Manza Onsen

Manza Onsen is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters at the foot of Mt. Kusatsu-Shiranesan, which rises in the northwestern part of the prefecture. As a highland resort in Joshinetsu National Park, Manza Onsen is an attractive year-round hot spring resort for summer getaways and skiing in winter.

The hot springs, which contain one of the highest sulfur contents in Japan, are hot at about 80 degrees Celsius and gush out 5.4 million liters per day. The hydrogen sulfide component in the sulfur promotes capillary dilation and is said to be good for treating high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

The relationship between hot springs and the volcanoes that are their heat sources is not simple, but it is said that the heat source of Manza Onsen comes from an active volcano, Mt. Kusatsu-Shiranesan. It is a pleasure to see the cobalt blue "Yugama, hot water kettle" (*currently off-limits), a volcanic lake at the top of Mt. Kusatsu-Shiranesan, and "Manza Karabuki," where steam containing volcanic gasses rises from the mountain side. Many of the Manza Onsen inns have open-air baths with great views, so visitors can enjoy a sense of openness amidst the natural beauty of the national park.