Kusatsu-Shima (E257 Series)
Tokyo/Ueno - Naganoharakusatsuguchi
The Kusatsu-Shima is a limited express train with all-reserved seats that connects the metropolitan area with the gateways to hot spring areas along the Agatsuma Line. Along the Agatsuma Line, there are many hot spring resorts and towns, such as Kusatsu Onsen (Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station), Shima Onsen (Nakanojō Station), and Ikaho Onsen (Shibukawa Station).
The train usually departs from and arrives at Ueno Station, but the Kusatsu-Shima will depart from and arrive at Tokyo Station as a special train.
The train cars and colors of the E257 Series previously used for the Boso Limited Express have been refurbished as the Agatsuma Line Limited Express. The train features bright, open interiors and barrier-free facilities, including a multi-purpose restroom. Enjoy a trip to Gunma, a treasure trove of hot springs, on a Kusatsu-Shima. We hope you have a pleasant ride on your laid-back journey.
On-board facilities
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- Ordinary Car
- Enjoy an expansive view of the mountains of Gunma from the large windows. When the weather is nice, you can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji or Mt. Asama.
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- Outlets beside seats
- You’ll find an outlet beside each seat for easy charging on the go.
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- Luggage racks
- Cars 1 and 9 include luggage racks, which are great for storing larger items.
Train Formation
E257 Series 5500
Ueno
Nakanojō/Naganoharakusatsuguchi
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Changing bed -
Lavatory -
Restrooms -
Men’s toilet -
Waste bins -
Seats for wheelchair users -
Accessible facility -
Luggage racks
- *The car layout will depend on the train.
Train stops
Tokyo
Ueno
Akabane
Urawa
Omiya
Kumagaya
Takasaki
Shin-Maebashi
Shibukawa
Nakanojō
Naganoharakusatsuguchi
*Only certain trains depart from and arrive at Tokyo Station on specific days of the week.
Travel on Kusatsu-Shima
Recommended passes for riding Kusatsu-Shima
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Sightseeing in Gunma Prefecture
Ikaho Onsen (nearest station: Shibukawa Station)
The train ride from Ueno Station to Ikaho Onsen’s nearest station Shibukawa Station on the Kusatsu-Shima takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The hot spring-blessed town of Ikaho Onsen has been cited in the ancient collection of Manyoshu and Kokinshu poetry. Centered around the stone stairs, the town's history dates back more than 400 years and is filled with a good old hot spring ambiance. The stone stairs are lined with traditional inns, souvenir shops, and stalls on both sides. The onsen manju (yunohana manju) steamed buns also originated here. You can also enjoy fresh, lush greenery in May and autumn leaves in November at the red-arched Kajikabashi bridge near the stone stairs.
Shima Onsen (nearest station: Nakanojō Station)
The train ride from Ueno Station to Shima Onsen’s nearest station Nakanojō Station on the Kusatsu-Shima takes 2 hours.
Five hot spring areas, Hinatami, Yuzuriha, Arayu, Yamaguchi, and Onsenkuchi, stretch out along the crystal clear, cool waters of the Shimagawa River. You can also enjoy a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere with retro shooting ranges and coffee shops. Shima Onsen is a centuries-old hot-spring cure destination. Chill out and unwind in a secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, free of traffic lights and convenience stores nearby.
Kusatsu Onsen (nearest station: Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station)
The train ride from Ueno Station to Kusatsu Onsen’s nearest station Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station on the Kusatsu-Shima takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Kusatsu Onsen pumps out the highest amount of natural hot spring water in Japan and boasts excellent spring quality that makes skin smoother and more beautiful.
The hot spring resort is centered around Yubatake, a gigantic hot spring source for resorts. Yubatake’s surrounding was designed by the artist Taro Okamoto. Urakusatsu, around the Jizo-no-Yu area, has been redeveloped with many new touristic spots. Enjoy strolling around and soaking in the hot springs.
Kusatsu-Shima Pamphlet
Recommended passes
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JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
Adult: ¥30,000 / Child: ¥15,000
You can use this pass for 5 consecutive days after first use.◎Advantages
As well as access to Tokyo from Narita Airport / Haneda Airport, this pass also provides unlimited travel on trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Shinkansen trains to Sendai, Aomori, and other such destinations -
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
Adult: ¥27,000 / Child: ¥13,500
You can use this pass for 5 consecutive days after first use.◎Advantages
As well as access to Tokyo from Narita Airport / Haneda Airport, this pass also provides unlimited travel on trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Shinkansen trains to Nagano, Niigata, and other such destinations -
JR TOKYO Wide Pass
Adult: ¥15,000 / Child: ¥7,500
You can use this pass for 3 consecutive days after first use.◎Advantages
An attractive low price! Shinkansen from Tokyo to Karuizawa, and unlimited travel on trains to popular destinations including Lake Kawaguchiko, Kusatsu, Nikko, and Izu -
JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Adult: ¥35,000 / Child: ¥17,500
You can use this pass for 6 consecutive days after first use.Only for foreign visitors with the entry status of "Temporary Visitor"
◎Advantages
From Tokyo or Hokkaido (Sapporo / Hakodate), unlimited travel including Shinkansen trains to Tohoku (Shin-Aomori, Sendai), Karuizawa, and other such destinations