Soak at Kusatsu, Japan's Legendary Hot Spring

In the mountains of Gunma, about three hours from Tokyo, Kusatsu is one of Japan's Three Famous Springs (with Arima and Gero), named in 1502. The town's centerpiece is the Yubatake, a steaming field where 95°C water rushes through wooden channels, cooled by the yumomi paddle stirring ritual performed daily with folk song. The water is Japan's most abundant and one of its most acidic, harsh enough to kill bacteria on the skin, which is why the local saying goes it cures everything except lovesickness. Late October brings fall color to the mountain town, and winter pairs deep snow with steaming baths.