Last updated: December 21, 2020
Cooling onsen water the traditional way
This elegant two-story bathhouse with glass windows was originally built in 1968, and renovated in 2015. It stands right in front of Yubatake, Kusatsu Onsen’s main source of hot spring water.
The water temperature is too hot for bathing, at over 51 degrees Celsius. Since the Edo period (1603–1868), the water has been stirred with a wooden paddle to cool it without diluting its mineral content. The method, called yumomi, is a rhythmic performance, accompanied by traditional folk songs.
There are six yumomi performances every day at Netsunoyu, each lasting around 30 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to participate.
414 Kusatsu, Kusatsu, Agatsuma District ( Map)
About 10 minutes on foot from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal
Open daily (trying yumomi only available weekends and holidays)
0279-88-0800 (Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association)
