This past Sunday, the onsen in the mountainside was very pleasant.  The mountains were still covered with snow.

Mountains at Kusatsu Onsen

Every Japanese loves Onsen.  The onsen we went was Kusatsu, one of the most popular places for hot-spring, ‘onsen’, where more than 3 million people visit every year.

Kusatsu hot spring - Yubatake

Kusatsu, located in the northwest of Gunma Prefecture, has been a well-known, well-loved spa since its discovery in 1193. By the early 1600s, it had grown to be one of the largest spa-resorts in Japan with 68 inns.

Kusatsu hot spring - Yubatake

Onsen ryokan (Japanese Hotel) offers Yukata which is a traditional garment, similar in style to kimono, but lighter, much more casual, and made of cotton.  We can wear Yukata at all times during our stay, including to the bath, to both dinner and breakfast, and to bed as sleepwear.  (click here to see ‘how to wear Yukata’)

A pair of Yukata in our room

Yukata were prepared at our Ryokan as well.  One was medium size and the other one was large size.

My friend wearing Yukata at dinner

Before dinner, we took onsen spa.  This was our happiest moment during our trip.

The interior of ryokan was Japanese taste and this kind of atmosphere matched our wearing yukata.

Interior of our hotel at Kusatsu

Symbol of Kusatsu was the girl wearing yukata and this kind of character you can find at many other Onsen places.

Image character of Kusatsu Onsen

Onsen Ryokan is usually managed and operated by Okani, a woman who is a master and at the core of the existence of Ryokan.  I found the poster which introduces the Okami of all ryokan at Kusatsu.  They always wear Kimono nicely in front of customers.

A poster of Onsen Okami at Kusatsu

When we go to Onsen, both customer and master of hotel wear kimono.  That is one of our tradition and I want you to experience onsen trip when you visit Japan. And then, you will realize why Japanese loves onsen so much !