Kusatsu Onsen Hot Spring Thanksgiving Festival (Nocturnal Thermal Water Ritual & Yumomi)

Schedule: 01 - 02 Agustus 2026 (Malam Hari 1 & 2 Agustus) | Location: Gunma (群馬県)

Celebrated annually on the evenings of August 1 and 2 in the geothermal heart of Japan’s #1 hot spring village, the "Kusatsu Onsen Kanshasai" (Hot Spring Thanksgiving Festival) is Gunma Prefecture’s most enchanting and mystical summer ceremony. Originating centuries ago, the matsuri offers profound gratitude to the hot spring deities (Onsen Daimyojin) for the endless flow of mineral-rich sulfur waters that have healed samurai warriors, monks, and travelers since feudal antiquity. The climax begins on the night of August 1 as darkness descends over the steaming volcanic cauldron of Yubatake. Led by the ceremonial "Onsen Megami" (Hot Spring Goddess)—a chosen local maiden arrayed in pure white Asuka-period silk robes and a gilded crown—a solemn torchlit procession descends the 120 stone steps of Kosen-ji Temple accompanied by Shinto priests, lantern bearers, and haunting bamboo flute melodies. Standing upon a special wooden promontory overlooking the bubbling 55°C waters of Yubatake, the Goddess ceremoniously scoops the pristine volcanic spring water into sacred lacquered urns to bestow divine blessings. Following the sacred rite, the atmosphere bursts into civic jubilation as visitors clad in Yukata join hands with locals to dance the Kusatsu Bushi folk dance around Yubatake, witness traditional wooden paddle "Yumomi" water-cooling displays, and receive blessed healing spring waters. Viewing around the illuminated Yubatake plaza is completely free.