Kanemidori
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Kanemidori sits in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, a compact ryokan that blends traditional Japanese interiors with modern comforts. Rooms feature tatami floors, futon bedding and shoji screens; most include a refrigerator and kettle, and some rooms provide Western-style bathrooms or bathtubs. A top-floor suite offers a private bath and separate living space. The property places guests a short walk from Yubatake and the temple district, making it a practical choice for visitors who want an authentic onsen stay. This ryokan with onsen in Kusatsu maintains a calm, service-focused atmosphere.
Thermal facilities include indoor and outdoor public baths maintained daily; a detached private open-air bath can be reserved for 45-minute sessions for pairs, and massage treatments are offered on request. Bath access is convenient, with an elevator linking guest floors to the bathing level; gender-separated public baths are complemented by the outdoor option for seasonal views. Meals follow a Japanese, seasonal menu and are served in dedicated dining rooms named Shinryoku and Mokuryoku, where a fireside lounge adds warmth. Guests may choose yukata on arrival and receive attentive, helpful service.
The ryokan provides on-site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, a luggage room and a small souvenir shop; check-in is typically mid-afternoon with morning checkout. Its short stroll to Yubatake, nearby shopping streets and the local ski area makes it convenient year-round for winter sports and summer sightseeing. The combination of traditional rooms, communal and reservable bathing and considered service suits couples and small groups seeking a well-located, authentic ryokan with private onsen in Gunma.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kanemidori
Positive Reviews
Attentive, welcoming staff
Many guests highlight exceptionally warm, helpful service and traditional Japanese hospitality—staff often assist with luggage, provide careful attention, and make guests feel well cared for despite limited English.
Excellent onsen facilities
Reviews praise both indoor and outdoor hot springs (including private/paid options) as clean, well maintained, not overcrowded, romantic in winter (snow), and available for long hours—major draw of the ryokan.
Very convenient location
The ryokan is described as a short walk from Yubatake, central Kusatsu and the bus station, making it easy to access town attractions and restaurants.
Clean, spacious rooms with traditional charm
Guests frequently note large, well-kept rooms combining traditional tatami/yukata experiences with modern design and facilities; many found rooms very clean and comfortable.
High-quality meals and dining experience
Multiple guests enjoyed the dinners and breakfasts served at the ryokan, describing meals as attractive, tasty and a highlight of the stay (private-dining style traditional meals praised).
Negative Reviews
Limited English spoken by staff
Several reviews mention that few staff speak fluent English; while staff try to assist (translation notes/apps), communication can require patience or use of translation tools.
Some rooms lack private bathroom / booking confusion
At least one guest expected an en-suite bathroom based on the listing but found the room without one, indicating possible booking description mismatch—important to confirm room type/bathroom arrangement in advance.
Early check-out time
A guest noted the stated check-out deadline is early (10:00 AM), which some travelers may find restrictive compared with other properties.
Smoking room on certain floors can cause hallway smell
There is a smoking room on the third floor; while smoke wasn’t noticeable in guest rooms, some observed a noticeable smell in corridors/elevator areas and would request a room on a non-smoking floor next time.
Occasional concerns about food value and bedding comfort
A few guests felt the meal price didn’t match expectations or that the food style wasn’t to their taste; another suggested futons could be thicker for improved comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms typically offer 2 to 4 futons depending on the type; the KaKuRe suite accommodates up to 6 guests. Contact the ryokan for group arrangements.
The ryokan has public indoor and outdoor baths with separate male/female facilities, plus detached private open-air baths that can be reserved for 45-minute slots after arrival.
Public baths normally operate from mid-afternoon into the night and again in the early morning (typically around 14:30–24:00 and 06:00–10:00).
A pick-up service from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal is available on request after you arrive at the terminal; transfers from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station are not provided.
Travel usually involves train or highway bus toward Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and then a JR bus of about 30 minutes to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, followed by a short 3–5 minute walk to the ryokan.
Staff are primarily Japanese; the property provides English information online and staff will assist when possible, though English support can be limited.
On-site restaurants (Shinryoku and Mokuryoku) serve traditional multi-course Japanese dinners and an authentic Japanese breakfast; meal inclusion depends on your booking plan.
The famous Yubatake and Kusatsu’s main shopping streets are a 3–5 minute walk away, Nikko-ji Temple is close by, and the Kusatsu ski area and local walks are easily accessible.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out from 07:00 to 10:00; please inform the ryokan of your estimated arrival time in advance.
Pets are not accommodated at the ryokan; the property is close to convenience stores, souvenir shops and restaurants near Yubatake, with larger supermarkets a short walk or bus ride away.