Daitokan
6,8/10 Good - Based on 821 reviews
Daitokan is a long-established ryokan set a short walk from Kusatsu’s central Yubatake, offering a traditional stay that emphasises access to authentic hot-spring water drawn directly from the Yubatake source. The property operates multiple bathing areas — including indoor public baths and an outdoor onsen — that present the town’s characteristic slightly sulfurous, acidic spring water, and the hotel promotes a local “yumeguri” circuit that lets guests sample additional nearby sources. The setting balances a classic tatami-led interior with practical touches for contemporary stays.
Accommodation is centred on Japanese-style rooms with futons and larger suites that can accommodate families; front-facing rooms overlook the Yubatake while other room types include Western-style elements and a dedicated pet-friendly floor for guests travelling with dogs. On-site dining comprises both buffet and kaiseki options plus a private-dining room and a main restaurant that features local seasonal produce; everyday conveniences listed for guests include free Wi‑Fi, elevator access, family-room configurations and nearby parking with a shuttle link to the parking area.
Located in the heart of Kusatsu town, the ryokan makes a practical base for walking the hot-spring streets, visiting public bathhouses and exploring nearby trails around Mount Kusatsu-Shirane; it is presented as a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Kusatsu and is one of the options for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Gunma. Note that baths follow standard local rules — tattoos may restrict access to public baths — and while the property offers multiple shared and open-air baths, in-room private onsen are not promoted as a standard feature.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Daitokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Many guests praised the hotel's location in the heart of town, often noting its proximity to the Yubatake and easy access to shops, restaurants and local attractions.
Good onsen experience
Multiple reviewers highlighted the hot springs as a strong point — the onsen water quality and size were appreciated, and some guests noted access to additional public baths owned by the same group.
Varied and tasty buffet dining
Breakfast and dinner buffets were frequently described as good, with a wide variety of dishes that many guests enjoyed.
Spacious rooms and pleasant views
Several guests reported large room sizes and, for certain rooms, attractive views (including Yubatake), making the stay comfortable for families or groups.
Reasonable value and convenient extras
Reviewers found the hotel to offer good value for money; positives mentioned included a wide selection of yukata for guests and conveniences like free parking with shuttle service.
Negative Reviews
Aging, worn facilities
A recurring complaint was that the hotel is dated: worn decor, faded paint, ripped carpets, water stains and general need for refurbishment were noted across many reviews.
Onsen cleanliness and maintenance concerns
Several guests reported that some onsen areas were not well maintained, mentioning mould, dirt accumulation and a need for deeper or more frequent cleaning.
Room condition issues (smell, noise, shabby furnishings)
Reports included cigarette smell in some rooms, creaking floors and shabby or old furniture and lighting, which affected comfort for a number of visitors.
Plumbing and water problems
Reviewers described issues with plumbing such as old piping, intermittent lack of hot water, low shower pressure in the baths and heating that struggled in very cold weather.
Connectivity and unexpected logistics
Some guests experienced unreliable internet and noted operational or informational gaps — e.g. parking being offsite with shuttle service not clearly communicated, absence of an open-air bath (rotenburo) and occasional staff/helpfulness concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms for couples to larger family rooms; some room types sleep up to eight using futons. Check the specific room description when booking to confirm exact capacity.
Yes — the property offers hot spring facilities including indoor public baths and an open-air bath supplied from the local Yubatake source. Standard onsen etiquette applies and tattoos may restrict access to public bathing areas.
Private/family (kashikiri) baths are available at the property; availability is managed at the front desk so please ask on arrival or request in advance. Use policies and booking procedures vary, so the staff can confirm times and reservations.
Free parking is provided at a nearby sister parking area with a shuttle service to the property; guests should contact the ryokan directly for the shuttle schedule and drop-off details. Street access from the Kusatsu Bus Terminal is a short walk.
Most visitors reach Kusatsu by train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and then a JR bus to Kusatsu Bus Terminal, followed by a short walk to the ryokan; Matsumoto is the closest regional airport, while Narita and Haneda are farther. Local bus and taxi connections run regularly from the bus terminal.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and can handle basic English in many cases; English support may be limited, so a translation app or simple Japanese phrases can be helpful. The reception can assist with key directions and logistics.
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with tatami and yukata provided; many include modern amenities such as a refrigerator, TV, and washlet toilets. The ryokan offers a buffet breakfast and on-site dinner options — note dinner service may require earlier check-in.
The ryokan sits very close to Kusatsu’s Yubatake and the hot-spring shopping street; Sainokawara Park and local temples are a short walk away, and Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is nearby by car. Jigokudani Monkey Park and mountain hiking areas are within a longer day-trip distance.
Check-in typically begins at 15:00 with standard latest check-in in the early evening, and check-out is by 10:00. If you plan to have dinner at the ryokan, arrive by the published dinner check-in deadline (usually early evening) so the kitchen can be notified.
Pets are not permitted in the property’s general guest rooms and public areas; if you need pet-specific facilities, confirm directly with the ryokan. Convenience stores and local shops are within walking distance for basic supplies, and the front desk can advise on the nearest supermarket.