If you’re even slightly thinking about going to Kusatsu, read this one before you book anything.
In my last post, I told you what Kusatsu felt like: the sulfur smell the moment we arrived, the four baths, the hotel. That was the “should I go” post. This is the “okay, I’m going, now what” post, and it’s the one I wish I’d had before I booked.
Here’s what’s inside:
How to get there from Tokyo, by bus and by train, with real times and prices
A ticket that saves you ¥950 on the three public baths
The one day of the week that unlocks something most visitors never find, and why weekends are the wrong choice
The yumomi show: the times, the price, and the part you can join in yourself
Two udon shops, one clear winner. I tried both, and the free post’s shop isn’t it
My route for one night and two days, in order
Hotel Ichii in detail, with photos
The mistakes I made, including the one that made my show stressful
One thing up front, because it changes how you book: one night, two days is enough. Don’t book two nights unless you want a slower pace.
Everything below comes from my own trip, plus a few facts I double-checked against published sources. If Kusatsu is on your list, this is the part that saves you time, money, and a few mistakes. And if you have questions about your own trip, ask in the comments. I’ll answer paid subscribers’ questions there.
