Which Footbath Is the Hottest in Kusatsu Onsen

A Traveler’s Guide to Kusatsu Onsen’s Free Ashiyu Footbaths

Welcome to Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns — known for its steaming streets, soothing waters, and classic ryokan inns.

While the “Three Great Baths” — Sai-no-Kawara Open-Air Bath, Otaki-no-Yu, and Goza-no-Yu — are the main highlights, Kusatsu also offers several free public footbaths (ashiyu) that let you enjoy the hot spring experience without taking a full bath.

Here’s a ranking of Kusatsu’s footbaths from hottest to mildest, along with what makes each one worth visiting — and some tips for first-time visitors to Japan’s onsen culture.

Footbath Heat Ranking

1. Sai-no-Kawara Park (Upper–Middle Area) – between Dr. Bälz’s bust and the rest benches
2. In front of Jizo-no-Yu [Ashiyu] ★ Recommended
3. Sai-no-Kawara Park (Lower–Middle Area) – between Anamori Inari Shrine and the lower footbath
4. Sai-no-Kawara Park (Near the Spring Source) [Ashiyu] ★★★ Highly Recommended
5. Taki-no-Yu [Ashiyu]
6. Sai-no-Kawara Park (Lower Area) [Ashiyu]
7. Yubatake / Yukemuri-tei [Ashiyu] ★★ Recommended

[Ashiyu] indicates that a bench is provided for enjoying the footbath. At other foot baths, you sit on stones.
You simply roll up your pants, take off your shoes and socks, and dip your feet into the warm mineral water — a perfect way to relax between sightseeing spots.

※Water temperature varies by season and time, so rankings may change. Temperatures are subjective and for reference only.

Guide to Each Footbath

1st：Sai-no-Kawara Park (Upper–Middle Area) – between Dr. Bälz’s bust and the rest benches

This is the hottest footbath in Kusatsu — I could only stay in for one minute!

It’s easy to get distracted by the “Spring Source Footbath,” located about 20 meters downstream from Sai-no-Kawara Open-Air Bath, but perhaps because it’s not temperature-controlled, the pond-like footbath further downstream is actually hotter.

[LOCATION]　Between Dr. Bälz’s statue and the benches. Look for a tiny shrine in the middle — that’s your landmark.

[FACILITIES]　No benches, but plenty of flat stones to sit on. It’s rarely crowded, so you can enjoy it in peace. The foot bath is located one step down from the sidewalk.

The stones around the shrine are large, so you might prefer sitting on the smaller stones at the pond one stream downstream. The water temperature is nearly the same. (It’s also shallower.)

[SCENERY]　You can see a fair amount of the park, but you have to look up.

[Tip]　The water here can feel quite warm — try dipping your hand first!
No need to stay in for long; just enjoy the experience at your own pace.

I almost missed the downstream footbath myself after soaking in the “Spring Source Footbath.”
If I hadn’t planned to visit all footbaths, I might have completely overlooked it.

One of the hottest outdoor waters in Kusatsu — why not try dipping your hand in for a quick taste as a little souvenir of your visit?

2nd：In front of Jizo-no-Yu [Ashiyu] ★ Recommended

Almost as hot as #1, this footbath sits in the charming Ura-Kusatsu area — a quiet district east of Yubatake.

[LOCATION]　Just a few minutes’ walk from Yubatake, up some slopes and stairs. It’s easy to miss if you take the easier path, which makes finding it feel like a little adventure.

If you just wander around aimlessly, you’ll miss it—that’s why it’s called “Ura-Kusatsu.”

[FACILITIES]　Covered benches, clean and well-maintained.

Try the Face Bath! Place your face near the vent and enjoy warm steam — like a natural facial spa. (This is the only place in Kusatsu for face baths.)

[SCENERY]　The area around the footbath is well-maintained as a tourist spot, and not just the footbath itself — many of the cobblestones and buildings nearby are quite new.

You won’t get much of a view, but it’s a great spot to relax in the footbath away from the crowds. Just be warned, the water is pretty hot!

3rd：Sai-no-Kawara Park (Lower–Middle Area) – between Anamori Inari Shrine and the lower footbath

To the adventurous traveler! This little-known spot is one of the small hot springs scattered amidst rocks and gravel.

This photo is a bit confusing, but the stone bench in the foreground is not the foot bath. The hotter foot bath is located in the back left. See the detailed photo below.

