Onsen manju, sweet steamed buns filled with red bean paste, are a beloved snack found across Japan’s hot spring towns, but Kusatsu’s version carries a particular local charm — traditionally, some shops cooked the buns using steam vented directly from the town’s natural hot springs rather than conventional kitchen equipment. Dozens of shops around the Yubatake sell warm, freshly steamed manju, each with slight variations in dough colour, sweetness, and bean paste texture, making a comparison tasting a popular activity for visitors strolling the town.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kusatsu, Gunma |
| Hours | Shop hours vary, typically 9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | Individual buns from ~¥100–200 |
| Time needed | 20–30 min |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to Try
- Warm onsen manju, steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste.
- Buns traditionally cooked using natural spring steam.
- Slight variations in dough and filling across different shops.
- A popular stroll-and-taste activity around the Yubatake.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kusatsu Onsen sightseeing at the Yubatake.
- Pair with Kusatsu Yumomi Performance sightseeing.
- Read our Gunma overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, then bus to central Kusatsu, shops around the Yubatake.
- By car: roughly 3 hours from central Tokyo.
Tips
Manju are best eaten warm and fresh — buy from shops with visible steam and a queue of locals rather than pre-packaged options. Trying a few different shops' versions side by side is a fun, low-cost way to sample the town’s variety.
