Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort sits at the foot of Mount Shirane in Gunma Prefecture, approximately 180 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. The resort operates within the broader Kusatsu Onsen area, one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring towns with a history spanning over 1,000 years. While the onsen baths have attracted visitors since ancient times, the ski resort development began in the 1960s, capitalizing on the region's high elevation and consistent snowfall to create a winter sports destination that complements the traditional hot spring culture.

The resort's unique positioning at elevations between 1,245 and 2,171 meters on the slopes of an active volcanic mountain creates distinctive skiing conditions. The volcanic soil and geothermal activity contribute to the area's renowned natural hot springs, making this one of the few ski destinations in Japan where visitors can transition directly from powder skiing to authentic onsen bathing. The resort receives an average annual snowfall of 6 meters, with the volcanic terrain providing naturally varied topography across 8 runs covering approximately 100 hectares of skiable area.

Visitors experience a combination of winter sports and traditional Japanese hot spring culture. The ski area caters primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers, with wide, well-groomed runs suitable for families. After skiing, guests typically visit Yubatake (hot water field) in the center of Kusatsu town, where 4,000 liters of thermal water flow every minute at temperatures reaching 50-90 degrees Celsius. The resort's proximity to numerous public bathhouses and ryokan with private onsen facilities allows for immediate post-ski relaxation.

Access from Tokyo requires approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by limited express train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line, followed by a 25-minute bus ride to Kusatsu Onsen town. The resort is a short shuttle or taxi ride from the town center. Alternatively, highway buses run directly from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen in approximately 4 hours. Lift tickets for adults cost around 5,000-6,000 yen for a full day pass, with discounts available for half-day tickets and children.