[LOCATION]　Near the lower entrance to the park, before the red torii of Anamori Inari Shrine.

[FACILITIES]　The stone is not flat—it is not suitable for sitting.

[SCENERY]　Looking downstream, you can see from the entrance of Sai-no-Kawara Park all the way to the walkway near Azuma Botanical Shop.
Looking upstream, you’ll spot the torii gate of Kusatsu Anamori Inari Shrine.

(Most people don’t soak their feet here. If I hadn’t written this article, I might have just dipped my hands in.)

There’s also a foot bath nearby with stone benches, so you might as well go ahead and use that one.
In terms of heat level, it’s about the same as the 6th-ranked “Sai-no-Kawara Park (Lower Area).”

4rd：Sai-no-Kawara Park (Near the Spring Source) [Ashiyu] ★★★ Highly Recommended

If you’re visiting Kusatsu for the first time, this is the footbath to try.

[LOCATION]　Below the observation deck, a short walk from the open-air bath.

[FACILITIES]　Wooden benches and a gentle flow of steamy water.

[SCENERY]　This footbath offers the best view of the flow of hot water within Sai-no-Kawara Park. In terms of scenery, it ranks among the top three, alongside the footbaths around Yubatake that are (temperature) ranked 5th and 7th.

The temperature is still hot but relaxing — perfect for enjoying nature’s warmth at your own pace.

5rd：Taki-no-Yu [Ashiyu]

Right in front of the iconic Yubatake waterfall, where hot spring water cascades down the wooden chutes.

[LOCATION]　Downstream from Yubatake, directly facing the falls. Many people take commemorative photos, creating the distinctive atmosphere of a tourist spot.

[FACILITIES]　Comfortable benches are provided.

This popular photo spot may feel a bit crowded, but thanks to the stone wall behind you, you’re less likely to end up in other people’s shots of the waterfall. You can enjoy the footbath without feeling like you’re getting in anyone’s way.

[SCENERY]　You can enjoy the view while enjoying footbath with the symbolic Yubatake Falls in sight, making it a great spot.

6rd：Sai-no-Kawara Park (Lower Area) [Ashiyu]

Located near the Kusatsu Kataoka Tsurutaro Art Museum, this spot makes a relaxing rest stop before climbing the park’s slope. The water temperature is just right, so you can soak for a long time.

[LOCATION]　Located at the entrance to Sai-no-Kawara Park (from the east side) when approaching from the Kusatsu Kataoka Tsurutaro Museum. Exploring Sai-no-Kawara Park involves climbing a slope. It’s also recommended as a rest spot before that climb.

[FACILITIES]　There is a bench you can sit on. You can rest your feet on the concrete edge, or sit on the stepping stones.

[SCENERY]　From here, you can see hot water flowing thinly but widely down the gravel slope of Sai-no-Kawara Park. From a distance, it almost looks like steam is rising directly from the ground.

7位：Yubatake / Yukemuri-tei [Ashiyu] ★★ Recommended

Set beside Kusatsu’s signature Yubatake hot spring field, this is the most accessible and most relaxing footbath for travelers.

[LOCATION]　East side of Yubatake. You’ll see it as soon as you walk around the square.

[FACILITIES]　A covered bench is installed.

[SCENERY]　You can gaze across the steaming Yubatake and nearby souvenir shops.

With gentle water and a lovely atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to end your Kusatsu stroll.

Since this is a popular footbath, we recommend going early in the morning if you want to soak leisurely.

One More Thing

How to Enjoy a Footbath in Japan

・Roll up your pants above the knees before soaking.
・Remove shoes and socks — never dip them in the water.
・Bring a small towel to dry your feet.
・Don’t splash or soak too long if others are waiting.
・No lotions or oils on your skin before bathing.
・Be careful not to wet the bench when getting out of the foot bath.

A Little Extra

There’s even a small ashiyu at the Kusatsu Bus Terminal. I missed it this time, so I’ll make sure not to forget next time.

Here’s something I noticed while hopping between footbaths at Sai-no-Kawara Park: looking from downstream, there’s a “High Temperature” warning sign to the right of the “Spring Source Footbath.”

I thought the water outside the railing might be scorching, but it turned out to be just cold — not exactly cold for a mountain stream, but a bit underwhelming.

Trying different kinds of onsen manju, comparing the three main hot springs in Kusatsu, or sampling various maitake mushroom dishes can be really fun too.

You could stick to the famous spots, but creating a theme for your trip might make it a whole new experience.