Yubatake (Kusatsu, Gunma)

 fountain, hot spring, onsen, interesting place

The central onsen of Kusatsu, wherefrom the hot (55C) water is dispensed to baths, hotels and ryokans. In the Yubatake, the water is cooled naturally in the wooden gutters.

A wooden frame in the south-western (higher) end of Yubatake is a well werefrom water was poured into barrels, for delivery to the Shiogun's castle in Edo. Another object of special interest is a stone lantern in the stream, which features in a well-known picture. The railings around Yubatake carry tablets with the names of famous people who used to visit Kusatsu.

Next to it is a "theater onsen" where the traditional Yumomi water-cooling and Kusatsubushi song can be observed. Those, who wish a rest, can sit for a while in the foot onsen bath at the side of Yubatake.