Tucked away at 1200 meters above sea level in the mountains of eastern Gunma prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns; Kusatsu onsen. Famed for it’s high quality onsen water, and it’s impressive hot spring source – the Yubatake which has an output of 5000 litres per minute – Kusatsu onsen is a popular day trip for tourists from all over the Kanto and Chubu regions.

Not only is the onsen popular with visitors from the surrounding areas, but it has also drawn the attention of one of Japan’s most beloved characters – Rilakkuma – who will be opening up collaborative goods store Souvenirs, Kusatsu Rirakuma no Yu in the town from 15 June 2021.

This will be the second in the ‘Rilakkuma x Onsen’ concept store series, which began with the Dogo Rilakkuma-no-Yu in Shikoku’s Dogo Onsen town back in the summer of last year.

At Souvenirs, Kusatsu no Yu a range of limited edition collaborative products, souvenirs, key chains, bags and Japanese inspired accessories will be available. The goods will feature Rilakkuma dressed up in Kusatsu Onsen style clothing and taking part in ‘Yumomi’ – which is the traditional method of cooling water and unique to the town.

The relaxing interior of the store, as fans of Rilakkuma will know, will be inspired by the character’s cool and chilled out personality.

To commemorate the opening of Souvenirs, Kusatsu no Yu, an original mask case will be up for grabs for those who spend 2,000 yen or more in store. There will be two different patterns of mask cases available and they will be limited to 2,000 pieces in total. The cases will be available until they run out from 16 June 2021.

Souvenirs, Kusatsu no Yu

Address 507-4 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1711
Store hours: 9: 30-17: 30 (Open year-round)
Opening date: June 16, 2021 (Wednesday)