Itoen Hotel Kusatsu
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 205 reviews
Set on the wooded slopes of Kusatsu, this mid‑size ryokan blends straightforward comfort with easy access to the town’s steam‑shrouded streets and hiking routes. Guest accommodation ranges from Western twin rooms to traditional Japanese‑style layouts with tatami and futons; a number of rooms feature semi‑open‑air baths that draw directly from the Kusatsu sources so guests can soak privately at room level. Practical touches include a staffed 24‑hour reception, a free shuttle that links the property with the town centre, and on‑site parking for roughly fifty vehicles.
The property centres on its thermal facilities: large public baths and an outdoor onsen offer continuous natural flow from one of Kusatsu’s main sources, noted on site for very high discharge and strong acidity, and the hotel promotes in‑room semi‑open‑air bathing where available. For private use there are small reservable baths that can be booked at the desk for short, timed slots (these are in demand and typically limited in duration), so it functions both as a ryokan with onsen Gumma and as an option for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Gumma experience when privacy is preferred.
Meals are served buffet style with a mix of regional and seasonal ingredients alongside familiar Western options, and evening offerings often include a broad selection aimed at families and groups. Shared facilities extend beyond the baths to a sauna, communal lounge, game and table‑sports areas, and occasional entertainment spaces; the hotel also lists standard credit‑card and electronic payment methods and operates typical check‑in (from mid‑afternoon) and check‑out (by late morning) hours, making it a practical base for exploring Kusatsu’s hot‑spring highlights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Itoen Hotel Kusatsu
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen with private options
Many guests praised the hot springs — several mentioned a very enjoyable public onsen and the ability to reserve private/onsen baths (often free for a set time), including open-air private baths.
Tasty meals and included drinks
Numerous reviews highlighted excellent meals — some called the included dinner and breakfast amazing — and several appreciated free or all-you-can-drink offerings (beer, sake, alcohol) at dinner.
Clean, spacious rooms and good amenities
Guests frequently noted clean, comfortable and relatively large rooms, plus a wide selection of toiletries (shampoos/conditioners) and well-maintained facilities.
Family-friendly entertainment and facilities
The hotel offers family-oriented activities — karaoke rooms, arcade/games, ping-pong/table tennis — which reviewers found enjoyable for groups and children.
Good value and convenient shuttle/parking options
Many felt the stay was good value for money and affordable. Reviewers traveling by car appreciated the shuttle service to the main area (helpful due to difficult central parking) and regular buses to the town terminal.
Negative Reviews
Location is away from town center
Multiple guests said the hotel is a fair distance from the main street/yubatake area; while a shuttle/bus helps, the distance can be inconvenient for sightseeing or evening outings.
Food variety/quality sometimes inconsistent
Although some praised the buffet, others felt the food selection or quality (especially breakfast) was limited or more like casual/B-grade fare; a few requested a greater variety at the buffet.
Onsen limitations and temperature issues
Some reviewers described the onsen as simple or small and noted the baths could be too hot (making them unsuitable for young children); a few suggested more outdoor baths or better temperature adjustment.
Room/facility small shortcomings
Guests reported practical issues such as too few power outlets in rooms, small mirrors, noisy washbasin/drain sounds, and corridor squat toilets — minor comfort or accessibility drawbacks for some visitors.
Service/communication and buffet utensil shortages
A few guests found staff explanations unclear at check-in or felt communication could be improved. One review also mentioned a lack of certain buffet utensils (spoons, forks, bread knife).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from Japanese-style and mixed tatami/bed rooms to a few larger suites with semi-open-air baths; room capacity varies by type so check the room description when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
The hotel has a large public hot-spring bath, an open-air bath and a sauna fed by Kusatsu’s natural springs; public bathing hours are typically in the afternoon–evening and early morning.
Yes — the property offers a free private bath that can be reserved at the front desk; time slots are limited, so request one on arrival.
A free shuttle runs between Itoen Hotel Kusatsu and Kusatsu Bus Terminal on an hourly schedule (with extended times on Saturdays); the town is also served by buses from Naganohara‑Kusatsuguchi station and is reachable by car from major airports via highway and local bus services.
Check‑in usually starts at 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; confirm times on your reservation for any variations.
Pets are not permitted at the property; the hotel has a small on‑site shop or minimarket and additional convenience stores and shops are available in Kusatsu town.
The hotel operates an on‑site family restaurant serving buffet breakfast and dinner (dinner service is generally timed and around 90 minutes), plus seasonal and a la carte options available through the restaurant.
Staff are primarily Japanese; basic English assistance is typically available at reception but some services and signage may be Japanese‑first, so bring simple phrases or a translation app if needed.
Kusatsu’s main attractions—Yubatake and the town’s public baths—are nearby, and outdoor options include Sainokawara Park, Mt. Kusatsu‑Shirane and local ski lifts or hiking depending on season.
The hotel offers free on‑site parking (about 50 spaces), complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, family‑friendly dining and recreational facilities such as a games room and table tennis; note that cribs and extra beds are not available.