Getting there

From Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen

• By train and bus (via Naganohara)

• Covered by the Japan Rail Pass Read more

  From Tokyo, you can take a train from Ueno Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (about 2.5 hours, 5000 yen), then a JR bus to Kusatsu Onsen (30 minutes, 780 yen). The total trip takes around 3.5 hours and is mostly covered by the Japan Rail Pass. A cheaper option is taking local trains with a transfer at Takasaki (about 4 hours, 3080 yen), or you can ride the faster Shinkansen to Takasaki and switch to a local train from there.

• By train and bus (via Karuizawa)

• From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa (about 70 minutes, 6000 yen), then transfer to a bus to Kusatsu Onsen (80 minutes, 2240 yen). The total trip takes around 3 hours. JR passes are not valid for the bus ride from Karuizawa.

• By bus

• From Tokyo, you can take a JR highway bus from Busta Shinjuku to Kusatsu, which takes about 4 hours and costs 3500–4000 yen depending on the day (JR passes are not valid). Another option is a bus from Shibuya Mark City, which takes around 4.5 hours, costs about 3600 yen, and can be booked online via Willer.