Mount Shirane (白根山, Shiranesan, often called Kusatsu-Shirane to differentiate it from other mountains called Shirane) is a series of volcanic peaks just outside the town of Kusatsu Onsen. It is a popular outdoor recreation area which offers hiking in the spring and summer, autumn colors in the fall and skiing in the winter.
Hiking is possible from mid April to early November and offers varying terrain and good views, along with a selection of trails starting at the town center or the Shirane Resthouse near the summit. The easiest and most popular walk is from the Shirane Resthouse to Yugama Crater Lake, which takes less than ten minutes along a paved trail. At the top you are rewarded by views of the sulfurous, baby blue Yugama Crater Lake and surrounding mountain ranges.
Getting there and around
The road to Mount Shirane is closed during winter from mid November to late April. Paid parking is provided at the Shirane Resthouse This is also where the bus stop is located.
Important note: buses to Mount Shirane remain out of service except for one daily round trip between Nagano, the Snowmonkey Park bus stop, Shiga Kogen, Mount Shirane and Kusatsu.
From Kusatsu Onsen
From late April to early November, there are buses between the Kusatsu Bus Terminal in the town center of Kusatsu Onsen and the Shirane Resthouse (30 minutes, 1130 yen one way, one bus every 1-2 hours). Some - but not all - of these buses are operated by JR and are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass and JR East Tohoku Area Pass.
From Manza Onsen
From late April to late October, there are infrequent buses between the Manza Onsen (Manza Prince Hotel) and Kusatsu Onsen that make a stop at the Shirane Resthouse along the way. The one way ride between Manza and the Shirane Resthouse takes 15 minutes and costs 430 yen. The buses are not covered by the any JR passes.
From Yudanaka, the snow monkeys and Shiga Kogen
From late April to early November, there are buses between Yudanaka Station in Yamanouchi and the Shirane Resthouse (70 minutes, 1700 yen one way, one bus every 1-2 hours) that stop along the way in Shibu Onsen, the Snow Monkey Park bus stop and Shiga Kogen. The buses are not covered by any JR passes.
How to get to and around Kusatsu Onsen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Kusatsu Onsen
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Oyado YukizumiLocated in Kusatsu in the Gunma region, Oyado Yukizumi provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. This 3-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and a housekeeping service. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 46 km from the ryokan, while Mt. Kusatsu Shirane is 14 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 107 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SoumeianSituated in Kusatsu in the Gunma region, Soumeian features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. This 3-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and a housekeeping service. The accommodation provides private check-in and check-out and a shared lounge for guests. All units at the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, each unit has bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the garden. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 47 km from the ryokan, while Mt. Kusatsu Shirane is 15 km from the property. Matsumoto Airport is 108 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Kusatsu Onsen EidayaKusatsu Onsen Eidaya is located in Kusatsu. The property is a 10-minute walk from Kusatsu Yubatake and Kusatsu-Onsen Bus Terminal. Guests can find a private hot spring bath and Japanese restaurant on site. At the ryokan, all rooms include a flat-screen TV, fridge and wardrobe. Certain rooms feature in-room hot spring bath, while some rooms offer a kitchen with a microwave. An Asian breakfast is served each morning at the property. The shared lounge area includes activities such as game consoles, board games and playing cards. Guests at Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya will be able to enjoy activities in and around Kusatsu, like skiing. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 78 km from Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya.View on Booking.com -
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Kusatsu Hotel Bekkan Wata no Yu (Adult Only)Situated in Kusatsu, 45 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park and 14 km from Mt. Kusatsu Shirane, Kusatsu Hotel Bekkan Wata no Yu (Adult Only) offers air conditioning. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The accommodation features a lift and a housekeeping service for guests. Matsumoto Airport is 107 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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HanaingenHanaingen is an adult only accommodation situated in Kusatsu, just a 2-minute walk from Yubatake, or the hot water field in Kusatsu Onsen. Free private parking is available on site and free WiFi is available in all guest rooms. Guests who check-in before 18:00 will receive complimentary welcome sweets. Every room at this ryokan is air conditioned and comes with a TV. The entire property is non-smoking. There are 4 different types of private baths available on site that staying guests can use for free. The baths are equipped with shampoo, conditioner and soap created by Shiseido with Kusatsu Onsen. Complimentary breakfast that features healthy beans is provided at this property. Gozanoyu, a hot springs bath facility is a 2-minute walk away while Ohtakinoyu is a 7-minute walk from the property. Sainokawara open-air bath is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the property. Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort is 1.1 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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La Vista Kusatsu HillsSet in Kusatsu, 47 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park, La Vista Kusatsu Hills offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free shuttle service. The accommodation provides a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At La Vista Kusatsu Hills all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Mt. Kusatsu Shirane is 15 km from La Vista Kusatsu Hills. Matsumoto Airport is 107 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Kusatsu Onsen Kusatsu Hotel1913Built in 1913, the Kusatsu Hotel exhibits the architectural style of the Japanese Taisho Era. Guests at the hotel can unwind in the indoor or outdoor public hot spring bath, a Private Hot spring or the soothing footbath. Only a few minutes walk to Yubatake Hot Springs and Sai-no-Kawara Park. The property offers free WIFI at the lobby, free parking and free pick-up from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal until 18:00.View on Booking.com -
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Kirishimaya RyokanKirishimaya Ryokan is located in the Kusatsu Onsen area, with views of the mountain and surrounding nature. Featuring public and hot-spring baths, the Japanese-style accommodation offers a massage service and free parking on site. Free WiFi is available in rooms. Rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring, traditional futon bedding and shoji paper screens. Each room is equipped with a fridge, a tea maker and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy the area’s hiking trails, or relax with a massage. The hotel’s Shiriyaki-buro baths are said to help with back pain. A private hot-spring bath can be available, free of charge. Kirishimaya Ryokan is a 10-minute walk from Kusatsu-onsen bus terminal and a 25-minute bus ride from JR Naganohara Kusatsu Onsenguchi Train Station.View on Booking.com -
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Ryokan TamuraOffering free WiFi, Ryokan Tamura offers accommodation in Kusatsu, 600 metres from Kusatsu Nettaiken and 2.1 km from Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort. Popular points of interest around the property include Yubatake and Kusatsu Onsen. All rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a shared bathroom. Guest rooms are fitted with a seating area. Guests can make use of the hot spring bath. Skiing is among the activities that guests can enjoy near Ryokan Tamura. Omote Manza is 18 km from the accommodation, while Manza Onsen is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 108 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel SakuraiBoasting a hot spring open-air bath, Hotel Sakurai is located a 10-minute walk from the Yubatake hot water field. Guests can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool during summer. Free pick-up service from the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal is offered upon request. Free WiFi is available. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. There is also a refrigerator. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. You can enjoy mountain view from the room. Extras include bed linen and a fan. At Hotel Sakurai you will find a garden, a bar and a snack bar. Other facilities offered at the property include entertainment staff, a shared lounge and a games room. The property offers free parking. The ryokan is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal and a 20-minute drive away from JR Naganohara Kusatsuguchi Station. A Japanese buffet-style meal will be served for breakfast/dinner at the restaurant.View on Booking.com
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