KAMENOI HOTEL Kusatsu Resort
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 934 reviews
Perched on a wooded hill above the hot spring town, KAMENOI HOTEL Kusatsu Resort presents a ryokan-style resort experience that combines traditional Japanese rooms with larger western and family layouts. The property is scheduled for rebranding and reopening on December 25, 2025, and positions itself as a resort hub for mountain views toward Mt. Asama and Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane; a complimentary shuttle links guests to the town center and the Yubatake area, while on-site parking and a restaurant serving regional dishes are part of the core offering. Guestroom types range from classic tatami Japanese rooms to mixed Japanese‑Western layouts designed to accommodate families and groups, with standard amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi‑Fi and in-room kettles.
The bathing facilities are central to the hotel’s identity: the property uses free-flowing Kusatsu spring water drawn from the Bandaiko source and features a renovated large public bathing complex with indoor and garden open-air pools that emphasize the strong, acidic thermal properties long associated with the resort. Day-bathing is available for non-staying visitors during set hours, and bathing etiquette is enforced for safety and comfort; these communal hot springs underline why the property is promoted as a ryokan with onsen Gumma, appealing to visitors seeking an authentic Kusatsu hot-spring experience.
On the practical side, the resort highlights a buffet restaurant focused on local Gunma ingredients, leisure facilities such as a comic library, game corner and table-tennis area, and seasonal services including ski rental in winter. The hotel operates family-friendly services, children’s meal options and shuttle connections to local transport; front-desk hours and facility access are posted by the property and may change during renovation periods, so guests are advised to confirm availability and arrival procedures directly with the hotel before travel.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KAMENOI HOTEL Kusatsu Resort
Positive Reviews
Strong onsen experience (indoor & outdoor, hopping available)
Many guests praised the onsen: large indoor and attractive outdoor baths, well‑decorated with trees/landscapes, and access to sister onsen facilities allowing 'onsen hopping' which enhanced the stay.
Friendly and helpful staff
Multiple reviews mentioned polite, attentive and helpful staff who assisted with luggage, provided yukata and accessories, offered baggage storage after check‑out and generally delivered good service.
Good breakfast and dining
Several guests highlighted a complete, typical Japanese breakfast—some calling it ‘incredible’—and generally positive comments about the food, even where meals were set rather than buffet style.
Spacious traditional rooms and comfortable futons
Guests appreciated the large Japanese‑style (tatami) rooms, scenic mountain views from rooms, and comfortable futons—several noted the rooms were roomy and authentic.
Useful amenities and convenient shuttle
Reviewers liked the hotel's size and facilities (manga/library room, game/table tennis room, shop, free drink machines) and found the hotel shuttle useful to reach the centre or the station, avoiding a steep 15‑minute walk.
Negative Reviews
Property is dated and needs renovation
Many comments noted that the hotel and rooms feel old or worn, with multiple reviewers saying renovations are needed to improve the overall impression.
Bathroom and some onsen issues
Several guests reported problems with bathroom quality (small or in need of improvement) and at least one found the onsen water too hot or poorly lit at night, reducing enjoyment for some visitors.
Smoking smell in rooms
A number of reviews mentioned tobacco or smoky odours in rooms (including some 'non‑smoking' rooms), requiring windows to be opened or detracting from comfort.
Shuttle timing and distance to centre
While the shuttle is appreciated, reviewers pointed out that schedules are not always convenient and the hotel is a walk or shuttle ride up the mountain from the town centre, which can limit easy access.
Maintenance and facility shortcomings (Wi‑Fi, AC, beds, service gaps)
Guests reported intermittent Wi‑Fi, occasional non‑working air conditioning, very hard beds, limited bathroom amenities, and inconsistent service (e.g., trainees with less experience or room service needing improvement).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin and standard Japanese rooms to large family and connecting rooms; some configurations accommodate up to nine guests (connecting rooms) and family rooms up to five. Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
The hotel offers large public baths, a garden open-air bath fed by the Bandaiko (Bandai Mine) source and a sauna; the property highlights high-flow, naturally sourced hot spring water and planned bath renovations. Peak facilities and opening hours may vary during renovation periods.
Guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to public baths; covering tattoos or asking staff for guidance is recommended. Private or in-room baths (if reserved) offer an alternative.
Yes — the hotel provides a free shuttle service and guests can use pick-up shuttles from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal without a reservation. The hotel notes roughly a 5-minute shuttle ride to the Yubatake area and is about a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal.
You can reach Kusatsu by direct trains from Tokyo or Omiya, or by train to JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi followed by a local bus (about 25 minutes). The hotel is also reachable by car (roughly 90 minutes from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC) and by buses from Karuizawa and other regional hubs.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM (the booking page advises arrivals usually by 7:30 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Please inform the hotel in advance of your expected arrival time.
An on-site Japanese restaurant serves breakfast and dinner; the hotel plans a buffet-style offering focused on Gunma regional dishes after renovation. Children’s meals are available for ages 3–5, with older children served adult portions.
Some renovated premium room types include private semi-open-air in-room spring baths, while most guests use the large public baths; request private or in-room options when booking to confirm availability. Private-use options may be limited and dependent on room type.
Pets are not permitted at the property. The hotel operates an on-site shop selling souvenirs and basic daily necessities, and additional shops and convenience stores are available in Kusatsu town near the Yubatake area.
The hotel is close to Kusatsu’s Yubatake (about a 5-minute shuttle), Kusatsu Ski Resort and Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, with day-trip options such as Jigokudani Monkey Park located farther afield. The hotel’s hilltop location also provides mountain views and easy access to local sightseeing.