Through the Year at Kusatsu Onsen
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About this ebook
Imagine a place that welcomes guests with open arms to an oasis in the mountains. A place rich in history and tradition, where locals and visitors can experience the ways of the past as well as the comforts of the present. Kusatsu Onsen, a town located northwest of Tokyo in Japan's Gunma Prefecture is such a place, a picturesque escape that welcomes travelers year round to experience the restorative benefits of its famous hot springs. Produced by Jarman International in collaboration with Deep Japan and Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association, this ebook features a collection of first-person essays by visitors to Kusatsu Onsen who share their recommendations and advice for a memorable visit no matter the season. Curated and edited by American journalist Petra Canan Trudell, it includes a forward by Ruth Jarman, CEO of Jarman International and art direction by Aron Kremer. A bonus section about earthquake safety and disaster preparedness by Toru Watanabe has also been included as an additional resource for visitors to Japan.
Petra Canan Trudell
Petra Canan Trudell is an American journalist, project manager and online content specialist living in Tokyo, Japan. Her work has been published by The Wall Street Journal, The Style Line, Hollywood.com, TWC Central, Deep Japan, Currantly.com, HealthyTokyo, Venus Zine and Daily Candy. She also documents her life as an expat living in Japan on her blog, 100 Tacks.
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Book preview
Through the Year at Kusatsu Onsen - Petra Canan Trudell
Through the Year at Kusatsu Onsen
By Petra Canan Trudell of 100 Tacks
Originally Published 2016
Copyright Petra Canan Trudell and Jarman International
Published by Petra Canan Trudell at Smashwords. Produced in collaboration with the Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association and Deep Japan. Cover and title page images by Aron Kremer.
The information provided within this book is current at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please make sure to refer to the Kusatsu Onsen website for up-to-date details on events and deals throughout the year. Contact Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association for further information at you-love@kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp and +81 0279-88-0800.
Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.
Jarman International Presents
Through the Year at Kusatsu Onsen
The Complete Visitor's Guide
Created by Petra Canan Trudell, 100 Tacks
Forward by Ruth Jarman, CEO, Jarman International
Art Direction by Aron Kremer, Genki Art Photography
Special Disaster Preparedness Section by Toru Watanabe, Disaster Response License Holder
Table of Contents
Forward
Introduction
Onsen Etiquette: How to Bathe Like a Local
Chapter One: Spring
Chapter Two: Summer
Chapter Three: Fall
Chapter Four: Winter
Disaster Preparedness
FORWARD
Welcome to the four seasons of Kusatsu Onsen Hot Springs. We landed on the idea after a trip to this hidden village in May, when we realized an Onsen town is alive, active and full of lovely adventure all year long.
Kusatsu is tucked in the mountains about 1.5 hours by car or bus from its better known neighbor, Karuizawa. Both towns share a long history as the location of choice for affluent Tokyo and Yokohama-ites seeking to escape the city hustle and heat. Kusatsu, though, remains largely undiscovered by the international community because of its relative isolation (no direct Shinkansen access) and since it’s constantly selected as Japan’s top onsen in the north, very little advertisement is required to attract domestic travelers. People in the know love Kusatsu and they’re the ones who make sure their relatives and friends make the discovery of this magical, healing place.
May relieved our tired senses with bright sunbeams caressing the soft green of new leaves and a whip-poor-will song floating down from the forest depths. Fellow yukata-clad visitors stroll along the town’s landmark, its Yubatake, or hot water field. This massive well of heavily scented onsen water is a centerpiece that roils, bubbles and gurgles . . . ever changing and so full of natural beauty and life. Visitors’ yukata colors and symbols designate their ryokan, or inn, of choice, but everyone here, young or old, Japanese or not, is drawn to the magical feel of the heavily scented sulphur steam. We snap photos in front of the field as the steam envelopes us in warmth and scent. Already we start to relax as we feel the heavy burden of real life
begin to recede.
During winter, snowflakes fall through this same warm steam and visitors, now with thick tunics over their cotton yukata huddle together in awe of the light, steam and snow combining and intertwining in a wintry dance. Autumn offers hills and mountains drenched in rich color and