Kusatsu Onsen Welcomes Tattoos! Complete Guide to the Three Famous Hot Springs [2025 Latest]

Great news for those wondering if they can enjoy Kusatsu Onsen with tattoos!

In fact, all three representative day-trip hot spring facilities of Kusatsu Onsen - "Kusatsu Sanyu" (Otakinoyu, Gozanoyu, and Sainokawara Open-air Bath) - welcome visitors with tattoos.

This article provides a complete guide for people with tattoos to safely enjoy one of Japan's Three Great Hot Springs, covering the appeal of tattoo-friendly Kusatsu Onsen, detailed information about each facility, and tips for cost-effective hot spring hopping.

If you want to enjoy Kusatsu Onsen without worrying about your tattoos, please use this as your reference!

Why Kusatsu Onsen is "Tattoo-Friendly"

The three hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen officially state that "we do not particularly refuse entry or bathing for people with tattoos (irezumi)".

This is an overall policy of Kusatsu Onsen, based on the principle that "we welcome visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds, including foreign tourists visiting Japan, and want everyone to enjoy Kusatsu Onsen while observing proper manners".

Why You Can Enjoy with Peace of Mind Even with Tattoos

Kusatsu Onsen provides the following considerations:

1. Official acceptance policy: Clearly stated by all three facilities
2. Respect for diversity: Attitude of accepting various cultural backgrounds
3. International tourist destination: Open to foreign visitors
4. Emphasis on manners: Prioritizing bathing etiquette over presence of tattoos
5. No advance notice required: Can be used without special applications or consultations

"Hot springs are places for healing mind and body and should be open to everyone" - this philosophy of Kusatsu Onsen is the foundation of this initiative.

[By Facility] Detailed Guide to Kusatsu Sanyu

The three representative day-trip hot spring facilities of Kusatsu Onsen all welcome tattoos while each offering unique attractions.
Here, we introduce the characteristics of each facility in detail.

Otakinoyu

Otakinoyu is a hot spring facility with the most comprehensive facilities in Kusatsu Onsen, using the precious Nikawa source known as the "Beauty Bath".
You can use it confidently even with tattoos and experience Kusatsu's traditional "awase-yu" (temperature-graduated baths).

Facility Features

• Kusatsu's traditional "awase-yu" (5 stages from 38°C to 46°C)
• Outdoor bath with spectacular hot spring waterfall
• Large bath, sauna, and private bath facilities
• Restaurant "Yunohana" and souvenir corner

Appeal of Awase-yu

The traditional "awase-yu" passed down in Kusatsu is a traditional bathing method where you gradually accustom your body to the strongly acidic source water without diluting it with water. By entering from lukewarm water in sequence, you can experience the maximum benefits of Kusatsu Onsen.

Operating Information

• Hours: 9:00-21:00 (Last entry 20:00)
• Closed: Irregular (maintenance closure in December)
• Admission: Adults ¥980, Children ¥450
• Address: 596-13 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Special Days

The 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month are "Cloudy Water Days" when you can enjoy premium cloudy hot springs with the aroma of sulfur.

Gozanoyu

Gozanoyu is a historic hot spring facility that faithfully recreates Edo to Meiji period architectural styles, located in the prime location right in front of Yubatake (hot water field).
Even with tattoos, you can safely experience the history and culture of Kusatsu Onsen firsthand.

Facility Features

• "Tonton-buki" roof made with attention to wooden architecture
• Edo period atmosphere recreated with white plaster walls
• Bathing experience overlooking Yubatake
• Yukata rental and dressing service available

Historical Value

Gozanoyu is a reconstruction of a historic communal bath said to be associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, believed to bring blessings for "fire prevention and disaster protection."

Operating Information

• Hours:
  • Summer (4/1-11/30): 7:00-21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
  • Winter (12/1-3/31): 8:00-21:00 (Last entry 20:00)
• Closed: Irregular (closure for renovation work)
• Admission: Adults ¥700, Children ¥350
• Address: 421 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Sainokawara Open-air Bath

Sainokawara Open-air Bath features massive open-air baths surrounded by magnificent nature - 333㎡ for men and 166㎡ for women, where you can boldly enjoy unity with nature even with tattoos.
It offers the most liberating experience in Kusatsu Onsen and is said to bring blessings for "health promotion" and "fatigue recovery."

