Partially, tattoos are accepted at Otaki no Yu Onsen, but only in private baths—not public bath areas.
Nestled in the heart of Kusatsu—Japan's most celebrated onsen destination for 16 consecutive years—Otaki no Yu offers an authentic bathing experience that balances tradition with accessibility. This remarkable facility draws directly from the Nikawa sulfur spring source, delivering potent, mineral-rich waters lauded for centuries for their therapeutic qualities and distinctive milky-blue hue. Here, you can experience the rare awase-yu bathing technique, a traditional method that gradually introduces your body to increasingly hotter temperatures, allowing even sensitive bathers to enjoy the renowned acidic waters that have drawn visitors to this mountain retreat since ancient times.
Private Bathing Allowed for Tattooed Guests: While the public bathing areas maintain traditional Japanese tattoo restrictions, Otaki no Yu provides private "Shakunage" baths available for hourly rental (2,000 JPY), creating a welcoming space where tattooed travelers can immerse themselves fully in Kusatsu's healing waters without worry.
- Authentic Awase-Yu Experience: Witness and participate in this rare centuries-old bathing method that gradually acclimates your body to temperatures from 38°C to an impressive 46°C
- Therapeutic Acidic Waters: Benefit from the highly acidic sulfur springs (pH 2.1) renowned for alleviating joint pain, skin conditions, and muscle fatigue
- Private Bath Options: Enjoy complete privacy with family or friends in the "Shakunage" rental baths—perfect for tattooed visitors
- Premium Facilities: Unwind in the sauna, experience the unique cascade-style baths, and relax in the stylish lounge areas
- Central Location: Just a 6-minute stroll from Kusatsu's iconic Yubatake "hot water field," placing you in the heart of this historic onsen town
- Award-Winning Waters: Experience the same spring source that has made Kusatsu Japan's top-rated onsen destination for over a decade
Onsen Facilities & Amenities
Bathing Experience & Onsen Etiquette
Stepping into Otaki no Yu, you're embracing a bathing tradition that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The facility's milky-blue waters flow directly from the Nikawa source with a distinctive pH of 2.1—among the most acidic in Japan. This natural acidity creates a gentle antiseptic effect that leaves your skin noticeably smoother and rejuvenated while the high mineral content works deep into muscles and joints to ease tension and inflammation.
The signature awase-yu bathing method involves moving between a series of pools that gradually increase in temperature, allowing your body to acclimate to the intense heat that would otherwise be overwhelming. This methodical progression culminates in the hottest bath at 46°C, achievable for most visitors thanks to this traditional approach. The outdoor rotenburo offers a refreshing contrast, allowing you to soak while enjoying mountain views and fresh alpine air—a perfect balance to the intense indoor experience.
Prices & Ticket Options
- Public Baths: Adults 980 JPY, Children 450 JPY
- Private "Shakunage" Bath: 2,000 JPY per hour (accommodates up to 4 people)
- Towel Rental: Small towel 200 JPY, Bath towel 500 JPY
- Sauna Access: Included in admission
Booking & Contact Information
No reservations are required for general admission to public baths, but calling ahead is recommended to book private baths, especially for tattooed visitors or during peak seasons and holidays. Private baths can typically be reserved same-day if availability permits.
🌐 Website: onsen-kusatsu.com/ohtakinoyu/en/
📞 Phone: +81-279-88-2600
📍 Address: 596-13 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 377-1711
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 – 21:00
- Tuesday: 9:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday: 9:00 – 21:00
- Thursday: 9:00 – 21:00
- Friday: 9:00 – 21:00
- Saturday: 9:00 – 21:00
- Sunday: 9:00 – 21:00
Guest Reviews from Tattooed Travellers
This was one of the best onsen I've been to! For only around 1,000 yen you have sauna, outdoor onsen, different temperatures onsen and really good products for skin care and hair. And the best of all, it's tattoo friendly 🤍
Tattoo-friendly onsen!
Considering that the price has increased to over 1,000 yen, I feel that they are lax in maintaining the bathroom. The parking lot in the front tends to be full, so if it's full, we recommend using the parking lot in the back. There are quite a few people (including foreigners) with tattoos. I guess they no longer refuse requests these days. To be honest, it's almost the only day-trip hot spring in Kusatsu that has a washing area, so I can enter even with the high bathing fee, but when I think about other day-trip hot springs, I can't deny that it's a poor value for money. Also, I feel like the number of customers with bad manners has increased compared to the past (about 20 years ago). But the spring quality is still the best 😃
✈️ From Tokyo: 🚅 JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station → 🚆 JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station → 🚌 25-minute bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal → 🚶 5-minute walk
🚆 From Nagano: 🚌 Direct highway bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal → 🚶 5-minute walk
🚌 Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: 🚶 5-minute walk east following signs to Otaki no Yu
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Otaki no Yu Onsen
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