Ryokan Tamura
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 181 reviews
Ryokan Tamura sits within walking distance of Kusatsu’s central hot-spring district, offering a measured blend of traditional tatami rooms and contemporary comforts. The inn is family-run and arranges dinner and breakfast in private dining rooms, presenting seasonal, locally sourced dishes prepared with attention to texture and balance. Rooms vary from futon-style layouts to options with beds, and the property emphasizes quiet, attentive service and a relaxed pace that suits day trips to the town’s main sights or multi-day onsen itineraries.
The property draws its spring water from the nearby Jizō-no-Yu source and operates both communal bathing areas and multiple kashikiri (private) baths that guests may use without advance reservation, typically limited to short, personal time slots. One room category includes an in-room bathing suite that was updated recently to offer a private soaking experience; the ryokan’s setup makes it a practical choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen Kusatsu and those who prefer a ryokan with private onsen Gumma for privacy or tattoo concerns. Bathing etiquette is observed, and staff will explain local practices on arrival.
Practical amenities include on-site parking for guests, non-smoking accommodations, and multilingual assistance at reception, with straightforward check-in arrangements to fit onsen schedules. The property’s location is convenient for visiting Yubatake, public bathhouses and short excursions around the town, while the modest scale of the inn keeps service personalised and unhurried. For visitors prioritising hot-spring access alongside traditional lodging and home-style meals, this ryokan presents a focused, well-located option in Kusatsu.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Tamura
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Many guests praised the ryokan’s location — close to Kusatsu’s Yubatake and town centre, and within a short walk of the bus terminal, making it convenient for sightseeing.
High-quality, attentive meals
Multiple reviews highlight exceptional kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts (including willingness to provide vegan options), describing the food as fresh, carefully prepared and a memorable part of the stay.
Friendly, helpful staff and service
Staff are frequently described as very kind, discreet and English-friendly; service was noted as attentive, with private dining rooms creating a quiet, pleasant meal experience.
Great onsen experience with private options
Guests valued the hot spring baths — two gendered and two private onsens — calling them divine, relaxing and often available for private use; some commented the onsen water felt unique and very warm.
Charming traditional rooms and amenities
Reviewers liked the traditional ryokan atmosphere and decoration, clean and comfortable rooms, spacious family rooms, useful amenities (yukata, child kits, strong heaters in winter) and overall cozy, authentic experience.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent bath temperatures
Several guests reported temperature issues with the onsens: some private baths were too hot to use, while others (especially in the morning) were not as hot as expected, causing mixed bathing comfort.
Small private baths
Multiple reviews noted that the private onsen baths are relatively small — comfortable for two but tight — which may limit the experience for some guests.
Property showing signs of age
A number of guests mentioned that the building is a little old and shows wear and tear, indicating some areas may feel dated or in need of refresh.
Thin futons / bed comfort concerns
At least one reviewer mentioned that the futons were thin; although extra futons are available, this was noted as a comfort consideration for light sleepers.
Accessibility / uphill walking from some points
Some guests pointed out that reaching the ryokan can involve uphill and downhill walking and that the location, while central, may be slightly separated from certain points, which can be inconvenient for those with mobility concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small tatami rooms for couples to family rooms; some room types sleep up to five people (for example 2 beds plus three futons) and other Japanese-style rooms provide up to four futons.
Yes — Ryokan Tamura offers hot spring baths including public and private onsen options, and it draws water from the local Jizo-no-Yu spring known in Kusatsu for its strong mineral qualities.
Private onsen options are available at the property; some rooms include private baths and the ryokan also provides reserved private bathing rooms — ask staff at check‑in about availability and use.
Public-bath rules in Kusatsu can be strict, but many ryokans allow tattoos in private baths; confirm with the ryokan in advance if you need to use public facilities with visible tattoos.
The ryokan does not list an airport shuttle; the nearest regional airport is Matsumoto (around 67 miles/108 km), and most international travelers transfer via Tokyo and take highway or local buses to Kusatsu, arriving at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
The ryokan is in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, about a five-minute walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal and within easy walking distance of Yubatake and the town’s shops and baths.
Staff are accustomed to international guests and English assistance is available, but language ability may vary; simple requests and common needs are generally handled well.
Standard check-in is in the afternoon (typically from 14:00 to around 19:00) and check-out is by 10:00; note you should arrive by about 19:00 if you wish to be served dinner at the ryokan.
Pets are not permitted at the property; the ryokan offers limited free on-site parking and the town centre near Yubatake has convenience stores and small shops within walking distance for basic supplies.
Meals are traditional Japanese style with emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients; dinner and breakfast are served at the ryokan, often in private or small dining spaces to preserve the ryokan experience.