Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Miyuki Annex

Really good!

Since Kusatsu is a long way from Tokyo, I booked this reasonably priced inn for several nights. It turned out just as good as I’d hoped from my research. Our room was clean and roomy, and the staff were kind without hovering. They gave us space but stepped in at the right moments to help with the futon, cleaning, and details about the baths and morning bagels. I was glad there was a private outdoor bath, since I love open-air onsen. Yubatake and Nishinokawara are both an easy walk away. The town has lots of hills, though, and the inn has stairs inside, so it may be tricky for anyone with mobility problems. We ate at nearby izakayas and soba places, and walked to a supermarket for drinks and snacks to have in the room. The main public bath has an outdoor section for men only.

The rooms have been renovated and were clean and comfortable. The amenities are a little budget-conscious, but there was everything I needed, plus a coffee machine on site. The baths are small and take a bit of time to warm up, which gave me plenty of time to enjoy the Kusatsu water. Private baths are free, and since the women's bath is indoors, I'd say trying the private outdoor one is a must. The staff at this well-reviewed bed-and-breakfast were especially thoughtful. I arrived early after contacting them, and they were easygoing about it. Their friendly, attentive service felt just right. I did accidentally call the main building with a question about my stay, though, and the response there was so poor that the contrast was almost funny. There are free colored yukata for women, plus basket bags and setta and geta sandals, which make a stroll around town easy. I wanted to visit three baths, and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath is walkable. Sainokawara Street and the Yubatake are also close by. There are lots of places to eat, while the inn itself is in a quiet spot. You don't get a view of the Yubatake, but it's nearby, so that didn't bother me. If shuttle timing is a concern, this seemed like the better option in Taipa. They serve free Lucky Bagel bagels in the morning, nice with coffee for a light breakfast. This isn't as grand or luxurious as a large inn, but it's comfortable and peaceful, and I think it belongs in the higher class of places to stay without meals.

A soak in the baths is lovely, with hot spring water from the Bandaiko mine, and being able to use one privately is a real bonus. The location is excellent, the staff are attentive, and the breakfast bagels are a welcome light bite after a day of eating.