Kusatsu and Karuizawa Family Trip Highlights
Source:
@Vivi and Pat
13 places in Karuizawa featured in a youtube post by Vivi and Pat, verified on Google Maps: Yubatake, Kusatsu Onsen Boun, Hotel Cypress Karuizawa, and 10 more.
Yubatake
Landmark
4.5
This iconic 'hot water field' is the central hot spring source in Kusatsu Onsen, known for its emerald-green waters and therapeutic steam. Hot spring water flows through wooden troughs for cooling before being distributed to local inns. Visitors can enjoy foot baths and witness the impressive 'waterfall' of hot spring water, making it a must-visit for its unique atmosphere and lively yet tranquil environment.
Kusatsu Onsen Boun
Japanese inn
4.4
This onsen hotel in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, offers a spacious and recently renovated traditional Japanese experience, perfect for families or groups. Rooms feature tatami mat areas with traditional seating, private bathrooms with quality amenities, and views of the surrounding snowy landscape. Guests are greeted with tea and sweets upon check-in, showcasing excellent hospitality.
Hotel Cypress Karuizawa
Hotel
4.1
This hotel in Karuizawa features a public bath, though it is not an onsen. The rooms are spacious but may appear dated, suggesting an older establishment. Its lobby offers a bright and open space, providing a comfortable environment for guests. It's an option for those seeking comfortable lodging without focusing on hot spring facilities.
Sainokawara Park
Park
4.4
This geothermal valley in Kusatsu Onsen is a serene park where hot spring water gushes directly from the rocky ground, forming steaming rivers and emerald-green pools. It offers therapeutic sights and a distinct sulfur smell from the spring water. Visitors can enjoy walking along the paths and observing the natural hot spring phenomena, including large outdoor baths at the top of the park, perfect for a relaxing experience.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Shopping mall
4.1
This large shopping plaza in Karuizawa offers a wide array of shops, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking fashion, accessories, and gifts. It's an excellent place to spend a few hours browsing and enjoying the shopping experience. Many shops offer duty-free services for international visitors.
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
Place
4.0
This charming shopping street in Karuizawa offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese post-town heritage and Western-style resort culture. It features various shops selling local delicacies, tea, and souvenirs, making it a pleasant area to explore. Visitors can enjoy browsing artisan goods and local food products.
Kusatsu Tamago Farm store
Store
3.9
This shop specializes in egg-related products, offering a variety of treats made from high-quality local eggs. Popular items include egg pudding, egg-flavored soft-serve ice cream with caramel sauce, and Baumkuchen (layered cake) made with milk and egg. The shop emphasizes the use of fresh, rich eggs from Gunma Prefecture, making its products creamy and flavorful.
Harunire Terrace
Shopping mall
4.0
This charming area in Karuizawa is designated as a 'small town in the forest,' offering a cozy and tranquil ambiance. It's a perfect spot for enjoying coffee, dining, and shopping for unique handmade gifts, even on weekdays when it's quiet. While some shops may be closed on weekdays, the overall atmosphere remains inviting and peaceful.
Kumoba Pond
Lake
4.4
This scenic pond in Karuizawa is often called "Swan Lake" due to its elegant, mirror-like surface reflections of the surrounding lush greenery and blue sky. It is a popular spot for observing swans during their migration seasons. The pond is fed by a spring in a nearby hotel garden, known for its clean water, making it historically significant as a source of water for feudal lords. Visitors can enjoy different seasonal vibes here, from vibrant green in spring to autumnal gold foliage.
一井おみやげセンター
Store
3.9
This large souvenir shop offers a wide array of local products and unique gifts from Kusatsu Onsen. Visitors can find items like Kusatsu Onsen Original Face Packs, local sweets such as Castella cakes and milk manjū, and various packaged foods like chili oil and pickles. It's an ideal place to pick up unique local souvenirs.
Sekireibashi Kawakamian
Restaurant
4.0
This popular restaurant is a must-visit for authentic Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles) and tempura dishes. Their signature cold soba with duck and leek in hot broth is a highly recommended dish. They offer high-quality ingredients with a traditional approach, and staff serve hot broth to mix with the concentrated duck broth after your meal as a flavorful soup.
Meijitei Karuizawa
Japanese restaurant
4.0
This restaurant in Karuizawa is a must-visit for lovers of katsu (fried cutlets), offering popular dishes like pork cutlet curry rice and pork fillet rice bowls. They are famous for their original 'secret sauce,' made from 12 slow-cooked ingredients, which provides a rich, sweet-salty glaze perfect for dipping their thick, crispy pork loin. It's a satisfying dining experience after a day of shopping.
TsuruTonTan UDON NOODLE Brasserie KARUIZAWA JAPAN
Japanese restaurant
3.9
This renowned udon restaurant offers a wide selection of udon dishes, perfect for a hearty lunch. Their mentaiko udon is a popular choice, praised for its rich umami flavor despite simple ingredients. Other popular options include winter vegetable chicken meatball udon and creamy mushroom udon. The generous portions and flavorful broths make it a satisfying dining experience.