Kusatsu Onsen Seasonal News

Late March to early April – Zazenso Park’s Zazenso flowers are in full bloom

If you head uphill towards Kusatsu from Joshu-Otsu intersection, you will see a sign for the entrance to Zazenso Park on your left.

*It is convenient to use the town shuttle bus (East Course). Bus stop: “Zazenso Park Entrance”

June 1st ~ Himuro Festival

A traditional event dating back to the Edo period in which ice taken from an icehouse at the foot of Mt. Shirane is served and prayers are offered for good health.

July – Lake Notan Lake Nikkoukisuge in bloom

Lake Nozoriko, located in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture, is a dammed lake with a circumference of 12 km located at an elevation of 1,500 m above sea level. Surrounded by 2,000-meter-high mountains, it is also called “Lake in the Sky. The Nikkoukisuge (day lilies) usually bloom in early July.

July 17th and 18th – Shirane Shrine Festival

This is a festival held at Shirane Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Yamato Takeru. The shrine office is located on the museum grounds, and mikoshi (portable shrines) from each district of Kusatsu stop by.

August 1st to 3rd – Kusatsu Onsen Thanksgiving Festival

The festival includes a solemn ceremony to give thanks to the hot springs, such as the “Ritual of Drawing Up the Spring Water” by the goddess, and a variety of events at the main venue of the Yubatake. It is a festive three days. (It was started in honour of the tradition that by bathing in the hot springs on the day of the Ox, at the hour of the Ox, people prayed for good health for the year to come, and it continues to this day.)

Mid-August – Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival

A summer tradition in Kusatsu. Concerts by top-class classical musicians invited from Europe and the United States are held daily.