Make Summer Memories! Experience the New Tengu Mountain Center House at Kusatsu Onsen with Music Festival Fun

The annual summer music festival held in Kusatsu Onsen—the Kusatsu International Music Academy & Festival (Kusatsu Academy, https://kusa2.jp)—will celebrate its 46th edition in 2026, making it one of Japan’s most prestigious and long-standing classical music festivals. The festival has previously welcomed the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita as guests. In 2026, while honoring its traditions, the festival is undergoing a major renewal for a new era, and this press release introduces new family-oriented concert programs.

Additionally, on April 29, 2026, the 'Tengu Mountain Center House' opened in Kusatsu Onsen—a town renowned for hosting this historic music festival. This summer, why not take your family on a rejuvenating journey to experience the newly transformed fusion of 'hot springs × music × nature'?

On April 29, 2026, a new facility, the 'Tengu Mountain Center House,' opened at the Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort.

The former 'Tengu Mountain Rest House' was a beloved venue long used as the main stage for the music festival. After many years of service, it has now been reborn as a modern, open-concept facility with panoramic views of the ski slopes. The new center includes a restaurant and a spacious terrace where visitors can relax and enjoy Kusatsu’s refreshing mountain air. The music festival staff recently conducted an on-site visit—here’s their full report!

Upon entering the first-floor entrance, you’ll find the main lobby for the Tengu Mountain Play Zone, where check-in is handled.

※ Reproduced with permission from Kusatsu Kanko Kousha Co., Ltd.

The attractions are diverse and fun for all ages. Trampolines are especially popular with children—the joyful laughter is constant! Elementary school-aged kids love racing down the slopes on mountain carts and striders. Families can enjoy mini-golf together, and for those seeking adventure, the thrilling 'Bungee Tengu' offers an exciting challenge.

※ Reproduced with permission from Kusatsu Kanko Kousha Co., Ltd.

On the second floor is the FOODPARK restaurant, where large glass windows offer sweeping views of lush green mountains. Guests can savor local Gunma delicacies such as mochi pork and Joshu beef, along with hearty Zip Burgers, Kusatsu Onsen dumplings, matsutake mushroom pizza and soup curry from Kuni (Kunitachi), and Japanese-style ramen with rich dashi broth. The wide variety ensures that every family member can find something delicious—perfect for family outings.

※ Reproduced with permission from Kusatsu Kanko Kousha Co., Ltd.

On clear days, take the 'Pulse Gondola Tengu' up to the observation deck. From 1,370 meters above sea level, you can gaze down at Kusatsu Onsen town and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains stretching across the Kanto Plain. The Sky Swing offers a 'Heidi, Girl of the Alps' experience with its giant swing. Nearby, the SORA CAFE food truck serves fruit sodas, tapioca drinks, and starry lemonade—popular with younger visitors.

※ Reproduced with permission from Kusatsu Kanko Kousha Co., Ltd.

※ Reproduced with permission from Kusatsu Kanko Kousha Co., Ltd.

★ Classical Music × Hot Springs × Nature

Why not combine a visit to this new facility—complete with lunch and outdoor activities—with a family concert experience? It’s sure to add a special touch to your usual hot spring getaway. This year, we’re highlighting morning concerts designed for children and parents to enjoy together. The venue, 'Kusatsu Music Forest International Concert Hall,' is just a 3-minute drive from the Tengu Mountain Center House. Ample parking is available, so you can drive directly to the venue (buses also run). Before the concert, enjoy alpenhorn performances, purchase festival merchandise at the shop, or grab drinks and light snacks from the café counter or food trucks. We invite you to experience the unique charm of 'summer at Kusatsu Onsen.' Don’t miss the appearances of Gunma-chan at the Forest Music Concerts (Vol. 1 and Vol. 3)!

★ Featured Concerts

♪ 'Baroque Masterpieces – Forest Music Concert Vol. 1'

August 21, 2026 (Fri) | Doors: 10:30 / Start: 11:00 / End: 11:45

Admission: (Reserved seating) Adults ¥2,000 / Ages 25 and under ¥1,000

Venue: Kusatsu Music Forest International Concert Hall

🚚 Food truck on site / 👶 Preschoolers welcome!

When you think of Bach, you think of Baroque music. This concert presents the elegant and refined sounds reflecting the prosperity of aristocratic society through timeless masterpieces.

☆ Gunma-chan stage performance at 10:30

[Program]

J. Pachelbel: Canon for Three Violins and Basso Continuo

J.S. Bach: Herzlich tut mich verlangen (O Sacred Head, Now Wounded)

G.F. Handel: Ombra mai fù

A. Vivaldi: Violin Concerto 'The Four Seasons' – 'Spring'

⇒ Tickets here

♪ 'Welcome to Café Bach! – Forest Music Concert Vol. 3'

August 26, 2026 (Thu) | Doors: 10:30 / Start: 11:00 / End: 11:45

Admission: (Reserved seating) Adults ¥2,000 / Ages 25 and under ¥1,000

Venue: Kusatsu Music Forest International Concert Hall

🚚 Food truck on site / 👶 Preschoolers welcome!

Bach wasn’t just serious—he also had a playful side. This unique Kusatsu production presents his humorous 'Coffee Cantata' with narration and creative enhancements. Narrated by Masayasu Komiyama (Professor, Yokohama National University; Expert in European Cultural History and Festival Planning Committee Member).

☆ Gunma-chan stage performance at 10:30

[Program]

J.S. Bach: Secular Cantata 'Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht' (Coffee Cantata)

⇒ Tickets here

♪ Children’s Concert: 'Hello, Uncle Bach!'

An annual favorite—this free, reservation-required concert is enjoyable even for infants! Back again this year ☆

August 26, 2026 (Thu) | Doors: 9:50 / Start: 10:30 / End: 11:45

[Program]

'Cat Stomp Fantasy' (Brass Ensemble)

J.S. Bach: 'Gott Vater, sei gepriesen' (Hear the organ from Italy!)

W.A. Mozart: 'Voi che sapete' from The Marriage of Figaro (Vocal & Piano)

L. Mozart: Toy Symphony, 1st Movement / Others

☆ At 10:00 AM, enjoy a fun piano disassembly show by a piano tuner in the concert hall lobby—perfect for kids and adults alike! Details are a surprise—come and find out!

※ This event is for ticket holders of the 'Children’s Concert' only.

※ This performance requires prior online registration. It is not part of regular ticket sales—please take note.

Children’s Concert (August 20, Thu) Registration: https://ws.formzu.net/fgen/S57214475/

★ Ticket Information

Pricing varies by concert type. For details on other performances and pricing, please visit the official website.