12th Kusatsu Onsen Photo Rogaining 2025

Overview

The 12th Kusatsu Onsen Photo Rogaining 2025 is a vibrant outdoor event held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Kusatsu Town General Gymnasium (461 Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, 377-1711). Organized by the Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association under the supervision of Nao Ito (Japan Photo Rogaining Association), this event is part of the Photo Rogaining Series 2025-26, a points-ranking program by the Japan Photo Rogaining Association (https://photorogaining.com/player/prs/). Set in Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s top three hot spring resorts, during the autumn foliage season, it offers 5-hour (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Family) and 3-hour (General, Family) classes for teams of 2–5 people (including at least one adult aged 18+; Family teams require one child of elementary school age or younger). The event has a capacity of 40 teams per class (~100 people each), with registration from July 14 to September 30, 2025, via http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/. Participants navigate ~40 checkpoints in Kusatsu’s hot spring town and mountain areas using a 1:20,000 scale map (10m contours, based on Geospatial Information Authority of Japan data), capturing photos to earn points. The participation fee is 2,000 yen/adult (high school and above), 500 yen/elementary or junior high student, and free for preschoolers (application required). Awards include top three teams per category, raffle prizes, and photo prizes. A “Find Your Kero Photo” mini-game and perks for early arrivals are offered on October 25. The event proceeds rain or shine but may be canceled for severe weather (no refunds). Described on X as “a family-friendly adventure in Kusatsu’s stunning autumn scenery,” it combines exploration, photography, and community spirit in a world-class onsen destination known for its Yubatake hot spring field and sulfuric waters.

Why Attend

• Unique Adventure: Navigate ~40 checkpoints in Kusatsu Onsen’s hot spring town and mountain areas, capturing photos during the vibrant autumn foliage season.

• Family-Friendly: Welcomes beginners and families, with Family categories requiring at least one child of elementary school age or younger. Preschoolers join free.

• Affordable Fun: Fees at 2,000 yen/adult, 500 yen/elementary or junior high student, free for preschoolers. No additional costs for checkpoints or map.

• Cultural Immersion: Explore Kusatsu’s charming streets, Yubatake, and natural surroundings, with perks like the “Find Your Kero Photo” mini-game on October 25.

• Competitive Spirit: Part of the Photo Rogaining Series 2025-26, with points (tournament score + 1,000 participation points) counting toward series rankings.

• Awards & Prizes: Top three teams per category receive awards, plus raffle and photo prizes. Early arrival perks on October 25.

• Supportive Environment: Changing rooms, luggage storage (no valuables), compass rentals (limited), and rule explanations for beginners at Kusatsu Town General Gymnasium.

• X Buzz: “A fun way to explore Kusatsu’s onsen town and mountains!” – X user. “The autumn views and photo challenges were unforgettable!” – 2024 participant.

• Iconic Venue: Kusatsu Onsen, ranked Japan’s top hot spring for 21 years, with sulfuric waters and attractions like Yubatake and Sainokawara Park ().

Event Details

Events and Courses

12th Kusatsu Onsen Photo Rogaining 2025 (October 26, 2025):

• Venue: Kusatsu Town General Gymnasium (461 Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma, 377-1711, TEL: 0279-88-0800).

• Schedule:

  • 8:30 AM: Registration opens (map distribution, equipment check).

  • 9:30 AM: Opening ceremony (3-hour and 5-hour classes together).

  • 10:00 AM: Start (both classes).

  • 1:00 PM: 3-hour class finish.

  • ~1:30 PM: 3-hour class awards, raffle.

  • 3:00 PM: 5-hour class finish.

  • ~3:30 PM: 5-hour class awards, raffle.

• Course Features:

  • 5-Hour Class:

    • Categories: Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Family (at least one child of elementary school age or younger).

    • Details: Navigate ~40 checkpoints in Kusatsu’s hot spring town and mountain areas using a 1:20,000 scale A3 map (10m contours). Teams of 2–5 (at least one adult 18+). Fee: 2,000 yen/adult, 500 yen/elementary or junior high, free for preschoolers. Capacity: 40 teams (~100 people). Start: 10:00 AM. Finish: 3:00 PM. Photo check for top teams post-route submission. Designated transport (e.g., buses) allowed (announced on-site). Awards for top three teams per category, plus raffle/photo prizes. Points count toward Photo Rogaining Series (tournament score + 1,000). Health check at registration (no participation if unwell). Changing rooms, luggage storage (no valuables), compass rentals (limited).

  • 3-Hour Class:

    • Categories: General, Family (at least one child of elementary school age or younger).

    • Details: Same format as 5-hour class but shorter duration (10:00 AM–1:00 PM). Same fees, capacity, rules, and awards.

  • Pre-Event (October 25):

    • “Find Your Kero Photo” Mini-Game: Held at Kusatsu Town General Gymnasium. Details on http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/. Early arrivals receive small perks (e.g., discounts at local shops).

