If you’re an adventure seeker always on the lookout for off-the-beaten destinations, especially in Japan, you will love Kusatsu Onsen. Tourists don’t get to visit this often because of its remote location. But trust me, it’s one worth visiting, and it offers so much more than what meets the eye.
Only accessible via car or a direct bus from Tokyo, Kusatsu Onsen features serene hot spring baths flowing from Mount Shirane. The sulfuric water travels through Kusatsu Onsen’s different baths, as well as onsens in nearby ryokans. Yes, you can also find a few ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen if you want to spend more days on this peaceful escapade.
From luxurious ryokans to budget-friendly traditional Japanese guesthouses, here are our top bets for the most beautiful and worth-it ones in Kusatsu Onsen.
1. Osakaya Ryokan
Osakaya Ryokan looks straight out of Japanese films you probably have watched. Its exterior and interior design features wooden architecture, with fully furnished furniture pieces showcasing class. But what makes this ryokan truly stand out is its onsen.
The onsen is available for all guests. It combines wooden frames and misty air, with the water surrounded by natural sunlight and boulders. Rooms look simple and minimalist, and you’ll undeniably love the large windows overlooking the surrounding garden.
For breakfast and dinner, your palate will also enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. But these come with an extra cost, so we recommend including them in your booking fees. If you visit this ryokan during the winter season, you can also enjoy ski-to-door activities.
Book It Here: Osakaya Ryokan
2. Ekinariya Ryokan
A quaint 4-star accommodation in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen is Ekinariya Ryokan. One reason why you will love staying at this traditional Japanese inn is its spa experience. You can choose between private and public hot spring baths and also request massage services.
Ekinariya Ryokan features excellent services. The food is also remarkable, and room reservations come with a complimentary breakfast meal. There are only about 6 six rooms at Ekinariya Ryokan, so it’s perfect when you want to be away from the crowd. All rooms have tatami floors and private bathrooms.
Winter sports are also available at this accommodation during the winter season.
Book It Here: Ekinariya Ryokan
3. Hotel Ichii
Hotel Ichii is famous among couple travelers. With a long-standing history of more than 300 years, this ryokan has indeed stood the test of time. You can catch direct views of Yubatake, Kusatsu’s symbol, from your rooms because it’s located in front of it. Plus, if you’re coming from the bus station, the staff can arrange shuttle services to pick you up!
Hotel Ichii has three buildings: the annex, the main, and the west. Yubatake views are at the main building, with about 25 rooms. It’s even more perfect if you witness the symbol light up at night!
Kimi no Roman is the ryokan’s on-site restaurant and features Japanese meals with seasonal flavors. There are also banquet dishes with Western fusion, with teppanyaki as one of the bestsellers.
Book It Here: Hotel Ichii
4. Hanaingen
If you prefer having alone time with your partner, check out Hanaingen, an adult-only ryokan in Kusatsu Onsen. Hanaingen combines traditional Japanese decor with European furniture to keep up with modern times. This ryokan is only two minutes from the town center.
At Hanaingen, all the staff are attentive to your requests. You can also reserve one of four private baths for free! Just approach the front desk and inform them of your preferred day and time. This traditional guesthouse also provides Shiseido products. Breakfast is complimentary, and the rooms are very spacious.
Book It Here: Hanaingen
5. Tokinoniwa
Tokinoniwa is a 5-minute drive from the Kusatsu town proper and a 15-minute drive from the bus station. One of the most massive ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen, this accommodation has two hot springs and 23 baths. Open-air baths are also available in all room types.
Tokinoniwa has tatami mats all over the entire building, including the corridors. Go barefoot if you wish! Rooms have tatami floors, a wooden bathtub, and futon bedding. Yuuzan, the on-site restaurant, serves the best Japanese kaiseki dinner using Gunma’s local sake and seasonal ingredients.
Yukata rentals are available for free if you want to dress like the locals. You may also request massage services and sauna, and souvenirs are available at Tokinoniwa’s own boutique shop.
Book It Here: Tokinoniwa
6. Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya
Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya screams minimalism – one that will certainly draw you in! This ryokan features historical Japanese architecture and wooden furniture pieces. Plus, catch beautiful nature views from your room windows!
Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya has huge rooms with private bathrooms. If you’re willing to spend more, you can also reserve those with private hot spring baths and full kitchens. A shared lounge with game consoles and board games is also available if you want to interact with the other guests.
The famous Yubatake is also near Eidaya, a must-visit tourist attraction inside the Kusatsu Onsen Village.
