Hotel Ichii
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 529 reviews
Hotel Ichii sits in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma prefecture, occupying a prominent position directly across from the town’s iconic Yubatake spring. The property blends traditional Japanese rooms with Western-style rooms, some offering direct views over the steam and wooden channels that define the hot-spring town. Public areas include a reception that operates throughout the day, a souvenir shop and a small café area; the hotel’s layout spans several connected wings, which places many guest rooms within easy walking distance of the main entrance and public facilities.
On-site facilities centre on thermal bathing: guests have access to multiple indoor pools and an open-air bath fed by Kusatsu’s natural springs, arranged as communal bathing areas rather than private in-room onsens. Dining is provided across two on-site restaurants, where guests can choose between buffet-style meals and more formal Japanese-course options in the evening. Practical services include luggage and ski storage, a shuttle service from the local bus terminal, on-site parking and lift access to upper floors, with free Wi‑Fi available in the lobby and family-friendly room configurations on offer.
The ryokan draws its water from Kusatsu’s sulfur-rich, strongly acidic springs, a characteristic that shapes both the bathing experience and the town’s thermal culture; soaking here gives direct access to the same source that feeds the Yubatake. Located steps from the main hot-spring promenade, the property functions as a convenient base for exploring nearby promenades, shops and evening hot-spring demonstrations, making it a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen Gumma while staying in the centre of Kusatsu’s thermal district.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Ichii
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Many guests praised the hotel’s prime spot right in front of the Yubatake and in the town centre, making it very convenient for sightseeing and access to nearby shops.
Very good onsen facilities
Reviewers highlighted the public baths as a major plus — multiple indoor pools with different temperatures and an outdoor bath with a pleasant garden; overall cleanliness and onsen quality were frequently mentioned.
High-quality food and dining options
Buffet breakfasts/dinners, kaiseki meals and in-room dining received strong compliments for variety and taste; several guests called the meals superb or delicious.
Friendly, professional staff and service
Staff were described as polite, attentive and helpful — handling issues professionally and even providing practical support (for example, wheelchair assistance) which enhanced stays.
Good facilities and amenities
Guests appreciated the hotel facilities such as a ground-floor supermarket, useful toiletries and hair/body products in the onsen, comfortable room features (when present) and overall cleanliness.
Negative Reviews
Rooms feel dated or in need of updating
Multiple guests noted that some rooms and decor felt old, gloomy or in need of renovation, with requests for upgrades to improve ambience.
Repetitive buffet/dinner menus for multi-night stays
Several reviewers who stayed multiple nights reported little change in buffet offerings, finding repeated menus reduced the dining experience over longer stays.
Room maintenance concerns (marks, mould, smells)
A few guests reported cleanliness/maintenance issues in rooms — marks on walls, a mouldy corner and occasional unpleasant smells (toilet/sulphur/urine-like) that should be addressed.
Limited or inconsistent air conditioning
Some rooms lack air conditioning or have limited temperature control; guests visiting in warm periods noted heat in afternoon and reliance on fans or fixed AC settings.
Distance/size and timing issues for some facilities
A minority mentioned being assigned rooms farther from the main buffet or baths (old building), a relatively small public bath area for the number of guests, and short buffet service windows on occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: many Japanese-style rooms take 2–4 guests, and some western-style rooms are for two; maximum occupancy is set per room and cannot be exceeded.
Yes — the property offers both indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths using two local sources, with large public bathing areas for guests to enjoy.
The hotel provides pickup from the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal on request; guests arriving by train should use the local bus to Kusatsu Onsen or arrange pickup from the bus terminal.
From JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station take the local bus to Kusatsu Onsen (about 25 minutes); from Tokyo the trip is commonly around a three-hour drive or a combination of train and bus.
Japanese is the primary language; front-desk staff can provide basic English assistance, but guests should expect most communication and signage to be in Japanese.
The hotel offers two dining styles: a traditional Japanese dining room and a buffet dining venue on the annex top floor; meal sittings are scheduled in the evening and breakfast is served in early shifts.
The property has large public indoor and outdoor baths; private or family-use baths are not guaranteed — request options in advance and the hotel will advise availability.
Pets are not permitted; guests requiring assistance animals should contact the hotel ahead of arrival to confirm arrangements.
Yes — the hotel sits beside Kusatsu’s Yubatake area where shops and convenience stores are within a short walk, and the hotel also houses a sizable souvenir shop.
The hotel is directly in front of the Yubatake hot-spring field and within walking distance of Kusatsu Onsen town; local buses connect to nearby ski areas and regional sightseeing spots for easy day trips.