  • Format: Teams navigate checkpoints, take photos, and submit routes for scoring. Top teams’ photos checked post-event. Traffic rules, etiquette (no littering, no private property entry) strictly enforced. Disqualification for violations (e.g., entering restricted areas, fraudulent activity). Organizers not liable for accidents (injury/illness covered by event insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions). Photos used for promotion (organizers own rights).

  • Safety: Bring insurance card, warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, field snacks, water. Bear bells recommended (mountain areas). Emergency contact via cell phone/smartphone. Report accidents to staff (0279-88-0800) or emergency services (110/119). Health management is participant’s responsibility.

Eligibility

• General:

  • Teams of 2–5, including at least one adult (18+).

  • Family teams: At least one child of elementary school age or younger.

  • Good health, ability to follow traffic rules and etiquette.

  • Equipment: Digital camera/smartphone/tablet, cell phone (emergency/Photo Loge reporting), compass (rentals limited), watch, bear bell, warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, food/drink, insurance card. Optional: spare batteries.

  • Clothing: Suitable for outdoor activities (mountain/hiking shoes recommended).

• Rules:

  • No entry to restricted areas (marked on map). No littering, no riding in shrine/temple grounds, no private property access. Disqualification for violations, fraudulent activity (e.g., false declarations), or behavior undermining event integrity. Photos used for promotion. Health declaration required. Report damages/accidents to staff immediately.

Capacity

• Total: 80 teams (~200 people; 40 teams/~100 people per class).

• Minimum Tickets: 1 per team (representative applies).

• Maximum Tickets: Per class capacity. Contact 0279-88-0800 for vacancies.

• Note: First-come, first-served. Closes when capacity reached or by September 30, 2025.

Features

• Course Highlights: Explore Kusatsu’s hot spring town (Yubatake, Netsunoyu) and mountain areas (~40 checkpoints, 1:20,000 scale map). Autumn foliage enhances photo opportunities.

• Competitive Format: 5-hour (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Family) and 3-hour (General, Family) classes. Teams score points via photos; top teams checked post-event.

• Awards: Top three teams per category, raffle, and photo prizes. Presented at ceremonies (~1:30 PM for 3-hour, ~3:30 PM for 5-hour).

• Pre-Event: “Find Your Kero Photo” mini-game on October 25, with early arrival perks.

• Support: Changing rooms, luggage storage (no valuables), compass rentals (limited), rule explanations for beginners. Paid parking (e.g., Yubatake lot, ~500–1,000 yen/day). First aid available.

• Services:

  • Hydration/Resupply: Bring field snacks/water. Local eateries near Yubatake (e.g., soba, onsen tamago).

  • Support: Restrooms, changing rooms, limited compass rentals. First aid (staff kits). Emergency contact: 0279-88-0800 or 110/119.

  • Insurance: Event insurance covers injuries (excludes pre-existing conditions). Participants cover additional costs.

• Media: Photos used for promotion, press (organizers own rights).

• X Buzz: “Kusatsu’s autumn scenery was perfect for photo rogaining!” – 2024 participant. “A great family event with stunning views!” – X user.

Ticket Information

Event Dates & Times

• Venue: Kusatsu Town General Gymnasium (461 Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma, 377-1711).

• Date: October 26, 2025 (Sunday).

• Schedule:

  • 8:30 AM: Registration (map distribution, equipment check).

  • 9:30 AM: Opening ceremony.

  • 10:00 AM: Start (both classes).

  • 1:00 PM: 3-hour class finish.

  • ~1:30 PM: 3-hour awards, raffle.

  • 3:00 PM: 5-hour class finish.

  • ~3:30 PM: 5-hour awards, raffle.

• Duration: ~4.5 hours (3-hour class) or ~6.5 hours (5-hour class).

• Note: Bring camera/smartphone, cell phone, compass, watch, bear bell, clothing, insurance card. Health check at registration (no participation if unwell). Check-in by 9:00 AM. Equipment check mandatory.

Purchase Channels

• Jasumo Tickets: Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact for bilingual support. Submit team name (furigana), category, ages, number of participants.

• Official Website: Register via http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/ (member registration required). Select team representative (18+), event, participant details. Payment via bank transfer/credit card (~300 yen processing fee). Confirmation emailed post-payment.

• Note: Program emailed ~7 days prior. Contact 0279-88-0800 if not received or for vacancies. No phone entries or mailed forms.

Rules

• Application:

  • Registration: July 14–September 30, 2025. First-come, first-served; closes at capacity. No refunds for cancellations. Submit team name (furigana), category, ages, participant details.

• Event Rules:

  • No restricted areas, littering, riding in shrine/temple grounds, or private property access. Obey traffic rules, etiquette. Disqualification for violations, fraudulent activity. Health management is participant’s responsibility. Photos used for promotion. Report accidents/damages to staff (0279-88-0800). Emergency services: 110/119. Event insurance covers injuries (excludes pre-existing conditions).

