Yumomi at Kusatsu Onsen

Traditional method of cooling too-hot spring water

Cathy Cawood Sep 21, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Manhole cover showing Yumomi-chan, the Kusatsu Onsen mascot</p>

<p>Six Yumomi Shows every day, and entrance cost ￥600 for adults and ￥300 for children.</p>

<p>The Yumomi performances are held inside this building</p>

<p>Wooden paddles resting beside the pool of hot water</p>

<p>After an introduction and a bit of singing on the stage, the women stood next to the pool</p>

<p>The women turn the paddle one way then the other, swishing the water</p>

<p>People from the audience were allowed to have a go too  </p>

<p>My favorite bit was the splashing!</p>

The water from the springs in Kusatsu Onsen town is very hot, and needs to be cooled down before people can safely bathe in it. In the old days they stirred it with wooden paddles to speed the cooling process. You can see a performance of this traditional process in a new hall next to Yubatake, the 'hot water field'. After the method is demonstrated by women in red and white costumes you can take a turn yourself.

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...