Hotel Sakurai
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Hotel Sakurai sits on the higher slopes of Kusatsu Onsen and operates as a large, traditional ryokan that blends modern guest facilities with classic onsen culture. The property positions itself a short shuttle ride from the town’s central Yubatake and offers a mix of Japanese-style tatami rooms, Western-style rooms and suites, some of which include en-suite baths. Public areas include a seasonal outdoor pool, a garden, an extensive dining wing with multiple restaurants and a club lounge; services aim to support winter skiers and summer visitors alike.
The bathing facilities are the hotel’s focal point: several communal hot-spring baths are supplied by Kusatsu’s thermal waters and operate across gender-separated indoor and outdoor pools, complemented by bathing areas that vary in temperature and atmosphere. The hotel stages traditional local performances after dinner and maintains a large main bath favored by guests seeking an active onsen experience. A free shuttle to key town points is scheduled regularly, and on-site amenities extend to a shop, game room and parking.
Meals are offered through buffet and set-course formats in different dining rooms, emphasizing regional ingredients and a broad selection to suit international visitors. Front-desk staff organise transfers and can advise on nearby walks, the ski area and the hot-spring town’s public baths, making the property a practical base for exploring Kusatsu. For travellers searching for a ryokan with onsen in Gumma, the hotel combines easy access to town attractions with substantial communal bathing facilities and a selection of room types that include private-bath options.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Sakurai
Positive Reviews
Excellent hot spring baths
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen facilities—very clean public baths, enjoyable outdoor 'cloud' milky bath, and private in-room baths that left skin feeling smooth.
Very good dinner and breakfast buffet
Many guests highlighted the buffet as a strong point: wide variety, tasty local dishes (including beef steaks), welcome drinks and good value for dinner and breakfast.
Friendly, helpful and English‑speaking staff
Staff were frequently described as warm, attentive and helpful—using translator devices when needed, assisting with early check-out coordination, and remaining available for any issues.
Clean, comfortable and well‑appointed rooms
Guests reported clean rooms, comfortable tatami-style and family rooms, some rooms with seating areas and private baths, and overall pleasant room comfort.
Convenient location and hotel amenities
Many appreciated the location near Yubatake, the hotel lounge (Sakura Lounge), evening performances, shuttle service to/from the bus station, accessibility support for guests with mobility needs, and family-friendly facilities.
Negative Reviews
Bathroom cleanliness and odor problems in some rooms
A number of guests reported issues with in-room bathroom condition—portable-style bathrooms, strong unpleasant odors, instances of unclean toilets or green residue near sinks.
Meal service shortcomings (temperature and repetition)
Some reviewers noted warm dishes being served cold at times and that buffet menus could repeat across consecutive nights, reducing variety for longer stays.
Limited shuttle schedule and not directly in town center
While shuttle service exists, guests said schedules are limited and the hotel is not immediately in the town center; more frequent shuttle pickup (including from Karuizawa) was requested.
Some rooms feel dated or have ventilation issues
A few guests found certain rooms outdated or poorly ventilated—facing vents that emit smoke/odors, inability to open windows and no AC in some rooms, making them uncomfortably warm.
Perceived high price for some guests
A minority of reviewers felt the hotel was a bit expensive, especially where room décor or buffet experience did not meet their expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by type from 1–2 up to suites that sleep up to 8; some family and tatami rooms accommodate 4–6. Check the specific room description for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the hotel uses three Kusatsu springs and offers large gender-separated public baths, open-air baths, and outdoor bathing areas. The property emphasizes natural (undiluted) spring water.
Some room types include a private open-air bath for exclusive use; the large public baths are shared and are generally not privately reservable. If you need exclusive use, select a room with an in-room bath or ask the hotel in advance.
Yes — the hotel runs a free shuttle between the hotel and Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal with regular late-afternoon and evening departures. Confirm exact pickup times with the hotel before arrival.
There is no direct airport shuttle; most guests travel via Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) or Nagano and then take a JR bus or highway bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. From the bus terminal the hotel’s free shuttle or a short walk will get you to the property.
Staff provide English assistance and the hotel can use translation support tools; some front-desk staff speak English. If you have specific needs, note them when you reserve.
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00; the hotel asks guests to notify expected arrival time. Guests should arrive by early evening if they wish to be served dinner, as late check-in may affect meal service.
Pets are not allowed at the property. While some rooms offer private in-room baths, most shared facilities (public baths, pools, lounges) are not available for private rental.
The hotel is about a 9‑minute walk from Kusatsu’s Yubatake and close to the town center where the Yumomi (traditional hot‑water stirring) performance and shops are located. Restaurants, souvenir shops and small convenience stores are within easy walking distance.
The hotel offers buffet and kaiseki (Japanese course) meal styles and an on‑site restaurant serving varied cuisines depending on the plan. Special dietary requests can usually be accommodated with advance notice — state them when booking.