Book It Here: Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya
7. Kanemidori Inn
Another traditional ryokan suitable for couples is Kanemidori Inn, three minutes from Yubatake. You will love the huge public and private baths available, the diversity in the rooms, and the quality of the food.
You may choose from a wide selection of guest rooms, from design rooms perfect for couples to Japanese-style, Japanese-Western fusion, and special rooms. Don’t worry; all are spacious and equipped with the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
For breakfast and dinner, feel free to eat at the restaurant or in your room. All dishes are served with premium quality and made from the finest Japanese ingredients.
Book It Here: Kanemidori Inn
8. Soumeian
Soumeian is a simple yet welcoming ryokan in the heart of Kusatsu. You will love how hands-on the staff is, always paying attention to your needs and preferences. Plus, rooms are larger than typical guestrooms, and the free WiFi connection is pretty fast and stable!
Soumeian has a private onsen you can book on the ground floor. Complimentary breakfast is served for all room reservations, which you should dare not miss out on, as it’s also one of the reasons Soumeian always gets fully booked!
Book It Here: Soumeian
9. Kamenoi Hotel Kusatsu Yubatake
Perfect for families, Kamenoi Hotel features spacious Japanese-style rooms that could fit a ton. Tatami mats cover the entire ryokan, while special areas are designated for the disabled. This three-star traditional Japanese inn also has a public hot spring bath, but you could also reserve it for private purposes.
Not all rooms feature beautiful views of Kusatsu Onsen, so we highly suggest booking in advance – especially during peak months. The winter season is also a perfect time to visit this place because it holds special snow events for all guests.
Rooms have private baths with complimentary toiletries and intricately decorated lavatories. You also get free breakfast buffet for room reservations – one of the must-tries at Kamenoi Hotel.
If you want to experience teppanyaki grill or Japanese fine dining, reserve a table at Kusatsu Bold Kitchen. The restaurant only opens for breakfast and dinner.
Book It Here: Kamenoi Hotel Kusatsu Yubatake
10. Bekkan Wata no Yu
Bekkan Wata no Yu deserves to be on this list because of its simplicity and cleanliness. The moment you enter this ryokan, you’ll immediately feel more zen and relaxed. The ambiance, interiors and this accommodation’s overall decor combines traditional Japanese and modern comfort.
Bekkan Wata no Yu features wooden touches with white and beige tones on its walls. You can also try out the ryokan’s hot spring baths, which are definitely well-maintained. As for the location, it’s only a ten-minute walk from Bekkan Wata no Yu to the city proper. Saino-Kawara-yu, a famous open-air bath in Kusatsu Onsen is also nearby.
Rooms at Bekkan Wata no Yu are mostly facing the streets, so there may not be any overlooking views from the windows. However, you won’t regret staying here because of the hands-on staff. Note that Bekkan Wata no Yu is an adult-only ryokan, so it’s best to stay here with your partner.
Book It Here: Bekkan Wata no Yu
11. Ryokan Tamura
Ryokan Tamura is situated next to Jizo no Yu, one of Kusatsu Onsen’s free public baths. This means the water from the ryokan’s hot spring baths is from the famous public onsen. You can easily reach this from the Kusatsu Onsen Terminal (about a five-minute walk).
Ryokan Tamura has two private baths, free of charge for all guests. Indoor baths, separated for men and women, are also available and filled with hot water from Jizo. Rooms are spacious and relaxing, and you can choose from about 30 different Yukata robes should you want to rent one.
Don’t forget to try out a Japanese meal for dinner, especially the Joshu Beef or Joshu Mochi Pork.
Book It Here: Ryokan Tamura
12. Konoha
The last but not the least, Konoha is all about authenticity and affordability. Everything looks traditional Japanese with this ryokan, featuring historical architecture and classic wooden furniture pieces.
Probably the best part about Konoha is that you won’t run out of in-house onsen baths to try. This ryokan has 23 different kinds, from private baths to spacious bathing facilities, and outdoor and indoor hot springs!
Rooms are cozy and contain all the basic amenities you need. Breakfast buffet is also complimentary. One note, however, is that the private onsens are located in a separate building, which can be harder to access if you’re bringing your kids.
Book It Here: Konoha
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These ryokans can undeniably help you make the most out of your trip to Kusatsu Onsen. They don’t only give you the best sleep but also allow you to immerse yourself in true Japanese culture.
Have you stayed in other ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen? Share your thoughts below!
If you are looking for more similar recommendations in gorgeous onsen towns in Japan, you should also read these posts:
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