Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 1787 reviews
Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku sits riverside amid forested mountains, its design centred on expansive open-air baths that step down to the Takaragawa River. The property operates four rotenburo supplied from multiple on-site springs, with the largest bath measuring roughly 200 tatami; three of the outdoor pools are mixed-gender while one is reserved for women. All outdoor pools are naturally flowing (kakenagashi) when conditions permit, and the ryokan provides modesty bath garments for mixed bathing so guests can use the baths together. Indoor baths for men and women are also available around the clock for staying guests.
Accommodation is arranged across a few buildings with traditionally styled Japanese rooms, tatami flooring and futon bedding; some room types include private bathrooms while others share facilities, matching the ryokan’s classic layout and timber interiors. Meals emphasise seasonal mountain produce, served in dining rooms or semi-private booths with set multi-course preparations that change through the year. On-site services include a reception desk with luggage handling, an English contact point, a souvenir shop and a daily shuttle option from nearby stations for reserved pickups.
This ryokan with onsen in Gumma is a practical choice for travelers seeking an authentic hot-spring stay close to outdoor activities such as hiking and nearby ski fields; guests often plan overnight stays to enjoy bathing at night and early morning when pools are quiet. The property’s focus on large, natural outdoor baths and traditional hospitality makes it a well-known ryokan with onsen in Gunma, particularly for visitors who want extensive rotenburo set in a riverside landscape rather than a modern spa complex.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku
Positive Reviews
High-quality, generous meals
Multiple reviewers praised the evening kaiseki-style dinners and traditional breakfasts as delicious, refined and plentiful — often described as a highlight of the stay and excellent value for the culinary experience.
Outstanding onsen facilities
Guests repeatedly mentioned the extensive hot-spring offering: several outdoor baths with scenic riverside settings, indoor options, a women-only section and the ability to use baths 24/7. Baths were described as clean, relaxing and a core part of the experience.
Authentic, picturesque setting
The ryokan’s location by the river and its traditional décor (yukata, kimono lending, classic architecture) create a highly immersive, tranquil and memorable atmosphere that many called enchanting or magical.
Attentive and helpful staff
Staff were frequently described as friendly, welcoming and flexible — able to accommodate dietary needs, provide clear instructions, run a shuttle from the station, and speak good English, which improved the overall stay.
Spacious, clean traditional rooms
Reviewers noted that rooms (some likened to suites) are clean, spacious and prepared in traditional style with futons laid out by staff; many found them comfortable and well-located with pleasant river views.
Negative Reviews
Horseflies and insects in summer
Several guests reported many horseflies/taons and other insects near the outdoor baths in warmer months; while the hotel has installed traps, reviewers felt insect presence can spoil daytime use and suggested additional repellents or measures.
Traditional bedding and comfort issues
A number of reviews mentioned futon comfort and some bathing/locker facilities could be improved — guests who prefer Western beds or more modern comfort found futons and certain amenities less comfortable.
Aging property and maintenance needs
Some guests observed that parts of the property appear older and would benefit from refurbishment or better upkeep, though this did not generally ruin the experience thanks to the setting and service.
Service inconsistencies during meals
A few reviewers experienced staff clearing plates too quickly or perceived slight differences in restaurant service depending on guest nationality; these incidents were noted as detracting from otherwise excellent dining.
Price sensitivity for families
At least one reviewer felt the stay was somewhat expensive for a family of four, noting cost as a consideration even though many still felt the experience was worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers traditional Japanese-style rooms and suites suitable for couples and families; some rooms have private washrooms while others use shared facilities, so check the specific room description when booking.
Most of the large outdoor baths are mixed-gender (konyoku) and the facility provides special bathing garments that must be worn; there is also a smaller women-only outdoor bath and indoor gender-separated baths.
A courtesy shuttle runs from Jomo‑Kogen Station (typically mid‑afternoon departures) and from Minakami Station (around mid‑afternoon) with a morning return from the ryokan; reservations are required, so reserve the shuttle when you book.
From Tokyo take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo‑Kogen (about 70 minutes) then local buses and/or the ryokan shuttle; from Narita or Haneda follow train connections to Tokyo Station and the Shinkansen — the trip is usually under three hours by public transport.
Staff provide basic English assistance and the ryokan maintains English information online, but complex or specialist language support may be limited; contact the property ahead of arrival if you need detailed assistance.
Expect large open‑air baths beside the river and a quiet, nature‑focused atmosphere; follow Japanese onsen etiquette (wash thoroughly before entering), use provided towels and wear the supplied bathing garment in mixed baths.
Tattoos may be restricted in public bathing areas, so if you have tattoos or require privacy please contact the ryokan in advance to discuss options or alternatives.
There are no dining options immediately adjacent to the property; the ryokan serves kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast in the dining room, while convenience stores and other shops are a drive away.
The ryokan is a base for outdoor activities such as white‑water rafting, canyoning and hiking, and is close to attractions like Suwakyo Gorge, local sake breweries and nearby ski areas including Hodaigi.
Check‑in is from 14:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; day‑use bathing is generally available around 10:00–16:30 with last admission near 16:00, though seasonal hours can vary so confirm when you book.