Kusatsu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts located in Gunma Prefecture, attracts around 3 million visitors annually. While the town is primarily celebrated for its therapeutic hot springs, it has a modest dining scene, as most visitors choose to have dinner at their accommodations. The town’s center is the iconic Yubatake(湯畑) area, where the majority of the few restaurants are within walking distance. Although there are not many evening dining options, the Yubatake area offers a variety of takeout foods, such as “onsen tamago” (hot spring eggs) and “onsen manju” (sweet steamed buns), perfect for enjoying as you stroll around the area.
While Kusatsu may not be known for a specific culinary specialty, the soothing combination of its renowned onsen and the local food offerings creates a relaxing and enjoyable experience for visitors. Whether indulging in a cozy ryokan meal or sampling local treats while exploring the town, Kusatsu offers a memorable and enriching getaway.
[Dinner Restaurants]Kusatsu-草津 - Google マイマップ
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1.Manten Kusatsu-草津湯畑 まんてん
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Manten Kusatsu is a highly popular restaurant known for its delicious Kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot) and its scenic location near Yubatake. The restaurant often has long lines, with visitors frequently waiting over an hour to get a seat, especially during busy times like spring break. The Kamameshi dishes, such as the salmon and salmon roe or the beef sukiyaki, are well-seasoned and flavorful, with many customers enjoying the option to add dashi stock and turn the dish into Ochazuke. Despite the crowd, the food is consistently praised for its quality, making the wait worthwhile. The restaurant’s interior is not very large, and with its popularity boosted by social media, reservations are recommended if possible. However, the overall experience is enhanced by the tasty food, the option to customize your meal, and the beautiful views of Kusatsu, making it a must-visit for those exploring the area.
2. Yasuragi Tei-やすらぎ亭
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Yasuragi Tei, located on Yutaki-dori in Kusatsu Onsen, is a popular handmade soba restaurant that has been serving up delicious buckwheat noodles since its opening in 2017. The restaurant, known for its 90% buckwheat soba made from home-grown flour, offers a range of soba dishes along with tempura made from freshly picked mountain vegetables. The thin, aromatic soba noodles are praised for their excellent texture and flavor, with many diners appreciating the quality of the soba itself, even without dipping sauce. The tempura, especially the mountain vegetable variety, is a highlight for many visitors. While the prices are on the higher side, typical of a tourist area, most customers feel that the quality justifies the cost. The restaurant can get crowded, especially during peak times, so expect a wait if you visit during lunch or dinner hours. Despite the occasional service hiccup, Yasuragi Tei is a well-regarded spot for enjoying authentic soba in Kusatsu Onsen.
3. Kappou Kimura-喜紫
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Kappou Kimura, located just a five-minute walk from Yubatake in Kusatsu Onsen, offers a refined dining experience focused on traditional Japanese cuisine. The fully reservation-based restaurant ensures a personalized experience, often in private rooms. Diners praise the quality and variety of dishes, including fresh sashimi, abalone butter grill, and seasonal tempura, all thoughtfully presented with high-quality ingredients like locally sourced beef and seafood. Despite Kusatsu’s inland location, the seafood is fresh and well-prepared. While some visitors noted minor service issues, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the calm, intimate atmosphere. The courses, priced between 5,000 and 13,000 yen, offer great value, making Kappou Kimura a popular choice for those seeking a special meal in Kusatsu.
4. Kourinbo-こうりん坊
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
For dinner in Kusatsu Onsen, we visited Kourinbo, a restaurant near Yubatake, after making a reservation, which is advisable on weekends. Known for its Kanazawa-style oden, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, but my personal favorite is the tsukimi natto salad, a delicious blend of egg, natto, and a secret dressing. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a wide selection of sake and other drinks. Despite being located in Gunma, the menu heavily features Kanazawa cuisine, including fish, meat, and the famous Kanazawa oden. Portions are generous, so it’s wise to be cautious when ordering, especially if dining alone. The service is friendly, and the owner and staff create a pleasant dining experience, making it a place I’d definitely revisit when in Kusatsu Onsen.
5. Soran-空嵐
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
After enjoying Kusatsu Onsen, Soran offers a cozy dining experience with both counter and table seating. The Soran Burger, a popular choice, features a well-balanced combination of juicy meat, bacon, mustard sauce, and crisp lettuce, accompanied by satisfying fries. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere. The butter chicken curry, while well-prepared, has a milder flavor, but the overall quality of the food, especially the burger, makes Soran a worthwhile stop.