When you visit Japan, no matter what you must run this road!
This route is one of the highest altitude and pass through volcanic area.
Kusatsu hot spring
There are 3000 hot springs in Japan. Each hot springs has different smell, color, ingredient and good effect on your health.
When you ask to Japanese people "what is favorite hot spring in Eastern Japan?", they might answer "Kusatsu hot spring"!
Kusatsu has a long history of over 1000 years and it been famous as health resort.
It is said that its hot spring is effective on all illness, except for lovesickness!
Yubatake
The temperature of its fresh hot spring is 90 degrees and too hot to take a bath, but if you cool down the hot spring with water, the concentration will be diluted and its effect is decreased.
Yubatake and Yumomi are unique culture to make the hot spring cool without spoiling its effect.
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Yubatake is placed at the center of the town and the water is exposed to the air.
The hot water get cool then it is distributed to each hotel.
Yumomi
Yumomi is a traditional way of lowering the temperature. ​
You can watch the show which many ladies mix the hot water by long wood plate and singing a song.
The show is hold several times in a day at Atsunoyu bath house and you can join.
Shiga-Kusatsu Platau line
Let's leave from Kusatsu and go to the peak.
First, it smells of volcanic gas and a desolate landscape appears.
This area is called "Sessho-kawara", it means Death field.
Toxic volcanic gas blows out from countless fumaroles and animals which enter this area is died. Don't stop and go out from road.
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※This road is sometimes closed due to volcanic activity. Research the road information before visit. In case of closed, you can take a detour by Manza highway.
After go through the gas area, you can enjoy great 360°panolama of mountains and blue sky.
There are no trees and clear air because this road is highest high way in Japan so it commands a fine view in the far distance.
Also, it's cool even when summer. I recommend you to wear a warmer jacket.​
Blue sky, green mountain, rough rocks and steep cliffs...
Every when you go through the curve, the landscape changes from moment and moment and you never get bored.
Mt. Yokote drive-inn
There is a restaurant close the peak.
You can buy souvenior at 1 st floor and eat lunch during watching marvelous mountain view.
You can reach the summit of Yokote-yama mountain by Sky-escalator and Sky-lift from the drive-inn. It's thrilling but breathtaking scenery like walking in the sky!
Pork Cutlet Curry with Rice(ï¿¥1,400). Restraurant is opened until 15:30
Don't race on your motorcycle, ride slow and enjoy this fantastic view.
Shibu hot spring town
The residents have using and protecting its hot spring for hundreds of years.
The other end of this fantastic riding route is also hot spring town, Shibu.
It is peaceful and retro town where has a lot of bath houses and hot spring hotels.
Yaen-koen Monkey park
Monkeys take a bath to warm their body up while cold winter.
Not only human, but also monkey take a bath in Japan.
At the park, you can watch Japanese monkeys take a hot spring and make their bodies warm in winter.
You won't see another in the world.
They are wild so whether you can meet with monkeys or not, it depends on luck.