Reset your tired mind and body with the healing power of the forest and the overwhelming "onsen power"!

One of Japan's premier hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen. While it's known for its lively hot spring town centered around Yubatake, it's also a naturally abundant area surrounded by vast forests, as it's located at the foot of Mount Shirane, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains.

Surrender yourself to the hot springs of Kusatsu, boasting the highest natural output and exceptional water quality, and feel the power of the robust earth while fully embracing the healing power of the forest.

Here lies the journey of retreat, where you can shed your weary mind and body and discover a new self.

A journey to the renowned Kusatsu Onsen. Upon arrival, one is struck by the sight of the vast Yubatake and the steam rising from it, accompanied by the scent of sulfur. This is what hot springs are all about! Excitement builds up.

The hot water, sourced directly from the spring, is slightly hot. As you soak in the water surrounded by the scent of sulfur, gradually your body begins to relax. The warmth and refreshing feeling after bathing are truly befitting of Kusatsu Onsen, a renowned hot spring.

For those seeking stimulation for all five senses, step into the heart of the forest. Here, you can enjoy forest bathing in your own way.

Read a book, sip coffee, lay out a yoga mat and lie down, or set up a chair in your favorite spot and experience chairing in relaxation.

The time spent becoming one with nature feels incredibly refreshing. Listen to the chirping of birds and the babbling of the river, feel the earth beneath your feet as you walk barefoot through the forest. As you sharpen your senses to feel nature, you'll find your mind and body relaxing while a quiet energy settles within you.

There are facilities in Kusatsu Onsen where you can experience the traditional practice of Yumomi.

Among the hot springs in Kusatsu, the rare source "Watanoyu" is characterized by its slightly milky color and soft texture like cotton. While singing the Kusatsu folk song, 'Kusatsu~ yoi toko~ ichido wa~ oide~♪,' along with the instructor, you stir the water vigorously with a large wooden paddle.

Once the water temperature has cooled to the appropriate level through Yumomi, it's time for bathing. In the traditional bathing method of Kusatsu, first, you pour water over your feet, then cover your head with a towel and perform "Kaburiyu" before entering the bath (or foot bath).

After bathing, change into the hotel's original loungewear and head to the "Yumushi" experience, where you can fully enjoy the thermal effects of Kusatsu Onsen.

Once comfortably nestled in the tightly sealed futon with soothing music and aroma filling the air, you'll be surprised as sweat begins to pour from your entire body! It feels as if the toxins from within are being expelled along with the sweat.

After about 30 minutes, emerging from the futon brings a pleasant fatigue and a refreshing feeling akin to post-exercise. Both mind and body feel refreshed, and you're left with a curious sensation of rebirth that feels addictive.

In the hot spring town, there are various restaurants to choose from, including soba, Western cuisine, Chinese, Italian, yakitori, and izakaya, making it hard to decide where to eat.

After dinner, enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the town at night. Taking a stroll through the steamy streets while admiring the beautifully illuminated Yubatake is quite enchanting.

Heading into the forest while it's still a bit dark for an early morning walk. In the quiet blue forest between night and morning, I walk feeling the chilly morning air.

As the sun begins to rise, light sparkles through the trees, bringing the forest to life. In the freshness, I can't help but take deep breaths. Charging up with the energy of the forest, both mind and body can refresh.

At the inn, you'll enjoy vegetables nurtured by the delicious Minakami soft water, "Minakami Pure Water," along with expertly prepared dishes.

Once your stomach is satisfied, head to the hot springs. The waters of Minakami are gentle, and the kindness of the hot springs seeps into your skin. As you immerse yourself in the water and quietly take deep breaths, you'll feel your limbs gradually warm, and both the physical fatigue and mental stress seem to slowly dissolve into the water.

Embarking on a trek to the "water-feeling spot." The destination is Ichinokurasawa, a place that has long been a dream and a challenge for climbers on Mount Tanigawa.

Walking through the beech forest in the crisp morning air feels like having the great outdoors all to oneself.

For breakfast, we recommend special rice balls made with "Mizutsukiyo," a brand of Koshihikari rice nurtured by the waters of Minakami, from the rice ball shop Futamimi at the foot of Mount Tanigawa.

Upon arriving at Ichinokurasawa, you are greeted by a magnificent world of deep, lush greenery and blue skies, spread out at the source of the Tone River. The breathtaking scenery, combining freshness and ruggedness, is so awe-inspiring that words momentarily fail.

The pure snowmelt water flowing at your feet surprises you with its chilling coldness when touched. The water, directly experienced by nature, carries a certain sacred atmosphere.

Preparation takes place in the dim darkness before the sun rises, and as dawn breaks, we quietly paddle our canoe onto the calm lake surface.

The only sounds heard are the gentle splashes of the paddle in the water and the calls of wild birds, creating a world of serene silence. The water surface, reflecting the sparkling green of the forest illuminated by the morning sun, feels truly mystical.