- Buraneta
- Activity
- Mountain-trek
- Gunma
- The Mystery of Emeralds! Mount Kusatsu-Shirane
The Mystery of Emeralds! Mount Kusatsu-Shirane
- ID:1960
(45)
(40)

Mt. Shirane is an active volcano with an elevation of 2,160m, and its crater has a beautiful crater lake. It is attractive for its mysterious natural scenery, including the emerald green Yugama kettle, alpine plants, and the crater lake.
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, located near the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures. The mountain is made up of two mountains: Mount Shirane, known for its emerald-green Yugama, and Mount Hon-Shirane, which is covered with an abundance of alpine plants. Mount Shirane in particular has three crater lakes: Yugama, Mizugama, and Karagama, and the mysterious emerald-green surface of Yugama attracts visitors. These crater lakes were created by volcanic activity, and their scenery makes you feel the heartbeat of the earth.
Mount Hon-Shirane is also the source of Kusatsu Onsen, where sulfurous fumes and hot springs gush out. Many alpine plants grow naturally near the summit, and beautiful flowers bloom in full bloom, especially from summer to autumn. The Shirane Volcano Ropeway makes it easy to access the summit, so even beginners can enjoy hiking with peace of mind.
Kusatsu-Shirane is not just a mountain, but a mystical place where the majestic nature and the blessings of hot springs coexist. Through mountain climbing and hiking, you can experience the great outdoors and refresh your mind and body. However, since mountain entry restrictions may be imposed due to volcanic activity, it is very important to check the latest information before visiting.
[Useful concerns]
The Kusatsu-Shirane Ropeway was discontinued due to the eruption on January 23, 2018. The ropeway is not currently in operation.
As of 2025, the eruption alert level for Kusatsu-Shirane (Moto-Shirane) is 1, but access to the surrounding promenade and all sections beyond the entrance to the Manza Onsen hiking trail are prohibited.
Mount Hon-Shirane is also the source of Kusatsu Onsen, where sulfurous fumes and hot springs gush out. Many alpine plants grow naturally near the summit, and beautiful flowers bloom in full bloom, especially from summer to autumn. The Shirane Volcano Ropeway makes it easy to access the summit, so even beginners can enjoy hiking with peace of mind.
Kusatsu-Shirane is not just a mountain, but a mystical place where the majestic nature and the blessings of hot springs coexist. Through mountain climbing and hiking, you can experience the great outdoors and refresh your mind and body. However, since mountain entry restrictions may be imposed due to volcanic activity, it is very important to check the latest information before visiting.
[Useful concerns]
The Kusatsu-Shirane Ropeway was discontinued due to the eruption on January 23, 2018. The ropeway is not currently in operation.
As of 2025, the eruption alert level for Kusatsu-Shirane (Moto-Shirane) is 1, but access to the surrounding promenade and all sections beyond the entrance to the Manza Onsen hiking trail are prohibited.
[Ropeway fee]
Adults: 1,500 yen (round trip)
Children: 750 yen (round trip)
[Opening hours]
Weekdays: 8:00 - 16:00 (last up 16:00, last down 16:30)
Weekends and holidays: 7:30 - 16:00 (last up 16:00, last down 16:30)
[Closed days]
There are maintenance periods (announced on the official website)
[Parking]
Free
Adults: 1,500 yen (round trip)
Children: 750 yen (round trip)
[Opening hours]
Weekdays: 8:00 - 16:00 (last up 16:00, last down 16:30)
Weekends and holidays: 7:30 - 16:00 (last up 16:00, last down 16:30)
[Closed days]
There are maintenance periods (announced on the official website)
[Parking]
Free
- Category
- 草津|Mountain-trek|山
- Adress
- ⧉ 群馬県吾妻郡草津町草津 [View Map]
- Official Website
- ⧉ https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/kankou/997.php
(Info may be outdated. Check official site or call for updates.)
Popular Nearby Attractions & Food Spots
Manza Onsen
60
2- ⧉ View Map
West Riverside open-air bath
61
7- ⧉ View Map
Soba restaurant Mikuniya in Kusatsu Onsen
38
8- ⧉ View Map
Kusatsu Onsen
85
8- ⧉ View Map
Otaki no Yu
50
9- ⧉ View Map
Shiga Highlands
60
11- ⧉ View Map
Jigokudani Monkey Park
43
15- ⧉ View Map
Karuizawa Toy Kingdom
35
18- ⧉ View Map
Yonago Waterfall
55
19- ⧉ View Map
Strange rock formations made from lava flow! Onioshidashi Park
45
20- ⧉ View Map
Karuizawa Shiraito Falls
45
29- ⧉ View Map
Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu
55
33- ⧉ View Map
Harunire Terrace
49
34- ⧉ View Map
"Salvation for all" Zenkoji Temple
64
36- ⧉ View Map
Nozawa Onsen Asagama Onsen Park “Furusato no Yu”
57
36- ⧉ View Map
Tsuruya Karuizawa store for souvenirs and ingredients procurement
40
36- ⧉ View Map
Karuizawa Senjuhiro Art Museum
39
37- ⧉ View Map
Mikado Coffee Karuizawa Old Road Store
38
38- ⧉ View Map
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
65
40- ⧉ View Map
Ryan Hagiwara
38
44- ⧉ View Map
Megane Bridge (Usui Third Bridge)
45
45- ⧉ View Map
Prefectural Gunma Observatory
30
48- ⧉ View Map
Haruna Shrine: A power spot for good luck!
50
50- ⧉ View Map
Mt. Haruna (Haruna Fuji) and Lake Haruna
40
51- ⧉ View Map
Ueda Castle Ruins Park
46
52- ⧉ View Map
Chibiko Ninja Village
45
53- ⧉ View Map
Tokuzenin soba secret
42
54- ⧉ View Map
A 360-degree panorama! Arato Castle, a mountain castle
32
55- ⧉ View Map
Togakushi Shrine Okusha
62
59- ⧉ View Map
[Selections]Popular sightseeing spots around Gunma Prefecture
「mountain-trek」Sightseeing spots around Gunma Prefecture
To Kitayoko dake from north Yatsugatake ropeway
The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is located in Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, and takes about ...
80- [+]長野県茅野市
60
Mt. Norikura
Mt. Norikura is a popular climbing spot with numerous climbing courses that can be enjoyed by everyo...
151- [+]長野県長野県
65
Kisokomagatake
The Komagatake Ropeway reaches 2,612 meters, making this a popular mountain that can be reached in a...
157- [+]長野県長野県
65
close
×































