Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets for the "KUSATSU-SHIMA" Limited Express

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East limited express train "KUSATSU-SHIMA," which connects Ueno Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as a direct access train to Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" is a JR East limited express train with all reserved seats, normally running from Ueno Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Some trains on specific days depart from and arrive at Tokyo Station. Shibukawa Station is the gateway to Ikaho Onsen, Nakanojo Station is the gateway to Shima Onsen, and Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station is the gateway to Kusatsu Onsen.

What is "KUSATSU-SHIMA"?

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" is a JR East limited express train that provides access to two famous hot springs in northwestern Gunma Prefecture. Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort with the largest amount of naturally flowing hot spring water in Japan, and a hot spring town spreads out around the Yubatake (hot spring field). Shima Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that was designated as the first National Health Resort. The Agatsuma Line is a railway line that runs west from Shibukawa Station along the Agatsuma River to Omae Station. The train uses E257 series electric trains, which have a calm interior and reclining seats.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of "KUSATSU-SHIMA" lies in its convenient access from central Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen without transfers. Kusatsu Onsen's symbol, the Yubatake (hot spring field), is known for its breathtaking spectacle of over 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushing out every minute. Kusatsu Onsen's Yumomi is a traditional method of cooling the hot spring water by stirring it with wooden boards, and you can witness a demonstration at Netsunoyu. At Nishinokawara Park, you can enjoy the scenery of hot spring water flowing like a river and a spacious open-air bath. Shima Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort with inns scattered along the clear Shima River, retaining the atmosphere of a traditional therapeutic hot spring town. Okushima Lake at the Shima River Dam is a photogenic spot, known for its clear blue surface called "Shima Blue." From the train window, you can enjoy the scenery of the valley along the Agatsuma River and the mountains of Gunma. Kusatsu Onsen's public baths are cherished as a cultural tradition maintained by the local people. Kusatsu Onsen's hot springs are highly acidic and known for their excellent antibacterial properties. Shima Onsen boasts historic inns, some of which are said to be the oldest hot spring inn architecture in Japan. A walking path is maintained along the clear waters of the Shima River, allowing visitors to enjoy strolling through the gorge.

Timetable for "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

*The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train operates 2-3 round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Ueno Station) Timetable

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train operates 2-3 round trips per day. Since times may change depending on the season and schedule revisions, it's best to check the latest times on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while there may be longer intervals between trains during the day. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Operating Days and Service Suspension Information

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train operates daily throughout the year. Additional trains may be added during high season. Delays may occur during winter due to snowfall.

Operating Sections of "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

Main Sections

• Ueno Station to Takasaki Station (Takasaki Line)
• Takasaki Station to Shibukawa Station (Joetsu Line)
• Shibukawa Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (Agatsuma Line)

Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station is the gateway to Kusatsu Onsen. It's about a 25-minute bus ride from the station to the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal. Around the Yubatake (hot spring field) in Kusatsu Onsen, you'll find public baths, footbaths, and souvenir shops, making it a pleasant place to stroll through the hot spring town. Nakanojo Station is the gateway to Shima Onsen, with the hot spring town about a 40-minute bus ride away. Sekizenkan in Shima Onsen is a well-known, long-established inn that preserves its wooden architecture from the Edo period. The area around Shibukawa Station is also known as the gateway to Ikaho Onsen, and its stone steps are a popular attraction. Agatsuma Gorge is a valley carved by the Agatsuma River, where you can enjoy seasonal scenery from the walking trails. Restaurants and souvenir shops are concentrated around the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal. Nakanojo Town is known as a tourist destination where you can enjoy nature, with numerous dam lakes and gorges. From Takasaki Station, you can also visit the Tomioka Silk Mill by transferring to the Joshin Electric Railway. The stone steps of Ikaho Onsen are a charming sloping street lined with inns and souvenir shops on both sides.

