Yu Hatake ･ Yukemuri Tei

A free footbath right beside the Yubatake (湯畑), the steaming spring-water channel at the heart of Kusatsu, open day and night with no staff and no charge. The building recalls Matsu-no-yu (松の湯), an Edo-era public bath that once stood on the site, done in cypress (hinoki) wood. Sulfur drifts over from the Yubatake as you soak. It gets busy through the day, but early mornings can be quiet enough that you have it almost to yourself. Bring your own towel or handkerchief to dry your feet, since none is provided here.