Steam rises from the water behind a rope and 'Keep Out' signs

Steam rises from the water behind a rope and 'Keep Out' signs (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Soak Your Feet at Sainokawara Park

Hot river and foot bath at Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma

Cathy Cawood Feb 23, 2016 - 1 min read

Steam rises from the water behind a rope and 'Keep Out' signs

Downstream a bit the water is pleasantly warm

A rough stone lantern standing in the stream

Rippled silt colored with sulphur

Visitors sit at the edge of a pool with a warm cascade in the background

Statues and monuments on the rocks above the foot bath

A large round foot bath is free for all to use

Cold water piped into the river to cool it down

Just a short walk will take you to this beautiful scene

Statues under the trees

When I went to Kusatsu Onsen Town in Gunma, I paid a visit to Sainokawara Park. A river of hot water flows there, so hot that up-river is roped off, and cold water is piped in to cool the water. Visitors can enjoy the large public foot-bath in the park, or paddle in the warm stream.

More info

Find out more about Sainokawara Park.

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...