Osakaya Ryokan
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 307 reviews
Osakaya Ryokan sits in Kusatsu Onsen, Gumma, a traditional inn a short walk from the town's Yubatake hot-spring area. It offers tatami rooms, yukata for guests and communal spaces reflecting ryokan customs. The central location makes it easy to explore wooden promenades, public bathhouses and seasonal events. This ryokan with onsen Gumma pairs town access with on-site bathing facilities.
On-site bathing includes indoor pools and outdoor hot-spring baths fed by local springs, plus reservable private baths for couples or families who prefer solitude. Bathing areas are maintained in a traditional style and towels and basic amenities are supplied; staff can assist with reservations for the private onsen when required. The property also operates a shuttle service and provides on-site parking to simplify arrivals and departures, while access between rooms and bathing facilities follows customary ryokan arrangements.
Guest rooms range from single-style tatami to larger family layouts; some room types include a small private wooden bath or direct access to shared facilities, and futon bedding is set each evening by staff. Meals emphasize seasonal Japanese cuisine served in banquet-style dining rooms, with evening multi-course dinners and morning breakfasts using local ingredients. Practical amenities include lobby Wi‑Fi, luggage assistance and occasional bilingual support, while the ryokan's position in Kusatsu keeps cultural highlights and restaurants within easy walking distance. This ryokan with private onsen Gunma offers both communal atmosphere and reservable privacy.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Osakaya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviewers praised the helpful, courteous and attentive service — staff assisted with luggage, answered questions and provided warm, traditional hospitality.
Excellent central location
Guests highlighted the ryokan’s prime location within easy walking distance of the main Yubatake area and town attractions, with convenient parking and valeting available.
High-quality meals
Several reviewers enjoyed the multi-course kaiseki dinners and breakfasts — food was described as well-presented, tasty, natural in flavor and a memorable part of the stay.
Good onsen options (including private baths)
The public and rentable private onsens were appreciated: relaxing outdoor and indoor baths, affordable private-onset bookings for families or beginners, and generally well-maintained bathing facilities.
Authentic traditional rooms and cleanliness
Guests liked the ryokan’s traditional decor, spacious tatami rooms, comfortable futons, clean bathrooms and overall authentic atmosphere that delivered the expected ryokan experience.
Negative Reviews
Limited or unreliable Wi‑Fi
Many reviewers reported no in‑room Wi‑Fi and only patchy, sometimes unreliable Wi‑Fi in the lobby, which frustrated guests who needed internet access.
Aging facilities and maintenance issues
Some guests noted dated areas, frayed parts of rooms, and cleanliness concerns (e.g. outdoor bath ceiling mold or outdoor onsen not fully clean), indicating maintenance could be improved.
Onsen temperature and variety concerns
Several visitors found the baths very hot and would have preferred pools with varied temperatures; one review also mentioned the male onsen being smaller than the female onsen.
Comfort issues (pillows/room coziness)
A few guests mentioned stiff pillows and a lack of cosy touches in some rooms, which affected sleep comfort for some visitors.
Insufficient guest guidance/room amenities
Some guests wanted clearer instructions about ryokan etiquette and in‑room facilities (where to remove shoes, slipper use), plus small conveniences (e.g. availability of water in onsen changing rooms) were requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary: most rooms are for 2 guests, with larger Japanese-style rooms and suites available for families or small groups (typically up to 4–5); contact the ryokan to confirm exact occupancy for a specific room.
Yes — the ryokan uses Kusatsu’s hot spring water and offers public baths plus private indoor and open-air baths that can be reserved for private use.
Yes — a free shuttle service runs to/from the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal; reservations are usually required, so request pickup in advance.
The nearest major airports are Tokyo (Haneda or Narita); common routes are train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station followed by a local bus to Kusatsu Onsen or direct highway buses from Tokyo to Kusatsu.
Staff can assist in English to varying degrees; the ryokan typically has some English-speaking staff but it’s best to note any language needs when booking.
Osakaya serves traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts, often served in-room or in dining halls; the kitchen can usually accommodate dietary requests if informed ahead of time.
The ryokan is in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, a short walk from the Yubatake and town shops; seasonal festivals, local hot-spring sites and scenic walks around the town are all nearby.
Standard check-in is in the afternoon (around 14:00–18:00) and check-out is by 10:00; the ryokan can assist with luggage handling and many guests use luggage forwarding services for onward travel.
Private-use baths can be reserved, but full-house privatization requires prior arrangement with the ryokan; pets are not permitted on the premises.
Wi‑Fi is generally available in public areas (lobby) rather than in all rooms; there is free on-site parking, and convenience stores and local shops are within a short walk of the ryokan.