Shirahata Hot Spring — Local services in Kusatsu

I might have been unlucky or something but I suspect I got plantar warts from here. I have been having it checked for months now. This is just a suspection on my part.

Now for the onsen itself, I went there in the morning so , it had local people, mostly old grandpas. The water temperature was really hot. Felt more painful than it was relaxing. I had to get out of the water after a minute or two everytime. Most of all, the onsen itself had white particles from the wooden tub and the walls that were 'melting' from the hot water. I almost thought someone did something to the water at first.

I would not recommend this place as it was in January 2023. Instead go to the nearby onsens. I particularly enjoyed the mixed onsen that's held every friday evening at the open...

One of the many free onsen managed by the city of Kusatsu. Relatively small, but very rustic, hot and authentic - I loved it.2 baths at this location - 1 concentrated and 1 that is practically at source temperature. The concentrated one was great though hot. Not many people can bear the temps. of the other one. Be careful since it's super slippery on the soggy/moldy wood floors - I saw 2 guys slip onto their backs during my 30 minute stay here.

There are no showers here so just rinse yourself off with the small bucket...

Incredibly HOT! old style free bathhouse. Use the buckets available to rinse yourself before getting in. This isn’t just to clean yourself but to get yourself used to the temp. Once you’ve finally managed to get your whole body in, slight movement of the body will make you feel like you are on fire!! (Just my humor but seriously. It’s hot. Locals just plopped into the bath within a min. I can’t even.) All worth it though cause when you are done, you won’t be freezing when you put on...