Micasa
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 208 reviews
Micasa is a small, family-style ryokan tucked in Minakami, set among the river valleys and mountains of Gunma. The property presents a traditional wooden interior combined with recent renovations and a compact collection of guest rooms designed for calm stays; most rooms use futon bedding on tatami floors, and two room types include private outdoor baths. The inn is run by an owner who positions the house as a welcoming “mi casa” style retreat, and staff provide bilingual assistance where needed, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking an intimate, locally minded base in the area. This ryokan with onsen in Gumma combines straightforward comforts with a quiet riverside setting suitable for couples and small groups.
The bathing facilities center on natural hot spring water characterized by calcium and sodium sulfate minerals, served through an open-air mountain bath and a bright indoor bath separated by gender, plus private bathing options. Several rooms have their own outdoor onsen and additional private-reservation slots are offered so guests can secure exclusive time in the communal baths; tattoo-friendly arrangements are accommodated through private bookings. The layout and offering make Micasa equally appropriate as a ryokan with private onsen in Gumma for those prioritizing privacy, or as a place to experience shared onsen culture with manageable group sizes.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Micasa
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple guests praise staff for being warm, helpful and attentive — remembering seating, accommodating families, assisting with onsen use, and providing memorable personal service despite limited English.
Excellent traditional meals
Breakfasts and dinners are frequently described as outstanding: thoughtfully presented multi-course traditional Japanese meals that many guests called a highlight of their stay.
Private and well-maintained onsen options
The property offers several hot-spring baths (including an open-air onsen) that can be used privately or booked for families; guests report them as clean, beautiful and ideal for first-time onsen experiences.
Authentic, charming ryokan atmosphere and setting
Guests appreciate the traditional wooden decor, cosy/family atmosphere and scenic river views; many note the building and rooms feel authentic and well-decorated.
Convenient location and good value
Reviewers mention a convenient base for nearby activities (ski resorts, Minakami area), available transfers to the station, spacious rooms, and overall good value for the experience provided.
Negative Reviews
Misleading listing/photos about private outdoor bath
At least one guest reported the advertised private outdoor bath and terrace differed greatly from reality (small clay tub rather than large terrace bath), leading to disappointment and feeling the listing was deceptive.
Inconsistent information about private bathrooms
Some guests experienced confusion between listings and reality regarding whether rooms had private showers/bathrooms; this inconsistency caused uncertainty for several visitors.
Occasional facility issues or closures
A few reports mention minor problems such as non-working lights and one onsen being closed during a stay, which reduced options for guests at times.
Limited electrical outlets/grounding
Some rooms lack grounded outlets or have few sockets, causing inconvenience for guests with laptops or multiple devices; guests suggested providing power extenders or more outlets.
Access and minor comfort issues (stairs, noise, rural bugs)
Points raised include no elevator (heavy luggage to upper floors), occasional noise from rooms above, and rural countryside nuisances like bugs — practical issues to be aware of when staying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Micasa has 12 rooms in total, including two rooms with private outdoor baths. Rooms are Japanese-style with futon sleeping and typically accommodate between 2 and 4 guests; extra beds and cots are not available.
Yes — Micasa uses a natural hot spring and offers public indoor and outdoor baths. The public bath hours are in the afternoon/evening and morning; private use of the common bath can be reserved at the ryokan.
A shuttle between Minakami Station (and connections from nearby Shinkansen stations) is available by prior request. Guests should reserve the shuttle with the ryokan in advance or at the time of booking to confirm pick-up and drop-off times.
From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen toward Takasaki or Jomo-Kogen, then transfer to the local line or bus to Minakami; total travel time is roughly 2.5–3 hours depending on connections. The ryokan is a short transfer from Minakami Station.
Staff at Micasa speak English and are used to international guests; Spanish is also commonly used given the owner’s background. If you need specific language support, ask the ryokan when you book.
Rooms are tatami-style with futon mattresses and traditional Japanese furnishings; some rooms have river views and two offer private outdoor baths. The property was renovated in 2017 and serves traditional Japanese meals in-house.
Micasa is close to Minakami Onsen (about 1.2 km), Tanigawadake, and Takaragawa Onsen, and is a convenient base for skiing, hiking and river activities. The surrounding area is well suited to nature and outdoor experiences year-round.
Free on-site parking is provided for a limited number of cars. In winter heavy snowfall is common, so winter tires or chains are recommended when driving to the ryokan.
Check-in is from 15:00 (guests should arrive by 18:00 if they plan to have dinner), and check-out is until 10:00. The ryokan serves Japanese dinner and an Asian-style breakfast; reserve meals in advance when needed.
Pets are not permitted at Micasa. The property has an on-site restaurant, and convenience stores, supermarkets and local restaurants are a short drive away; staff can advise on nearby shopping and dining options.