• Cancellation: Proceeds rain or shine; canceled for severe weather (no refunds). Updates on http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/.

• Liability: Organizers not liable for accidents (first aid provided). Keep hospital receipts.

• Media: Photos used for promotion, press (organizers own rights).

• Personal Info: Managed per Japanese privacy laws, used for event operations, promotions. Disputes under Gunma court jurisdiction.

Ticket Types & Pricing

• 5-Hour Class (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Family): 2,000 yen/adult, 500 yen/elementary or junior high, free for preschoolers (per team, 2–5 people).

• 3-Hour Class (General, Family): Same fees as 5-hour class.

• Pricing Range: ~1,000–10,000 yen/team (e.g., 2 adults = 4,000 yen; 2 adults + 2 elementary = 5,000 yen) + ~300 yen processing fee.

• Ticket Range: 1 ticket/team; maximum 40 teams/class.

• Note: Fees non-refunded except for organizer cancellation. No additional checkpoint fees.

Sales Schedule

• Registration: July 14–September 30, 2025. Closes at capacity.

• Participation Notice: Program emailed ~7 days prior. Contact 0279-88-0800 if not received.

• Same-Day Registration: Not available (check-in for program).

Program

• 12th Kusatsu Onsen Photo Rogaining 2025:

  • Events: 5-hour (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Family) and 3-hour (General, Family) classes, “Find Your Kero Photo” mini-game (October 25).

  • Format: Navigate ~40 checkpoints, capture photos, submit routes for scoring. Designated transport allowed (announced on-site). Awards for top three teams/category, raffle, photo prizes.

  • Features:

    • Hydration/Resupply: Bring snacks/water. Local eateries near Yubatake.

    • Course Highlights: Yubatake, Sainokawara Park, mountain areas, autumn foliage.

    • Awards: Top three teams, raffle, photo prizes (ceremonies at ~1:30 PM, ~3:30 PM).

    • Services: Changing rooms, luggage storage, compass rentals, first aid, paid parking.

    • Atmosphere: “The autumn leaves and hot springs made it magical!” – 2024 participant (X post).

Performers

• Organizer: Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association (28 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma, 377-1711, 0279-88-0800, Shiratori/Fujinami).

• Staff: Checkpoint Setting Officer (Shunsuke Fukuda), Supervisor (Nao Ito, Japan Photo Rogaining Association).

• Volunteers: Limited roles (e.g., checkpoint staff); contact 0279-88-0800.

Venue Details

• Venue: Kusatsu Town General Gymnasium (461 Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma, 377-1711).

• Date: October 26, 2025.

• Capacity: 80 teams (~200 people).

• Access:

  • Train/Bus: ~10 min walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (JR Agatsuma Line) or Karuizawa Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), take JR/local bus (~710 yen). Express buses from Tokyo/Shinjuku (~3,800 yen, JR Bus Kanto), Shibuya, Yokohama, etc. Reservations recommended (https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/) ().

  • Car: ~60 km from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC, ~55 km from Ueda-Sugadaira IC, ~57 km from Usui-Karuizawa IC. Parking: Gymnasium lot (limited), Onsenmon free lot, Yubatake paid lot (~500–1,000 yen/day).

• Accommodation: Ryokans via Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Association (http://www.yumomi.net/, 0279-88-3722). Options: Hotel Sakurai, Oyado Yukizumi (,).

• Attractions: Yubatake (~5 min walk), Sainokawara Park (~20 min walk), Netsunoyu Yumomi show (~5 min walk) ().

Booking with Jasumo

• How: Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact for bilingual support. Submit team name (furigana), category, ages, participant details.

• Benefits: Assistance with registration, accommodation, transport, program confirmation.

• Note: Registration closes September 30 or at capacity. Program emailed ~7 days prior. Contact 0279-88-0800 for issues.

Inquiries

• General: Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association (28 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma, 377-1711, 0279-88-0800).

• Online: http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/.

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for participants, including foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents, to access the 12th Kusatsu Onsen Photo Rogaining 2025. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide participants through the registration process and provide support for inquiries, ensuring a seamless experience.

We address challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Bilingual support for registration, accommodation, transport, and program confirmation.

• Logistics: Guidance on parking, public transport, equipment, health declaration.

• Confirmation: Program emailed ~7 days prior (http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/). Contact 0279-88-0800 if issues arise.

Event Information: Check http://kusatsu-photorog.jp/ for updates. No refunds for cancellations. Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or Secretariat (0279-88-0800) for support.

Reviews

• “The autumn foliage and photo challenges were a blast!” – 2024 participant (X post)

• “Kusatsu’s hot spring vibe made this so unique!” – X user

• “Jasumo helped us navigate registration easily!” – International team

• “Perfect family event with stunning views!” – 2024 participant