Kusatsu Onsen's Nostalgic Charm

Wander through a traditional Japanese hot spring town

Cathy Cawood Sep 21, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Display outside a very traditional looking restaurant</p>

<p>Old Japan post boxes in three colors</p>

<p>Drinks cooling under running water</p>

<p>Kusatsu Onsen's mascot, Yumomi-chan, accompanies a tourist on a rickshaw ride  </p>

<p>Flowers and lanterns at the graciously old-fashioned entrance of a hotel</p>

<p>Design with four arrow fletches  </p>

<p>Cold drinking water in the street - just what you need when you emerge from one of Kusatsu's very hot baths</p>

<p>Another charming old-fashioned entrance</p>

<p>A small shrine opposite one of the free bath houses</p>

<p>A glimpse of an inviting interior</p>

The hot spring town of Kusatsu Onsen has been attracting visitors for centuries, and is full of real character. I loved the nostalgic atmosphere. Happily it is nothing like a museum. Instead it is still full of visitors. The streets are lined with thriving restaurants and stores. There are plenty of quaint old wooden buildings, and you can see that many newer buildings were designed to blend in with the old. It's a wonderful place to wander!

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...