KAMENOI HOTEL Kusatsu Yubatake
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 920 reviews
KAMENOI HOTEL Kusatsu Yubatake sits within easy walking distance of the town’s steaming Yubatake and the main bathing precinct, offering a contemporary take on traditional Japanese lodging. The property highlights three distinct hot-spring sources—Bandai Kosen, Yubatake and Nishi-no-Kawara—each providing continuous free-flowing mineral waters that feed separate indoor and open-air baths. That arrangement makes it a convenient choice for visitors searching for a ryokan with onsen in Kusatsu who want varied water qualities without changing base.
Guest accommodation emphasizes Japanese-style layouts with tatami rooms offered in multiple sizes, from compact six-tatami units to larger rooms and a Japanese-deluxe twin; many rooms include Western beds or traditional futons, and all are non-smoking. Rooms come equipped with basic toiletries, yukata, refrigerator and free Wi‑Fi, while shared bathing facilities include an open-air bath and a public hot-spring bath fed directly from the sources. On-site dining serves buffet breakfast and dinner with Japanese and Western options, and a small shop plus 24-hour reception support a practical stay.
Practical details underline the ryokan’s suitability for families and visitors exploring the central hot-spring district: complimentary on-site parking, lift access to upper floors and multilingual reception staff. The property operates as part of a larger hotel group and underwent recent refurbishments to modernize common areas while retaining traditional room types. Guests should note that visible tattoos may restrict access to communal baths; with its mix of three mineral sources and a central position, the hotel functions as a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Gunma for those seeking efficient access to Kusatsu’s main attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KAMENOI HOTEL Kusatsu Yubatake
Positive Reviews
Excellent buffet meals
Many guests praised the breakfast and dinner buffet for its quality, variety and wide choice (including options for vegetarians/vegans and allergen labelling). Several reviews called the meals exceptional and a highlight of their stay.
Multiple, well-maintained onsen options
Reviewers appreciated the hotel's onsen selection — multiple baths with different spring waters, generally clean and enjoyable. Some noted access to nearby/sister hotel onsens included for guests.
Very convenient location to Yubatake and town
The hotel is a short walk (often cited as 3–5 minutes) to the Yubatake and town centre via a handy shortcut/back‑alley entrance. Guests found it easy to explore nearby food options and attractions on foot.
Friendly, helpful staff and smooth check‑in/out
Many comments highlighted polite, communicative staff who provided useful information, warned guests about renovations, and made check‑in/check‑out straightforward. International visitors felt welcomed even when English was limited.
Good facilities and family‑friendly features
Guests noted clean rooms, on‑site parking nearby, provision of yukata, private baths (available) and overall suitable facilities for families/groups, making stays comfortable for several reviewers.
Negative Reviews
Property and some facilities feel dated
Multiple reviews mentioned the hotel (and some onsen areas) as looking old or in need of refurbishment; guests suggested rooms and public areas could benefit from updates.
Uncomfortable beds or thin futons for some guests
Several guests found beds and pillows very firm or disliked foam mattresses; a few said futons felt thin compared with other properties, affecting sleep comfort.
Small rooms and value concerns
Some reviewers felt room sizes (especially for three people) were small and considered the price high given the condition of rooms and facilities.
Few/slow elevators and busy scale of the hotel
Because it is a large hotel with many guests, reviewers reported crowded common areas and that elevators were limited and slow, meaning stairs were sometimes faster when in a hurry.
Limited flexibility and transport/communication issues
There were reports of inconsistent front‑desk flexibility (refused late checkout or luggage storage by one staff member), limited English speakers at times, and no hotel shuttle from the station—making arrival/departure with luggage less convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types are Japanese-style and range in size; maximum occupancy varies from 2 up to 6 guests depending on the room (for example a 14‑tatami room can sleep up to 6). Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
Yes — the hotel operates multiple hot spring baths (including indoor and open‑air/public baths) for guests to use; towels and yukata amenities are provided.
The property does not list a scheduled airport shuttle; guests usually arrive by public bus, taxi or private car. Contact the hotel in advance if you need an arranged pick‑up.
The nearest major access point is Naganohara‑Kusatsuguchi (about a 20–30 minute drive); from there local buses or taxis serve Kusatsu Onsen. Many visitors use highway buses from larger stations or Takasaki and then walk or take a short taxi to the hotel.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. The hotel offers a 24‑hour front desk and will store luggage for guests before check‑in or after check‑out.
Rooms do not typically include private in‑room onsen; the property provides shared indoor and open‑air baths. Contact the hotel directly if you require a private bath reservation as special arrangements may be possible.
Pets are not permitted at the property. If you require an assistance animal, contact the hotel in advance to discuss arrangements.
Yes — the hotel is centrally located near Yubatake and the main shopping lanes, with convenience stores and small shops within a short walk.
The hotel has an on‑site restaurant serving buffet breakfast and dinner options. Guests can notify the hotel ahead of arrival about dietary needs or requests.
The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from Yubatake and Sainokawara Park, and close to the Kusatsu Town Onsen Museum and local bathing streets, making it convenient for traditional onsen sightseeing.