Omori

The hot springs were the highlight for me. The indoor bath and sauna on the first floor were beautifully designed with natural elements, and the rooftop outdoor bath had plenty of space, spectacular views, and just the right water temperature. It was the quintessential onsen experience I had hoped for. The meals were just as impressive: breakfast and dinner were varied seasonal courses made with local ingredients, in portions that left me satisfied. Little touches made the stay feel traditional and heartfelt, from a comic-style paper about the ryokan's history and a small bag for room keys to the owner greeting guests and the complimentary coupons and small gifts. I arrived a bit anxious after a disappointing stay at Kusatsu. Parking looked tight, and my budget room seemed smaller than rooms I'd had before, but this century-old family-run place completely changed my expectations and restored my faith in authentic ryokan hospitality. Every staff member, from housekeeping to meal service, was warm and professional, with the kind of care that comes from generations of experience. Having stayed at many ryokans around Japan, I'd put Omori Ryokan in my top three lifetime experiences. The contrast with my previous stay made it feel even more meaningful. I was genuinely happy again, and tried to express my gratitude in my limited Japanese at checkout. I booked their most budget-friendly option, so I can only imagine the premium seasonal courses and rooms with better views. If you want to experience authentic ryokan culture at its finest, book directly through their website and consider upgrading for the full experience. This is what Japanese hospitality should be. I'll visit Omori ryokan again, any time in my life. 👍

It felt homey, quiet, and clean, and the staff were friendly and attentive. I'd definitely recommend this hotel.

The rooftop open-air hot spring was spacious and had stunning views. This is a peaceful, relaxing place, close to perfect for a mid-sized hotel. I spent two nights here and found the service, facilities, food, and room all outstanding. Dinner included fugu both nights, which surprised me. Preparing pufferfish is difficult, so they must have an exceptional chef. The second night's meal was even better, with delicious courses from appetizers through dessert. Its wagyu beef main course was generous, nicely balanced between meat and fat, and had no sinew at all. Truly memorable. Room 701 was new, spotless, and wonderfully relaxing. It had its own hot spring, roomy enough for two or three people. The water wasn't too sulfuric, and my skin felt incredibly smooth afterward.

The rotenburo was lovely for stargazing, and the onsen sake experience was a nice touch. There are indoor and outdoor onsens, as well as a separate private onsen, and it's easy to get to the Ikaho steps and bus terminal. Service was great and the staff were friendly. They worked hard to vary the meals, but the second day's dinner and breakfast fell short in taste and texture. Other guests' manners were another downside, including people entering the rotenburo without washing first.