings but more on days. I believe there are more places to explore in this beautiful town and its surrounding. When the volcano simmers down, we can even drive up to the edge of Lake Yugama, to see its famous emerald water.

And another travel trip awaiting....