Why drive from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen?
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, centered on the iconic Yubatake hot water field. Driving from Tokyo gives you schedule freedom, easy access to secluded baths and viewpoints, and the ability to combine nearby sights such as Ikaho, Lake Haruna, Karuizawa, and Mount Asama into one road trip.
Route overview from Tokyo to Kusatsu
Most travelers take the Kan-Etsu Expressway out of Tokyo and connect to local national routes into Kusatsu. Total distance is roughly 200–220 km depending on your starting point and chosen route. Typical driving time is about 3.5–4.5 hours outside peak traffic.
Primary route via Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Enter the Kan-Etsu Expressway from Nerima IC or other Tokyo entries
- Continue to Shibukawa-Ikaho IC
- Exit and follow Route 353 → Route 145 → Route 292 to Kusatsu Onsen
This route is the most direct and is well signed in English. It offers optional stopovers around Ikaho Onsen and Lake Haruna.
Scenic alternative via Karuizawa
- Kan-Etsu Expressway to Fujioka JCT
- Joshin-Etsu Expressway to Usui-Karuizawa IC
- Route 146 → Route 292 to Kusatsu Onsen
Choose this if you want to visit Karuizawa’s cafés and outlets, the Asama foothills, or Onioshidashi volcanic park before soaking in Kusatsu.
Seasonal note on Route 292 mountain section
The high-elevation Shiga Kusatsu Kogen segment of Route 292 toward Nagano is subject to seasonal night closures and winter closures due to snow and volcanic safety controls. If you plan to continue beyond Kusatsu toward Shiga Kogen, check seasonal access and use snow equipment.
Best departure times and traffic patterns
Leaving central Tokyo before 7:00 a.m. on weekends typically avoids Kan-Etsu bottlenecks. Sunday evenings and holiday returns frequently slow around Kan’etsu’s Nerima approach. For a smoother drive, plan a late evening arrival the day before or a pre-dawn start.
Tolls and payment on expressways
The Kan-Etsu and Joshin-Etsu expressways are tolled. An ETC-equipped rental car allows cashless, discounted passage through ETC gates and usually reduces queue time. Cash and credit are accepted at manned toll booths, but not all ramps have staffed lanes late at night.
Fuel, rest areas, and services
Service areas (SA) and parking areas (PA) along the Kan-Etsu/Joshin-Etsu provide fuel, food courts, restrooms, and convenience stores. Popular SAs include Takasaka SA and Yorii PA. Top up fuel before leaving the expressway; stations are scarcer on rural national routes at night.
Parking in Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu’s central streets around Yubatake are compact and often closed to general traffic. Use municipal or private car parks near Yubatake and the Sainokawara area, then explore on foot. Overnight parking is available in designated lots; always check posted hours and fees. Hotels and ryokan often provide guest parking or partner lots—confirm when booking.
Winter driving and safety
Kusatsu sits at elevation and receives heavy snowfall. From late November to March, use studless winter tires or carry chains. Drive slowly on shaded curves and high passes, and watch for black ice. In storms, consider staying on main routes and postponing mountain detours.
Sample 2-day road trip itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo → Ikaho or Karuizawa → Kusatsu
Morning: Depart Tokyo early.
Option A (Ikaho): Exit at Shibukawa-Ikaho IC, visit Ikaho stone steps and Lake Haruna, lunch in Shibukawa.
Option B (Karuizawa): Exit at Usui-Karuizawa IC, stroll Old Karuizawa Ginza or outlet, optional Onioshidashi Park.
Late afternoon: Arrive Kusatsu, check in, sunset at Yubatake, evening bath.
Day 2: Kusatsu highlights → Return to Tokyo
Morning: Sainokawara Open-Air Bath or Otakinoyu, onsen tamago tasting.
Midday: Walk the Yubatake boardwalks, short hike to Sainokawara Park.
Afternoon: Depart before late-day traffic on Kan-Etsu. Optional dinner stop at a service area.
Onsen etiquette basics for first-time drivers
Rinse thoroughly before entering the bath, do not soak towels in the water, keep voices low, and avoid bathing after alcohol. Tattoos are increasingly accepted but still restricted at some facilities—check policies in advance.
Navigation keywords and useful kanji
Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉
Yubatake 湯畑
Sainokawara Park 西の河原公園
Shibukawa-Ikaho IC 渋川伊香保IC
Route 292 国道292号
Karuizawa 軽井沢
Requirements for foreign drivers
Most visitors need a valid home country license plus an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Some countries’ licenses can be used with an official Japanese translation. Carry passport and rental documents, and ensure your rental includes ETC and winter tires when appropriate.
EV charging considerations
High-speed chargers are concentrated near larger towns and service areas. Check your route for charging points in advance, especially in winter when range drops at altitude.
Family-friendly stops between Tokyo and Kusatsu
Ikaho Green Bokujo (petting farm), Lake Haruna scenic drive, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, and Onioshidashi Park provide easy breaks for kids and first-time visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen?
Around 3.5–4.5 hours in normal conditions, longer on holiday weekends and during autumn foliage season.
Do I need snow tires to reach Kusatsu in winter?
Yes, plan on studless winter tires or chains from late November to March. Many rental agencies in Kanto can equip cars seasonally.
Is Route 292 open year-round beyond Kusatsu?
The high pass toward Shiga Kogen experiences seasonal and weather-related closures. Check current conditions if continuing beyond Kusatsu.
Can I drive directly to Yubatake?
Central streets near Yubatake are largely pedestrian-oriented. Park in nearby lots and walk a few minutes.
Are tolls expensive?
Expressways are tolled; costs vary by route and vehicle. ETC generally offers convenience and small discounts compared with cash.
Is night driving safe in the mountains?
Yes with caution. Reduce speed, watch for wildlife and ice, and avoid unfamiliar mountain shortcuts in snow or fog.
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