Facility Features

• Overwhelmingly large-scale open-air baths
• 360-degree views of seasonal mountain scenery
• Uses Bandaikō source (94.5°C, pH1.6)
• Pure open-air bath experience without washing areas

Unity with Nature

This vast open-air bath, truly described as "lake-like," offers different spectacular views throughout the four seasons - from winter snow scenes to spring cherry blossoms, summer deep green, and autumn foliage.

Operating Information

• Hours:
  • Summer (4/1-11/30): 7:00-20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
  • Winter (12/1-3/31): 9:00-20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
• Closed: None
• Admission: Adults ¥700, Children ¥350
• Address: 521-3 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Special Experience

Friday evenings and later become "Mixed Bathing Day" when couples and married couples can bathe together wearing yu-ami-gi (bathing clothes) (rental: ¥400 for women, free for men).

"Choina Sanyu Meguri Pass" is Great Value for Hot Spring Hopping

For enjoying all of Kusatsu Sanyu, the "Choina Sanyu Meguri Pass" is definitely the best deal.

The Sanyu Meguri Pass saves you ¥580, and since it has no expiration date, you can revisit your favorite hot spring later.

How to Purchase the Pass and Benefits

The Sanyu Meguri Pass can be purchased at:

1. Reception desks of each hot spring facility
2. Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association
3. Tourist information center at JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station
4. Major ryokan and hotels in the hot spring district

When you use all three hot springs, you receive a "Complete Bathing Certificate", making it a special memory for hot spring enthusiasts.

Bathing Etiquette for People with Tattoos

While Kusatsu Onsen warmly welcomes you, it's important to observe basic bathing etiquette out of consideration for other bathers.

Basic Bathing Etiquette

1. Pre-bathing cleansing: Thoroughly wash your body and hair before entering the bath
2. Towel handling: Do not put towels in the bath water
3. Quiet bathing: Refrain from loud conversations
4. Avoid long occupation: Be considerate of others during busy times
5. Clean usage: Lightly clean the areas you used after bathing

Proper Bathing Method for Kusatsu Onsen

Precautions for safely enjoying Kusatsu Onsen's strongly acidic springs (pH 2.05):

• Gradual bathing: Don't enter hot water suddenly; start with lukewarm water
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water due to heavy perspiration
• Remove precious metals: Remove silver items beforehand as acidic springs cause discoloration
• Time management: Avoid long bathing sessions and take appropriate breaks

By observing these manners, an environment where all users can comfortably enjoy the hot springs is maintained.

Why Kusatsu Onsen is Tattoo-Friendly

The background to Kusatsu Onsen's acceptance of diversity includes the following reasons:

Development as an International Tourist Destination

1. Increase in foreign visitors: Accommodating tourists with diverse cultural backgrounds
2. Tourism nation policy: Reception system in line with government policies
3. Economic effects: Improving tourism revenue and regional revitalization
4. Cultural understanding: Understanding and respecting different values
5. Changing times: Adaptation to modern values

Essence of Hot Spring Culture

Kusatsu Onsen emphasizes the original purpose of "hot springs as places for healing mind and body", valuing bathing manners and consideration for others over appearance.

Summary of Kusatsu Onsen Sanyu Hot Spring Hopping

This article has detailed the three tattoo-friendly hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen.

Kusatsu Onsen is a precious hot spring destination where everyone can safely enjoy one of Japan's Three Great Hot Springs, regardless of whether they have tattoos.

At Otakinoyu, you can enjoy traditional awase-yu and beauty baths; at Gozanoyu, historic architecture and spectacular Yubatake views; and at Sainokawara Open-air Bath, unity with magnificent nature - each offering different attractions to enjoy to your heart's content.

Use the "Choina Sanyu Meguri Pass" and fully enjoy the diverse attractions of Kusatsu Onsen without worrying about having tattoos!

Enjoy the warm hospitality and high-quality hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen to the fullest without worrying about your tattoos!