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Manza Onsen is located at the foothills of Mount Kusatsu Shirane in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of 1,800 meters. It is a highland resort within the Joshin'etsu National Park, ideal for summer retreats and winter skiing, making it a year-round hot spring destination.
Manza Onsen is one of the rare hot springs in Japan that contains a high sulfur content, with temperatures around 80 degrees Celsius and an impressive daily output of 5.4 million liters of hot spring water from over 20 different sources, offering a wide range of health benefits. It has been traditionally believed to effectively improve respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, as the hydrogen sulfide component in sulfur promotes the dilation of capillaries, which is generally considered beneficial for treating high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.
The relationship between hot springs and their volcanic heat sources is not straightforward, but the heat source of Manza Onsen is said to come from the active volcano, Mount Kusatsu Shirane. The volcanic lake "Yugama," which shines with a cobalt blue glow at the summit of Mount Kusatsu Shirane (currently prohibited from entry), and "Manza Kubo," where steam containing volcanic gas rises from the mountainside, are also worth a visit. Many accommodations at Manza Onsen feature outdoor baths with excellent views, allowing guests to enjoy the pleasure of soaking in the hot springs amidst the breathtaking nature of the national park.
