Urakusatsu TOU
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 1414 reviews
Urakusatsu TOU sits in the spa town of Kusatsu, offering a contemporary interpretation of a traditional inn that balances tatami-style and Western comforts. Located within easy walking distance of the town centre and the thermal attractions that define Kusatsu, the property positions guests for short walks to the Yubatake area and local shops. The hotel presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Gumma, combining accessible public bathing facilities with room options that emphasise privacy and relaxation.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard Japanese-style rooms to larger deluxe units; several deluxe rooms come with an en-suite hot-spring bath set on an enclosed balcony, providing a semi-open-air private soak. In addition to the in-room options, the property operates communal indoor and open-air baths and offers reservable kashikiri baths on separate floors for exclusive use. The establishment draws its water from local Kusatsu sources known locally for skin- and muscle-care properties, and the layout prioritises clear sightlines and simple finishes to support a restful stay.
On-site dining focuses on seasonal Japanese courses and regional preparations such as hot pots and stone-plate dishes, served in a compact restaurant and supported by a small terrace and lounge area for quieter moments. Practical amenities include on-site parking, Wi‑Fi, and non-smoking policies, and staff provide English and Japanese service to assist with local transit and activity arrangements. The property is a practical choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Kusatsu, particularly for travellers who prefer a modern setting with both communal and room-based bathing options.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Urakusatsu TOU
Positive Reviews
Clean, modern and well‑designed rooms
Guests repeatedly praised the ryokan’s modern Japanese design, spotless rooms and comfortable beds, often mentioning spacious layouts and attractive pottery used throughout the property.
Excellent onsen experience
Reviewers highlighted relaxing, high‑quality hot springs (onsen), including private onsen options and convenient access to public foot onsen, describing the waters as healing and the facilities as very clean and high‑end.
Great central location
Many guests appreciated the hotel’s location in the centre of Kusatsu, within easy walking distance of Yubatake and bus stops, making it convenient for sightseeing and transport.
Outstanding food and dining
Dinner and breakfast were frequently called a highlight — well presented, tasty, often using local ingredients and able to accommodate dietary requirements; several guests said meals exceeded expectations.
Helpful, attentive staff and thoughtful amenities
Staff were described as very polite, helpful and sometimes going above and beyond (e.g., helping with luggage or transport). Amenities such as yukata provided for onsen tours and quality robes were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Dining time and reservation constraints
Some guests experienced issues with dinner scheduling (missed service times, quick course pacing) and were frustrated by limited service windows; one noted being unable to dine because reservations were required days in advance.
Private onsen availability and seasonal closures
Private outdoor onsen can be limited or closed seasonally (closed in winter) and some guests noted private baths may incur extra charges; public baths also have midday closure periods (approximately 10:00–16:00).
Parking limitations and logistics
Several reviewers reported insufficient on‑site parking, with the main lot located some distance away requiring staff transport or a shuttle; lack of clear prior information about parking arrangements caused inconvenience.
Breakfast temperature and variety concerns
A number of guests found breakfast dishes cold or overly salty and noted limited variety or repeated set menus for multi‑night stays, with requests for more warm options and hotter rice/coffee.
Check‑in/check‑out and service inconsistencies
Some guests mentioned slow check‑in, strict late‑checkout policies (hourly charges for small extensions), occasional staff errors at checkout and inconsistent assistance at departure times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from twin to suite styles; several room types can sleep up to four guests (two beds plus futons). Cots and extra beds are not available, so check room occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property has public hot-spring baths and hot-spring facilities for guests to use. Some room types also offer private hot-spring rooms or private open‑air baths in select suites.
Private onsen options are available in certain room types; guests can book rooms with private hot‑spring baths. For exclusive booking of public-bath hours or special requests, contact the property directly before arrival.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is a short walk from Kusatsu Bus Terminal, and local taxis operate in town. Guests arriving from airports typically use bus or train connections to Kusatsu then walk or take a taxi to the ryokan.
The nearest train station (Kawarayu‑Onsen) is around 18 km away, and Matsumoto Airport is approximately 107 km from the property. Kusatsu Bus Terminal is within a few minutes’ walk of the ryokan.
Staff at Urakusatsu TOU speak Japanese and English to assist international guests. The 24‑hour front desk can help with directions and local arrangements in those languages.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is until 11:00. Late arrivals (up to midnight) are accepted — notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive very late.
Pets are not allowed on the property. Whole‑property privatization is not advertised as a standard option; contact the ryokan directly for inquiries about special rentals or event use.
The ryokan has an on‑site Japanese restaurant serving breakfast and dinner with a traditional presentation; breakfast is offered in an Asian style. Staff have been reported to accommodate dietary requirements if advised in advance.
Urakusatsu TOU sits close to Kusatsu’s hot‑spring town centre, with public baths, shops and convenience stores within walking distance and easy access to the town’s yubatake area and local foot onsens. Popular nearby sites include Mt. Kusatsu‑Shirane and ski facilities, while Jigokudani Monkey Park and other regional sights are a longer drive away.