Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 1454 reviews
Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya is a small, renovated inn perched within easy walking distance of the town’s central steam fields and attractions. Reopened after a 2016 renovation of a traditional bathhouse, the property keeps a compact scale—around eleven guest rooms—blending simple modern comforts with classic Japanese ryokan elements such as futon-style and western-style rooms. Set in Kusatsu, this ryokan with onsen in Kusatsu, Gunma, emphasises a relaxed communal atmosphere, low-key décor and a lounge where guests naturally gather between baths and local walks.
The property’s bathing facilities include a gender‑separated public bath available between check‑in and check‑out, plus three bookable private baths for couples or families; private-bath reservations carry a per‑use fee and are arranged after arrival. Several room types are offered with direct access to hot spring water or en suite hot spring tubs, and the house operates an on‑site dining space serving evening meals and a simple morning breakfast at scheduled times. A generous communal lounge supplies games and vintage consoles, creating a casual, social space alongside quieter guest rooms.
Practical details cater to drivers and transit users alike: free on‑site parking and a shuttle to the local bus terminal are provided, and a daytime shuttle to the nearby ski resort runs seasonally. The inn offers free Wi‑Fi, basic in‑room amenities, luggage storage and limited laundry; it is not wheelchair accessible and does not accept pets. Standard check‑in and check‑out hours and some seasonal winter cautions for road conditions apply, making the accommodation well suited to visitors seeking an intimate ryokan with private onsen in Gunma and easy access to Kusatsu’s thermal district.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya
Positive Reviews
Private onsens available 24/7
Multiple private hot spring baths on the property that guests can use freely (no strict reservation), appreciated for being comfortable, convenient and suitable even for guests with tattoos.
Warm, helpful staff
Consistently praised attentive, friendly and multilingual staff who assist with recommendations, translations and quick shuttle/parking help; hosts are described as welcoming and caring.
Delicious traditional breakfast
Authentic Japanese breakfasts noted as excellent, varied and generous — many guests recommended taking the breakfast.
Clean, spacious and well‑equipped rooms
Rooms are often described as large, tidy and comfortable with good facilities; some rooms include retro gaming consoles and the hotel has a communal game area that guests enjoy.
Good location and convenient logistics
Quiet setting yet close to Kusatsu center (around 10–15 minutes on foot), with free parking and a responsive free shuttle service that eases uphill walks; overall considered good value for the area.
Negative Reviews
Some guests found it expensive
A few reviews mentioned the price is on the higher side compared with expectations, though many still felt the value was good.
Building shows signs of age
Some guests noted the ryokan feels a bit old or dated in places, reflecting a vintage charm but also occasional wear.
Noise and thin sound insulation
A few visitors reported hearing noise from corridors or neighboring rooms due to limited soundproofing.
Rooms can feel cold
A small number of guests mentioned temperature/insulation issues that made rooms feel chilly at times.
Uphill walk from center can be challenging with luggage
The property is slightly elevated; the 10–15 minute walk to the center involves a slope that can be difficult with heavy suitcases (mitigated by the shuttle service).
Frequently Asked Questions
Occupancy varies by room type; some rooms sleep up to three and family rooms are offered. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so enter the correct number and ages of guests when booking.
Eidaya uses Kusatsu hot spring water and has three shared private onsen rooms free to use on a first‑come basis; some room types also feature an in‑room hot spring bath. These shared onsen rooms cannot be reserved in advance.
A free shuttle is available from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal — please call on arrival as there may be a short wait if staff are assisting other guests. There is no direct airport shuttle; most visitors reach Kusatsu by train or highway bus from Tokyo then transfer to local buses.
Common routes are Shinkansen to Karuizawa plus a local bus, or highway bus from Shinjuku to Kusatsu; the inn is about a 8–10 minute walk from Yubatake. The nearest regional airport is Matsumoto Airport (around 78 km), but Tokyo is the usual gateway for most travelers.
Staff speak English to varying degrees and have assisted international guests; the property provides English information. Full fluency cannot be guaranteed for every interaction, so basic Japanese phrases may be helpful.
You’ll find a traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere with modern comforts: Japanese‑style guest rooms, an on‑site Japanese restaurant, a communal lounge with games (including vintage video games), free Wi‑Fi and free parking. The hot spring water comes from Kusatsu’s source for an authentic onsen experience.
Yubatake (the central hot spring waterfall) is about an 8–10 minute walk and is the town’s main attraction; the onsen area has many restaurants, small museums and seasonal events. Skiing and outdoor walks are available in the surrounding area depending on season.
Yes — a Seven‑Eleven convenience store is roughly a 4‑minute walk and a local supermarket is about 6 minutes on foot; a clinic and pharmacy are also within walking distance. The town center offers additional small shops for essentials.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (latest check‑in noted by the property) and check‑out is by 10:00. If your booking includes dinner you should arrive before 18:00, otherwise dinner cannot be provided; quiet hours begin at 21:00.
Pets are not allowed at the property. The on‑site private onsen rooms are available for guest use but are not reservable and operate on a first‑come basis; private dining requests should be confirmed with the inn in advance.