Kusatsu Yubatake (Japan) — live webcam of hot springs

What you see in the broadcast

The camera is set up in Nishiokawara Park — one of the most atmospheric locations in the city of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. In the frame are alleys with pines and deciduous trees, stone landscape elements, and winding paths. The main feature of this place is the colorful illumination: trees and stones are flooded with purple, yellow, and pink light, creating a surreal picture. In the background, silhouettes of buildings and the infrastructure of the resort town can be seen. It is from here that the view opens onto the heart of Kusatsu — the famous Yubatake.

Yubatake: the hot water field in the center of Kusatsu

Yubatake (湯畑, "hot water field") is the main symbol of Kusatsu, a place where thermal waters come to the surface naturally. Mineral-rich water flows here through wooden channels, gradually cooling before being distributed to the city's baths. This spectacle attracts tourists around the clock — during the day, clouds of steam look mystical, and at night, the illumination turns Yubatake into a theater of light and water.

The history of using these springs goes back centuries. The Tokugawa rulers brought water from Kusatsu to Edo (now Tokyo) because of its healing properties. Even then, the local water was considered a panacea for many ailments. Today, Kusatsu has repeatedly been recognized as the best onsen in Japan in public polls, and the local saying goes: the water here can cure any disease except love.

Why the water is so hot: geothermal features

The secret of Kusatsu lies in the volcanic activity of the region. The hot springs are fed by sulfur waters that flow down from Mount Shirane — an active volcano, whose last eruption occurred in 2018 after more than 30 years of dormancy. Underground water is heated by magma, enriched with minerals, and rises to the surface through cracks in the rock.

The chemical composition of the water amazes even trained chemists. The water has a pH of 1.7 to 2.1 — a strongly acidic environment, containing sulfuric acid, aluminum sulfate, chlorides, and free sulfur. That is why the characteristic smell of hydrogen sulfide is felt around the springs, and the stones and channels gradually acquire a yellowish tint.

The temperature of the water at the outlet from Yubatake reaches ~95°C, and at different points of the spring it varies from 51°C to 94°C. This is boiling water that locals use not only for bathing but also for cooking — eggs and vegetables are boiled in special baskets in the hot water.

Scale of the springs: numbers and records

Kusatsu is not just a charming resort with a couple of hot pools. It is a giant geothermal system. The hot water output exceeds 32,000 liters per minute (according to some sources — 32,300 L/min) — this is the highest rate among all springs in Japan. Imagine: every minute more than 32 tons of mineralized water bursts out from under the ground.

The sulfur waters of Kusatsu have powerful antibacterial properties and a legendary ability to improve skin health. Locals say that even a short bath in the onsen relieves inflammation, accelerates the healing of small wounds, and noticeably improves the condition of skin diseases.

When is the best time to watch: day and night, winter and summer

The camera in Kusatsu is interesting at any time of day, but the picture changes dramatically. During the day, you will see Nishiokawara Park in all its greenery, stone elements, and paths strolled by tourists in yukatas. Pines, deciduous trees with dense foliage, and the architectural background of the resort town are visible.

At night, the magic begins. The illumination turns on — and the park transforms. Purple, yellow, and pink lights illuminate the trees from below, creating a contrast with the dark sky. Stones and paths seem to float in a colored mist. This is the best time to appreciate the atmosphere of Kusatsu without leaving home.

In winter, the picture is complemented by snow — white caps on pine branches and stones create a classic Japanese landscape. In summer, the park is immersed in greenery, and the night illumination contrasts with the dark foliage. Each season provides its own unique visual.

How to get to Kusatsu

Kusatsu is located in Gunma Prefecture, about 160 km northwest of Tokyo. You can get here in several ways:

By train from Tokyo: from Ueno or Akihabara Station, take a JR train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi or Takasaki Station, then transfer to a local train to Kusatsu. Total travel time is about 3-4 hours.

By bus from Tokyo: direct buses depart from Shinjuku Station and take about 4 hours. This is the most convenient option — no transfers, with comfortable seats and an onboard toilet.

By car: via the expressway to the Kusatsu exit, then on regular roads. Parking is available in the city, but it fills up quickly during high season.

If you are planning a trip, the webcam in Kusatsu is a great way to assess the situation in advance: see how many people are in the park, what the weather is like, and whether the illumination is on.

Nishiokawara Park: what's near the camera

Nishiokawara Park (西の河原公園) is not just a viewing platform but a full-fledged walking area in the very center of Kusatsu. This is where the online camera is installed, and this is where tourists heading to the resort go first.

The park is located in close proximity to Yubatake — from here it is convenient to observe the flows of hot water flowing down the wooden channels. Paths are laid among the pines, benches for rest are installed, and stone landscape design elements are placed. Nearby are free springs with warm water where you can soak your feet, and a monument to the founders of the resort.

At night, the park turns into a light installation — the illumination of trees and stones creates an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in Japan. This is exactly the view that the webcam broadcasts in real time.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Can you bathe in the springs visible on the camera? You cannot bathe directly in Yubatake — the water is too hot (up to 95°C). But nearby in Nishiokawara Park there are free foot baths with water at a comfortable temperature, and throughout the city there are public baths (sento) and natural open-air pools.

What is the temperature of the water in the springs? At the outlet from Yubatake, the water reaches ~95°C. In the baths, it is cooled to 42-48°C, which is considered optimal for thermal procedures.

Is access to the springs free? Yubatake and Nishiokawara Park are accessible for free around the clock. Foot baths in the park are also free. Only public baths and private onsens are paid.

When is the best time to visit Kusatsu? Year-round. In winter — snow and steam over hot water, in spring — cherry blossoms, in autumn — crimson foliage, in summer — greenery and mountain coolness. Each season offers its own unique experience.

What you can see on the camera

The webcam in Kusatsu broadcasts Nishiokawara Park in live mode. In the frame are alleys with pines and deciduous trees, stone landscape elements, and winding paths. Trees and stones are illuminated with colorful lights: purple, yellow, and pink. In the background, buildings and the infrastructure of the resort town are visible. At night, the illumination creates a surreal atmosphere, turning the park into a light installation. The camera allows you to observe the life of Kusatsu in real time — to see how tourists stroll along the alleys, how the lighting changes, and what the weather is like right now in Gunma Prefecture.