Kirishimaya Ryokan
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Kirishimaya Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn in Kusatsu that preserves a Meiji-era atmosphere while offering basic modern conveniences. Rooms are south-facing with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and amenities typically include a tea set, refrigerator, free Wi‑Fi and yukata robes for guests. The property sits within easy walking distance of Kusatsu’s central hot-water field (Yubatake) and local public baths, making it a practical base for exploring the town on foot; reception staff provide local guidance in English and basic guest services such as laundry and luggage storage.
The ryokan’s bathing facilities are supplied by Kusatsu’s natural spring water and include both gender-separated public baths and a private bath that guests can reserve without additional charge. A distinctive feature is the Shiriyaki-buro, a traditional lower-bench tub designed to concentrate thermal effects on the lower body, and one of the public baths has a compact outdoor section. These facilities support the property’s positioning as a ryokan with onsen in Kusatsu, Gumma and accommodate visitors who prefer private bathing by offering a ryokan with private onsen in Kusatsu, Gumma for couples or small groups.
Practical aspects reflect the inn’s long-standing local role: rooms are modestly furnished in a traditional style, non-smoking indoor areas are maintained, and simple meal plans are available with advance notice for dietary requests. The layout includes accessible common areas for reading or relaxing, and guests report straightforward pedestrian access from the town center and the nearby bus terminal. Overall, the ryokan combines a historical setting, direct use of Kusatsu spring water and a small set of communal and private onsen options suited to visitors seeking a compact, authentic onsen stay in the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kirishimaya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Very friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews praise the warm, helpful, family-run team who go above and beyond with hospitality, English communication, local advice and personal touches (late check‑in service, retrieving left items, preparing futons, massage arrangement).
Excellent onsen experience with private option
Guests highlight the onsen as a major plus — clean, relaxing hot spring baths, with both communal and a private one-room onsen available (useful for privacy or tattooed guests). Several reviewers called it superb or magical.
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere
The property offers traditional Japanese rooms, futons, yukata, manga/library and communal spaces that make guests feel at home. Rooms are described as faithful to photos, clean and full of local charm.
Great central location
Many guests appreciated the ryokan’s convenient position in Kusatsu — close to the yubatake and main sights yet tucked back near nature and a stream, with easy walking access to town and parking available for guests with cars.
Useful amenities and good breakfast
Reviews mention helpful extras like tea and snacks in rooms, foot-massager, key lockers, vending machine, games area and generally good Japanese breakfasts with fresh ingredients.
Negative Reviews
Some guests find it pricey for what’s offered
A number of reviewers said the rate felt high compared with similar options in the tourist area, suggesting the onsen/rooms didn’t always match expectations for the price. (Comments mention steep seasonal pricing.)
Onsen size and privacy concerns
Several guests noted the communal washing baths are small and offer limited privacy; while a private onsen exists, not all guests expected or preferred the public bathing arrangement. One review said public baths felt surprising on arrival.
Comfort and bedding issues for a few
A few visitors reported firmness issues (pillow or futon felt hard or too firm), which affected comfort for some travelers accustomed to different bedding. Others, however, found futons comfortable.
Building age, limited modern comforts
Some guests described the property as a bit old or worn inside and noted limited modern comforts — no elevator (stairs to upper floors), no air conditioning in some rooms (ventilators/opens windows used instead) and occasional weak Wi‑Fi.
Access and mobility considerations
The ryokan sits up a small hill and has stairs; reviewers warned this can be tiring with luggage or a mobility issue. A few guests mentioned narrow room layouts with limited space for many suitcases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon on tatami and generally suit solo travellers to small groups; if you are a party of 20 or more, contact the ryokan in advance.
Yes — the ryokan uses 100% natural spring water from the local Yubatake and offers public baths for men and women, an outdoor bath, and a private bath for guests.
The ryokan is tattoo-friendly and guests can use the private bathroom during their stay; ask staff on arrival for access and timing.
Kirishimaya is in Kusatsu Onsen town centre a few minutes’ walk from Yubatake and about a 10-minute walk from the Kusatsu Hot Springs bus terminal; it’s roughly 25 minutes by bus from JR Naganohara Kusatsu-Onsenguchi station, with onward connections from major airports via train and bus.
Staff speak Japanese and English and can provide basic travel tips for the area.
Rooms feature tatami and futon bedding and guests are provided with yukata; the property also offers tea sets, free Wi‑Fi and communal games for a simple, authentic stay.
The ryokan is steps from Kusatsu’s Yubatake and Otaki-no-Yu and close to Sainokawara Park, local shrines and a nearby sumo training facility, all within a short walk.
There is a small parking area in front of the entrance; note the ryokan sits on an elevated slope and the building has no elevator, so some walking and stairs are required.
Standard check-in is from 14:00 to 22:00 and check-out is by 10:00; contact the ryokan if you need to arrange early arrival or luggage storage.
Pets are not permitted; the ryokan mainly offers room-only plans but breakfast is available on request and there are restaurants, shops and convenience stores within easy walking distance in town.