Tsutsujitei

We came in late after letting them know by email, and they were very accommodating. Even though we arrived after the last dinner service had started, they still served us the full kaiseki dinner, which was fresh and delicious. The private bath in our room was lovely after a long travel day, though it probably only fits one person. We also booked the larger private hot spring bath, which was incredible. Its windows slide open, so bathing felt like being outdoors in the forest. Breakfast was delicious too. Everything was very clean, the service was immaculate, and we highly recommend this ryokan. It was our first night in Japan, and staying here with my boyfriend was a great decision.

We loved soaking in the free-flowing hot spring water, which was excellent quality and just the right temperature. With snow falling outside, the onsen was especially enjoyable. The ryokan’s position away from Yubatake also made it quiet and peaceful. They ran shuttles to and from the bus terminal and town center until 10 p.m., so we could see Yubatake’s night illumination after dinner. Our spacious room stayed warm and cozy despite the cold and snow. The beds were comfortable, the kotatsu was great, and the drinks in the fridge were complimentary. Both kaiseki meals were delicious, beautifully presented with fresh ingredients, and served at a pace that gave us time to enjoy each course. The attentive service felt thoughtful without being intrusive. The female staff member looking after us was warm, friendly, spoke excellent English, and made us feel at home. She explained every dish at dinner and breakfast and suggested places to see in Kusatsu, along with information about the seasons. We stayed two nights in January, and Tsutsujitei was among the best onsen ryokans we’ve visited. We’d choose it again on another trip to Kusatsu.

The meals were a highlight, with every course beautifully presented and full of flavor. The hot springs were wonderful too, especially the open-air pool on a snowy night. With just 10 rooms, we hardly saw other guests, so the place felt private and catered. Our room was spacious and very comfortable. From pickup at the bus terminal to the morning drop-off, the hospitality was friendly, thoughtful, and impeccable. There could be a bit of a language barrier for non-Japanese speakers. I managed with Japanese when talking to the hosts, and I’d still highly recommend this place. I hope to stay again.

Momosei-san gave great service, and soaking in the outdoor onsen among the trees was so relaxing in the snowy weather. It’s a great ryokan. It’s listed as three stars, but the price is around the four-star range and the experience feels that way. A couple of things could be better. Dinner tasted great, though the portions were smaller than I expected, maybe because we’d spent all day skiing. The room was very large, but I’d have preferred a traditional futon, and it would’ve been nice to push the twin beds together like at other ryokans. Still had a great time and would come back.