Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Yoshinoya

It was a cozy, comfortable stay, and being so close to everything was a big plus. The hotel is near both the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal and Yubatake. The room was spacious and well ventilated, though there’s no air conditioning. Instead, a fan brings in cool outdoor air, so the window needs to stay open. The women’s onsen is small, with room for four at a time, but it’s open 24/7 and I often had it to myself. A light breakfast is included and very basic, which was fine with me since a fancier meal would cost more. There’s a coin-operated washing machine but no dryer. Tap water is drinkable, and free hot water, tea, and coffee are available in the lounge lobby. I’d highly recommend it.

There’s a lot to like for the price, especially with this location. It’s near both the bus terminal and Yubatake, and the room was spacious with big beds. The light breakfast and public shower and onsen worked for me, though there’s no full-course breakfast or private shower. I’d pick the onsen anyway. Complimentary drinks and popsicles are available anytime, and the receptionist speaks English, which made check-in easier. They’ll help carry luggage up and down, as there are no stairs. They also provide Crocs and boots for walking around town, handy for visiting the foot bath near Yubatake. The one downside was the room wasn’t very soundproof, so light sleepers might have trouble. I really recommend this place.

Yoshinoya is just a few minutes’ walk from the Yubatake and not too far from the bus terminal, so I chose it for the location. The room was a good size and clean, and a simple breakfast was included. Staff were friendly and very helpful. English was no problem here, everyone spoke it, and one staff member was Australian. Coffee was available virtually 24/7.

A quick note for Western visitors: the bathing facilities are shared, as is typical in a Ryokan, so make sure you’re comfortable with that before booking. We went as a couple and both loved the place. Our room was spacious for two, spotlessly clean, and had more facilities than we needed. The innkeeper who welcomed us was patient, helpful, and friendly with two foreigners, and everyone on staff we met was helpful too.