Stations Served by "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

Main Stations Served

• Ueno Station
• Akabane Station
• Urawa Station
• Omiya Station
• Kumagaya Station
• Takasaki Station
• Shibukawa Station
• Nakanojo Station
• Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station

Fares for "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for the "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train is the sum of the basic fare (乗車券) to your destination and the limited express surcharge (特急料金). Since all seats are reserved, the limited express surcharge is the reserved seat limited express surcharge. Discounts may be available if you purchase a ticketless limited express ticket through "Eki-net". The basic fare is calculated according to the distance of the travel section, and the limited express surcharge is set in categories according to the operating distance. Child fares and child limited express surcharges are set at approximately half the adult fare. JR's limited express surcharges are set in categories according to the operating distance of the travel section, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, high season, or off-season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to the destination itself and the "limited express surcharge" for riding the limited express train. Please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Bus Fare to the Hot Spring Resort

Travel from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station to Kusatsu Onsen, and from Nakanojo Station to Shima Onsen, is by local bus. Bus fares are not included in train fares and must be paid separately. Buses are often scheduled to connect with the arrival times of express trains, making transfers smooth. During high season, buses can be crowded, so it's best to allow plenty of time.

How to Buy Tickets for "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to purchase ticketless limited express tickets using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. Using Eki-net's ticketless limited express tickets allows you to board without receiving a paper ticket. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to conditions and fees.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at stations. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen with express train tickets.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train is operated by JR East, so it can be used with the JR Pass or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. The entire route is on JR lines, so it is within the pass's applicable section. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you use the ticketless limited express ticket service "Eki-net," you do not need to pick up a paper ticket. If you purchase your ticket at a designated seat ticket machine or at a Midori-no-madoguchi, you will need to pick up a paper limited express ticket before boarding. If you pick up a paper ticket, it is best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

Since the operating section is within the Suica area, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion. By combining a ticketless limited express ticket from "Eki-net" with Suica, you can board without a paper ticket. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your boarding section is within their area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

Seat Types

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train is operated using E257 series trains and consists entirely of reserved-seat ordinary cars. When making a reservation, you may be able to choose between a window seat or an aisle seat. If you wish to sit together with your travel companion, making a joint reservation makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Features of Seating

The E257 series is a limited express train equipped with reclining seats, renowned for its comfortable ride. Each seat has a table and drink holder, making it convenient for eating and drinking on board. Some train sets have power outlets at each seat, allowing passengers to charge their smartphones. The large windows offer stunning views of the Agatsuma River valley and the mountains of Gunma Prefecture. The scenery changes from the rural landscape of the Kanto Plain to the mountainous terrain along the Agatsuma River. Because seating is reserved, passengers can travel comfortably without worrying about crowds. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are better for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage

Some trains have luggage racks. Please use the space at the end of the car for large suitcases.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting JR East's ticket office or information center in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

 

Ekiben (Train Bento Boxes) and In-Train Dining on "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

On the "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train, there is no in-car sales service. If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the Ekiben shops at Ueno Station. Ueno Station has shops with a wide variety of Ekiben, so you can enjoy choosing before boarding. In the hot spring town of Kusatsu Onsen, there are many shops selling onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns), so you can enjoy eating them while strolling around. Gunma's specialty, okkirikomi, and dishes using Joshu beef are also popular as hot spring town food. The onsen manju in Kusatsu Onsen have different flavors depending on the shop, so comparing them is one of the pleasures. Gunma's specialty, okkirikomi, is a local dish of wide noodles simmered with vegetables. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others, such as avoiding foods with strong odors, so that you can have a pleasant journey. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "KUSATSU-SHIMA"

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" train has all reserved seats, so you cannot board without a reserved seat. You will need to take a bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station or Nakanojo Station to the hot spring town, so be sure to check the bus schedule as well. Kusatsu Onsen is located at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, so it is cool in the mornings and evenings even in summer, and there is snow in winter. Since there are only 2-3 round trips per day, it is advisable to book your return trip as well. Reserved seats may fill up quickly during high season, so early booking is recommended. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. The hot spring water in Kusatsu Onsen is highly acidic, so those with sensitive skin should rinse thoroughly after bathing. Before boarding, checking the day's service status on services like Ekitan will allow you to calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "KUSATSU-SHIMA" is a JR East limited express train connecting Ueno Station and Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, and is the main means of access to Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen. All seats are reserved, and it is compatible with ticketless limited express tickets via Eki-net, allowing for smooth travel from the city center to the hot spring resorts. This train is the gateway to a journey through Gunma's famous hot springs, including the steam rising from the Yubatake hot springs and the Shima Blue lake surface.

Enjoy a relaxing hot spring getaway on "KUSATSU-SHIMA," one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.