Hanasaku Onsen Yoshiyaso
6,4/10 Good - Based on 58 reviews
Hanasaku Onsen Yoshiyaso is a compact, traditional Japanese inn located in Katashina village, offering straightforward accommodation with mountain views and a focus on communal bathing. Rooms are primarily Japanese style with futons laid on tatami, and the property advertises family room options alongside single and twin configurations. Guests can expect a modest, lived-in atmosphere rather than a luxury setting, with clean common areas and staff who handle guest needs in a direct, service-oriented way.
Facilities include a communal onsen bath on site, free Wi‑Fi, complimentary private parking and basic guest services such as luggage storage and laundry. Several room types list shared bathrooms rather than en‑suite facilities, and the ryokan provides toiletries and hairdryers in those shared washrooms. Practical details noted by the house: standard check‑in is mid‑afternoon and check‑out is mid‑morning, tattoos may restrict use of public bathing areas, and the property requires full payment at check‑in and may expect settlement in cash (Japanese yen).
Set in a rural part of Gunma prefecture, the inn is positioned for outdoor activity: it is within driving distance of local ski areas and access points for Oze National Park, and close to public hot‑spring facilities and hiking trails that define the Tone district. The combination of a small ryokan with onsen in Gunma, straightforward rooming and free parking makes this property a practical base for visitors seeking mountain trails, day‑trip onsen options and seasonal outdoor sports rather than full resort amenities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hanasaku Onsen Yoshiyaso
Positive Reviews
Friendly, welcoming staff and owner
Multiple guests praised the warm, helpful and homely service from the owner and staff, which improved their stay and created a welcoming atmosphere.
Delicious, generous meals
Many reviews highlight tasty, varied dinners and breakfasts (including homemade tomato juice and generous portions), with some dishes singled out as excellent and refillable options available.
Good onsen (hot spring) experience
Guests reported the hot spring made skin feel smooth and was enjoyable overall when available, described as a relaxing onsen experience.
Quiet, peaceful location ideal for rest
Several visitors appreciated the ryokan's calm setting and ability to sleep well away from noisy crowds, making it suitable for a restful stay.
Traditional, clean rooms and good value
Reviewers liked the clean, traditional-style rooms and felt the accommodation offered reasonable pricing and good value (also noted late check-in flexibility and ski-area convenience for some).
Negative Reviews
Remote location with limited nearby services
Many reviewers noted the ryokan is quite remote: few or no restaurants/shops within walking distance, no on-site shop, and guests need to plan ahead or drive 15–20 minutes for supplies.
Noise issues and thin walls
Thin partitioning and occasional loud sounds were repeatedly mentioned — snoring, owners' alarm, town chime at early hours — which can disturb light sleepers despite the generally quiet setting.
Onsen/rotating facilities problems and extra charges
Several guests reported the outdoor bath or onsen being unavailable or out of service at times; others mentioned additional charges for onsen use or mixed bathing arrangements that affected comfort and privacy.
Limited amenities and room facilities
Reports include missing promised yukata, no in-room fridge or kettle/microwave, only a shared fridge and vending machine outside, sometimes no slippers provided — inconveniences for self-catering or those expecting full amenities.
Maintenance, cleanliness and comfort inconsistencies
Some guests experienced issues such as dusty ventilation fans, personal items/clutter in public areas, hair on bedding, poor insulation/cold rooms and thin futons; a few also found some meals mediocre or a bit salty, indicating inconsistent standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin rooms to Japanese-style family rooms; some room types sleep up to eight guests (family room). Several Japanese-style rooms use futons and some room types share bathroom facilities.
Yes — the property has a natural hot spring public bath for guests. Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas; ask the property if you need special arrangements.
The ryokan notes shuttle/meet-and-greet may be available on request, so please contact them in advance to arrange pickup. Regular public buses also serve the area (see arrival options).
Common access is via JR stations (Jōmō-Kōgen or Numata) followed by a local Kan-etsu bus to the Hotakaguchi bus stop; bus rides from Jōmō-Kōgen are around 80 minutes and from Numata about 50 minutes. From Tokyo allow roughly 2–3 hours door-to-door by train and bus or car.
The official information is primarily in Japanese, so Japanese is the main language; English may be limited. If you have specific needs, request assistance in advance or bring a translation app.
This is a traditional, home-style ryokan with tatami rooms, mountain views and meals featuring the inn’s home-grown vegetables and regional dishes; two-meal plans (dinner and breakfast) are offered. Simple plans (room-only or breakfast-only) are also available.
The ryokan is a practical base for local ski areas (Ogna/Hotaka and Katashina Kogen), hiking around Mount Hotaka and Oze wetland excursions; seasonal outdoor activities vary by season. There are also waterfalls and regional sightseeing within short drives.
Free on-site private parking is available for guests, making car travel convenient. Public transport options include Kan-etsu buses from Jōmō-Kōgen and Numata stations to the nearby Hotakaguchi stop; check schedules and inform the ryokan of arrival times.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 with check-out by 10:00. For certain plans the property accepts much later arrivals (the site notes later check-in windows for breakfast-only or room-only plans), so notify the ryokan of any late arrival in advance.
Pets are not allowed at the property. Convenience stores, a supermarket and other basic shops are available along the route toward Numata IC and within reasonable driving distance; ask the ryokan for directions to the nearest store.