Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo: 2 fastest ways - by bus & JR Shinkansen / Limited Express train (2025 update!)
Kusatsu is one of the most sought-after onsen destinations in the Kanto region. Despite there is no direct Shinkansen connection from Tokyo, you can reach it in approximately 3 hours by taking the JR Limited Express train with a bus transfer or a direct highway bus. In this article, we will give you an overview of the two primary transportation options departing from areas like Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo Station. Let's find out which option suits you the best!
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2 best ways to travel from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen:
If you're traveling from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen, there are two major ways that are the most time and cost-efficient:
Departure from Ueno: take the JR Limited Express train and transfer to the JR bus, approximately a 3-hour journey (JR Pass can be used!)
Departure from Shinjuku / Ikebukuro / Shibuya / Tokyo station: take a direct highway bus, typically around 4 hours
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Option 1: JR Limited Express + JR Bus departure from Ueno + arrive in 3hrs!
Source: JR東日本
The first option involves taking the JR train from Ueno to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and then transferring to a bus, with a total travel time of approximately 3 hours. We highly recommended this method as the bus journey is much shorter, offering a more comfortable travel experience.
1 JR Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima Ueno (Tokyo) → Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi ~ 2.5 hrs / ¥5,770 Departs at 9:00 AM (Saturdays & holidays only) / 10:00 AM / 12:10 PM ( Schedule )
2 JR Bus Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal ~ 25mins / ¥710 ( Schedule )
Since both services are managed by JR, the schedules are coordinated, and you can make use of the JR East Pass for the entire trip.
How to purchase the JR ticket to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi station?
The JR Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima train offers only reserved seating, requiring all passengers to have a ticket with reserved seats. It's highly recommended to reserve in advance to secure a seat.
One-way tickets: purchase online or at JR stations
JR Pass reservations: reserve a seat online or on-site using the "green" ticketing machines
Suitable JR Passes:
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How to transfer to the JR Bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station?
Source: Google Map
After arriving at Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, you'll typically have around 7 minutes to transfer to the bus. Since it's a small station, the time is very sufficient. Reservations are not necessary for the bus and you can use the JR East Pass for this bus ride as well.
Are there any JR Shinkansen bullet train to Kusatsu?
Currently, there is no direct Shinkansen connection to Kusatsu, but you might consider using the JR Shinkansen for the first part of your journey. Depending on the train schedule and transfer time, it could be slightly quicker than the above method.
Alternative Route 1: Tokyo / Ueno → Takasaki → Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi → Kusatsu Onsen (~3hrs)
This route involves two transfers but offers more flexibility, and you can use the JR East Pass for the entire trip. First, take i) JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki ( ⇨ Tokyo / Ueno schedule ) , then continue on ii) JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi ( ⇨ Schedule ) finally transfer to iii) JR Bus to Kusatsu Onsen ( ⇨ Schedule ).
Alternative Route 2: Tokyo / Ueno → Karuizawa → Kusatsu Onsen (~3hrs)
This route is slightly more expensive but is a great option if you want to make a quick stop at Karuizawa for shopping and sightseeing. Begin by taking i) JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa ( ⇨ Tokyo / Ueno schedule ) and transfer to the ii) direct bus to Kusatsu Onsen ( ⇨ Schedule ). Note the JR Passes don't cover this particular bus ride.
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Option 2: Highway Bus direct in 3-4hrs + multiple departure points!
Source: dtsline
The second option is taking a highway bus, which has multiple boarding points around Tokyo and travels directly to Kusatsu Onsen. The bus fare is more affordable than JR tickets, and the travel time is only slightly slower, making it a good choice for those not planning to purchase a JR Pass.
Departing from Shinjuku / Tokyo station: ~4hrs / from ¥3,100 ( Schedule & Ticket ) Departing from Shibuya: ~4hrs / from ¥2,980 ( Schedule & Ticket ) Departing from Ikebukuro: 3-3.5hrs / from ¥3,000 ( Schedule & Ticket )
How to purchase the bus ticket to Kusatsu onsen?
Tickets can be bought on-site, but booking in advance on the bus website secures a seat, often at a discounted rate. While searching on the booking site, select "Gunma" Prefecture as the destination to find options for "Kusatsu Onsen".
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