Itoen Hotel Kusatsu

The staff were so helpful and fantastic, and the place itself was a lovely surprise in such a beautiful setting. Itoen Hotel has become our new favorite getaway!

Although it’s about a 30-minute walk from downtown, there’s a free shuttle bus. Dinner and breakfast are included, and the room and other facilities are quite spacious. Karaoke rooms and ping-pong are free, while some older games cost extra. There’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms, but you can use an iPad for free in the lobby.

The private onsen are the best part, really nice. The shared one is okay, though all the baths run pretty hot. I even heard some Japanese guests remark on the temperature. The food was fine, and breakfast was pretty good. The hotel overall is fine too.

The buffet has plenty to enjoy, including all-you-can-eat and drink options and some local dishes. The food is reasonably priced, with an old-fashioned hot spring buffet atmosphere. The rooms are clean and roomy, with heated toilet seats, and there are shared toilets on every floor as well as in the rooms. The building has a stately feel from its days as a Kanpo no Yado. Some facilities are showing their age, but I still think the price is good for what you get, and the staff are very hospitable. The hot spring water is the highlight for me. It warms you right through. The indoor bath feels spacious and open, and the outdoor bath is great too, though it only fits about 3-4 people.