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Sainokawara Open-Air Bath, Shinano Travel Guide

4.3 (5153)

Immerse yourself in nature at Kusatsu Onsen's iconic open-air bath, offering a therapeutic and scenic hot spring experience.

Sainokawara Open-Air Bath, nestled in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, offers a unique hot spring experience. This large, outdoor bath allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the area's renowned hot springs.

A brief summary to Sainokawara Open-Air Bath

  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-8 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sainokawara Open-Air Bath.

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons like autumn.
  • Bring or purchase towels as they are not provided free of charge.
  • If visiting on a Friday night for the mixed bathing experience, remember to bring a swimsuit or something to cover up with.
  • Be aware that there are no showers available at the open-air bath.
  • The stone pavements leading to the bath can be slippery when wet, so wear appropriate footwear.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal or the Yubatake hot water field, the Sainokawara Open-Air Bath is approximately a 10-20 minute walk. Follow the narrow road west, lined with ryokan and shops. The path is well-marked with signs. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    While walking is the most common way to reach the bath, local buses circulate within Kusatsu Onsen. Check the local bus schedule for the most convenient route and nearest stop to Sainokawara Park. A single bus fare within Kusatsu Onsen typically costs around ¥200-¥300. from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, take a bus to Sainokawara Park. The journey typically takes 5 minutes.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available at Tenguyama Daiichi Parking Lot, which is free and about a 5-minute walk to the bath. Alternatively, there are other parking lots closer to the park, such as Kusatsu Onsen Nishi no Kawara Park Parking, which charges ¥550 for up to 2 hours. Parking near Kusatsu Onsen can be limited, especially during peak season.

Discover more about Sainokawara Open-Air Bath

Sainokawara Open-Air Bath (西の河原露天風呂) is a highlight of Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. Located within Sainokawara Park, just a short walk from the town center, this expansive 500 square meter bath provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying the therapeutic waters of Kusatsu.The park itself was once known as the "Devil's Fountain" due to the abundant hot spring water and steam. Today, it's a tranquil space with walking trails, foot baths, and monuments. The open-air bath is fed by the Bandai hot spring source and can accommodate up to 100 bathers. The waters are known for their acidic properties and are believed to alleviate various ailments.Each season offers a different backdrop, from snow-capped trees in winter to lush greenery in summer and vibrant foliage in autumn. At night, the illuminated pools create a magical atmosphere. On Friday nights, the bath offers a rare opportunity for mixed bathing (konyoku), where visitors can wear swimwear or cover-ups.
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