KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 146 reviews
KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu sits within the Kusatsu Onsen district of Gunma, presented as a modern inn that blends Japanese and Western design. Positioned a short walk from the town's hot-spring heart and linked to its main ryokan building, it offers a free shuttle to the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal and easy access to the Yubatake area. The property integrates communal bathing facilities and mountain views with contemporary guest rooms, making it an appealing ryokan with onsen Gumma visitors often choose when combining onsen time with nearby hiking or skiing.
Bathing options are a key focus: the hotel operates a large public indoor bath, an outdoor open-air bath, a rock-heated bed bath and a sauna, with gender-switched hours for shared facilities. Several room types include private open-air baths on their balconies, allowing for secluded soaking with views of sloping hills; the property also facilitates reservations for private baths at an adjacent building. The inn states that fashion tattoos are accepted in its baths. Together, these features position the property as a comfortable ryokan with private onsen Gumma.
Guest rooms are described as modern Japanese style with balconies, Simmons beds, complimentary Wi‑Fi and standard amenities including yukata and quality toiletries; connecting rooms and larger layouts suit families. Breakfast highlights freshly baked highland bread served in a half-buffet format, while evening kaiseki is provided in the main building and showcases local ingredients. Practical details include straightforward access on foot between buildings and a reception open for guest support, creating a pragmatic base for exploring Kusatsu's hot-spring attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu
Positive Reviews
Exceptional private onsen options
Many guests praise the private and open‑air baths (including en‑suite/on‑balcony baths). Access to additional baths at the sister property and the ability to reserve private baths add to the experience and are frequently described as worth the extra cost.
Friendly, attentive staff and good customer service
Staff are repeatedly described as polite, helpful and welcoming; reviewers note thoughtful touches (lounge refreshments, helping with umbrellas, attentive service) that enhance the stay.
Clean, new property with comfortable rooms
Guests mention the hotel feels new, is very clean and well maintained, with comfortable beds. Connecting twin rooms and family‑friendly layouts are highlighted as a convenient option for families.
Good breakfast and on‑site refreshments
Many reviewers compliment the breakfast (often called ‘superb’ or well‑stocked) and the handy lounge with cold tea, water and pastries after the onsen.
Convenient location near attractions
Multiple guests appreciate the hotel’s location — a short walk to popular sights and shopping — making it an easy base for sightseeing.
Negative Reviews
Rooms and bathrooms are compact
Several reviewers report that rooms and especially bathrooms are small with limited space for luggage and personal items; some found the size cramped for longer stays.
Communal onsen can be small/crowded
Although private baths are loved, the shared onsen areas are described as small (fits only a few people comfortably) and can feel crowded at times.
Dinner located in sister building (inconvenient for some)
Dinner service is provided in the sister property a short walk away; some guests found this inconvenient and recommended exploring local restaurants instead.
Breakfast or buffet limitations
A number of guests mentioned the breakfast buffet could be limited or repetitive across multiple days, and some experienced crowding when serving themselves.
Language and operational constraints
While staff are helpful, several reviewers noted limited English which can make communication harder. A few operational issues were raised (e.g., only a single self‑service washing machine that is often occupied).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most standard rooms accommodate 1–3 guests, and connecting rooms can host up to 6 people; some rooms offer limited extra-bed options.
The property has indoor and outdoor onsen, a rock-bed bath and a sauna, with scheduled gender-switching hours; fashion/non-offensive tattoos are accepted in the baths.
Yes, several room types include a private open-air bath on the balcony; for fully private reservable baths guests should ask the hotel as neighbouring main-building facilities may be arranged.
A free shuttle service from the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal is available; please contact the property on arrival or in advance to request it.
The property lists Matsumoto (Shinshu–Matsumoto) as the nearest airport (around 108 km); common access is Shinkansen to Takasaki followed by regional bus to Naganohara Kusatsu-guchi and then a local bus or shuttle to Kusatsu Onsen.
Staff are reported to assist guests in English and may help with basic requests in other languages; contact the hotel ahead of arrival for specific language needs.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is until 11:00.
Breakfast is served as a half-buffet featuring freshly baked highland bread, and dinner is offered as a kaiseki course in the main building’s dining room.
Yes — the hotel is a short walk from Kusatsu’s Yubatake area and the town centre, where you’ll find restaurants, souvenir shops and local attractions for sightseeing.
Pets are not permitted at the property; the hotel does offer connecting twin rooms and room types designed for families or small groups — contact the property to arrange connecting rooms or group allocations.