Hataya Onsen Sasa no yu
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 173 reviews
Hataya Onsen Sasa no yu is a compact, family-run ryokan in the mountain village of Katashina that emphasizes a quiet, restorative stay. The property has just five guest rooms on the upper floor and communal spaces arranged around a riverside garden and lounge, giving visitors an intimate atmosphere rather than a large resort feel. Traditional tatami rooms and simple conveniences such as a kettle, green tea set, complimentary Wi‑Fi and on-site parking are provided, making it a practical choice for hikers, skiers and travelers exploring nearby highland trails. As a small ryokan with onsen Katashina, Gunma, it focuses squarely on its bathing and local outdoor activities.
The onsen itself is a defining feature: the spring is managed as a true gensen kakenagashi with a source temperature around 42°C and an alkaline simple composition that many guests describe as gentle on the skin. The facility maintains both an indoor hot-spring bath and an open-air bath where the water can run cooler to the body-temperature range in the fresh air, and management offers private-rental (kashikiri) plans for guests who prefer exclusive use. With a high natural flow from the source, the baths are used without heating, dilution or circulation, and the property highlights the onsen’s reputation for being mild enough for children and seniors while prized for its skin‑softening qualities, making it a notable ryokan with private onsen Gumma.
Beyond bathing, the ryokan positions itself as a low-key base for seasonal pursuits: access to Oze trails, nearby ski areas and local waterfalls is straightforward by car, and the property supports day‑use bathing alongside overnight stays. The small scale of the accommodation means meal and activity options are modest and often oriented toward local produce and homestyle service rather than extensive restaurant facilities; guests typically find a relaxed schedule for check‑in and flexible arrangements for towels and yukata on request. For travellers who prioritise an authentic, source‑driven onsen experience in a quiet setting, this property offers a concise, serviceable package focused on the water and the surrounding countryside.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hataya Onsen Sasa no yu
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen with long-soak appeal
Multiple guests praised the onsen: it's natural/flowing (seems 100% kake‑nagashi), comfortable for long soaks and helped relieve fatigue after hiking or a long day.
Friendly and helpful staff
Several reviews mention very friendly, accommodating staff who assisted with trip needs and adjusted requests (e.g., breakfast time), creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Clean, comfortable rooms and bedding
Rooms and futons were frequently described as clean, spacious enough for solo travelers and families, and overall comfortable for sleeping.
Great location for hikers and nature lovers
Guests appreciated the convenient location near Oze Park and local waterfalls, making the inn a good base for hiking and outdoor activities.
Good value for the price
Many reviewers felt the accommodation was inexpensive for the quality offered, describing it as reasonable or a bargain given the facilities and service.
Negative Reviews
Onsen temperature often lukewarm
Several guests noted the hot spring is on the cooler side (described around ~30°C), which some liked for long soaks but others found too cold for the outdoor/rotenburo experience.
Thin walls and noise disturbance
Multiple reviews reported poor soundproofing: noise from neighboring rooms, guests or staff in corridors disrupted sleep and privacy at times.
Limited private facilities in rooms
Many stays involve shared baths and no private toilets or in‑room showers; some guests specifically requested a shower room or noted the lack of private toilets as a drawback.
Serious staffing/service lapse reported
At least one guest reported a severe incident where the entrance was locked while guests returned, leaving them outside in very cold conditions, and observed unprofessional staff behavior afterwards.
Amenity and maintenance shortcomings
A few guests mentioned missing or insufficient amenities (no hangers/drying room after skiing), occasional cleanliness issues (door/mat to rotenburo), heating concerns (use of oil stove), and limited hot water at some sinks; some also felt on-site meals were overpriced or modest in quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers small guest rooms: twin rooms with two futons and a Japanese-style quadruple with four futons; the property has only a few rooms (five reported for overnight stays). Children are welcome but there are no extra beds or cots.
Sasa-no-yu is a natural, free‑flowing (gensen kakenagashi) hot spring with an outdoor bath; the water is mild, alkaline and is known for being gentle on the skin.
The property features public indoor and open‑air baths; private or reserved use may be limited, so please request private-use options directly when booking or on arrival.
Standard check-in is 15:00–20:00 and check-out is 06:00–11:00; note that access to the property is restricted during certain evening hours, so late arrivals should be arranged with the ryokan in advance.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the nearest major train access is Numata Station (JR Joetsu Line), and most guests use taxis or private car transfers from the station or airports.
Major Tokyo airports (Haneda/Narita) are commonly used for access to Gunma; regional Matsumoto Airport is substantially farther (reported around 178 km), so plan ground transport accordingly.
English-speaking staff are available and the ryokan can provide basic local guidance for hiking, skiing and sightseeing in Katashina Village.
Breakfast is offered at the property; some room rates may not include dinner, and there is a small on-site minimarket plus shared appliances (microwave, toaster) for light self-catering.
The area is popular for hiking and skiing: Oze trailheads are about a 30‑minute drive, nearby ski areas 20–30 minutes by car, Big Fall Fukiwari about 10 minutes, and other scenic spots such as waterfalls within short drives.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; the ryokan is family-friendly—children are welcome—but guests should observe quiet hours (generally late evening to early morning) and the limited room size when travelling with family.