Japanese Insight
No trip to Kusatsu is complete without experiencing the town's most iconic street food: the Kusatsu Onsen Manju. The mochi experience is interactive.You are given the unique opportunity to brand the surface of your own bun with a custom iron stamp, turning your snack into a personalized souvenir that is perfect for social media.

• The "DIY" branding experience has become a viral sensation, drawing visitors who want to put their own mark on the local flavor. You are handed a hot iron brand with onsen mark design and invited to press it lightly onto the soft, delicate skin of the steamed bun.

• Tip: Aim for a "light touch" rather than a hard press. A quick, firm tap will leave a crisp, clear imprint without burning the dough. Once branded, snap a photo in front of the steamy Yubatake backdrop before taking your first bite.