Goroji Bekkan
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 44 reviews
Goroji Bekkan is the annex of a small, family-run pension in Kusatsu, offering compact, informal accommodation that emphasises access to the town’s hot-spring culture. Operated alongside a main building, it provides simple Japanese-style rooms and an annex option without meals, plus a light morning service with homemade bread and jam. A very short walk from the central Yubatake and Sainokawara Park, the property is positioned as a practical base for sightseeing and nearby ski areas and operates like a modest ryokan with private onsen Gumma visitors choose for a quieter, more intimate stay.
The property highlights a private hinoki (cypress) open-air bath set in a small garden, available with selected plans so guests can enjoy a private outdoor soak; other room types use shared bathing facilities. The onsen water comes from Kusatsu’s local sources, and the wooden tub and compact outdoor setting deliver a sensory, restorative experience distinct from larger communal baths. Interiors are straightforward and domestic in character—tatami with futon bedding, simple furnishings and an in-house counter selling a few local snacks and bath amenities—suited to couples and small groups prioritising privacy over resort-scale amenities.
Service is low-key and host-run: staff manage reservations, a basic breakfast service and practical requests, and guests are asked to confirm arrival times in advance when travelling by public transport. Practical amenities include on-site parking, basic free Wi‑Fi and luggage storage, while highway-bus links connect Kusatsu with major stations. For travelers seeking a quietly local alternative to larger hotels, the annex’s compact scale, direct access to walking routes and proximity to the springs make it an unpretentious choice as a ryokan with onsen Gumma and a convenient base for exploring the wider Gunma area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Goroji Bekkan
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Many guests praised the location as ideal for exploring the town and hot-spring area — very close to Yubatake and other tourist spots, convenient for walking and sightseeing.
Clean rooms and facilities
Multiple reviews mention that rooms and shared facilities are very clean, contributing to a comfortable stay.
Nice onsen options (private and shared)
Guests appreciated the onsen: the private/kashikiri baths are a big plus, the shared baths use hot spring water and can be used repeatedly when available; overall the hot springs and water quality were enjoyed.
Helpful and friendly staff
Several reviewers highlighted attentive, helpful staff and good service at reception or from the on-site team, which improved their experience.
Good value / cozy atmosphere
Many found the ryokan good value compared with nearby options — cozy and warm in winter, simple and comfortable for guests who do not require highly traditional or upscale services.
Negative Reviews
Confusing arrival and parking/check‑in
Some guests reported unclear arrival instructions — where to park and how to enter can be confusing, and check-in is handled across the road which can feel awkward at first.
Basic amenities not always provided
Several reviewers noted that toothbrushes, towels or other toiletry items are not included for bare accommodations and may need to be rented or purchased; guests were advised to bring their own.
Shared-bath logistics and limited equipment
There were complaints about the shared bath system: unclear timing/availability, misleading occupancy indicators, and limited supplies (only one set of washbasin/seat and a single hairdryer) causing waits and inconvenience for families.
Room shortcomings and accessibility issues
Some rooms had issues such as cigarette smell from neighboring rooms, very small TVs, lack of chairs (problematic for elderly guests), and at least one case of a guest receiving a different room style than booked.
Slow Wi‑Fi and occasional cold reception
A few guests experienced very slow Wi‑Fi that affected work, and some reported a cold or poor welcome at check-in on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single to family-style; some rooms sleep up to five adults and family rooms offer up to eight futons. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so please enter the correct number and ages of children when booking.
Yes — the ryokan has hot spring facilities including communal bathing and a reservable private (kashikiri) onsen. Please ask staff on arrival for availability and any usage rules.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; guests are advised to arrange transfers in advance with the property if needed. The nearest regional airport noted is Matsumoto (about 107 km).
Staff are primarily Japanese but are described as helpful; some English is spoken. If you need language assistance, mention it when you inform the property of your arrival time.
Expect a simple ryokan stay with tatami rooms and futon bedding, yukata provided, shared-bath facilities and a communal kitchen area for a local, low-key experience. The property sits close to Kusatsu’s onsen district for authentic hot-spring culture.
The ryokan is within easy walking distance of Kusatsu town center and the Yubatake hot-spring area; Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane is about 14 km away and Jigokudani Monkey Park is roughly 46 km. Local parks and onsen spots are all nearby in town.
Long‑distance highway buses and local buses serve Kusatsu, and the property is only a short walk from the town center (about 1,300 ft). From major JR stations you will normally transfer to a local bus or highway bus to Kusatsu.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 20:00 and check‑out is from 06:00 to 10:00. You must inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
A private/reservable onsen (kashikiri) is offered subject to availability and booking; ask the staff to reserve a time. Pets are not permitted on the property.
Light breakfast can be purchased at the ryokan and there is a communal kitchen for guest use; many restaurants and convenience stores are within walking distance in the town center. For full meals, several local eateries around Yubatake are recommended.