Now you need to go through a path to reach the Kusatsu Onsen (Yubatake). But first, you’ll be making a stroll through many shops and restaurants.
Kusatsu-machi unfortunately had to be reconstructed. Back in 1869, ther e was a devastating fire which burned the town to the ground and because the town had to go through reconstruction, the local economy was hit hard as many people were in debt, many had to go into bankruptcy, especially ryokans for the next 20 years.
People practiced Fuyuzumi, the practice of living in Kusatsu throughout the year and going back home during the wintertime. People sold their homes to repay their debt and live in Kusatsu all year long.
Many people will notice the German-style buildings in Kusatsu and some may credit Erwin Baiz, a German internist who came to Kusatsu in 1876 and was one of the fathers of modern western medical science in Japan and was also a court physician to Emperor Meiji. He believed and was convinced that the hot springs in Kusatsu had healing power and began scientific research in the area.
The area because of the volcanic ash, has no agriculture and there is no significant industry around Kusatsu but because of it’s high tourism, the primary source of income to the area is through tourism thanks to the Kusatsu Onsen.
I will discuss Kusatsu Onsen in an upcoming blog posts, but for this one, let’s take a look at the shops and ryokan in the area.
As I approach the Kusatsu Onsen, I just noticed something on my left…. a temple? Let’s check it out for part 4!
