Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso
9.5/10 (Based on 428 reviews )
377-0601 Gunma, Nakanojo, Shima Ko 4236, Japan
Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso is a traditional ryokan in Shima Onsen (Nakanojo, Gunma), part of the historic Sekizenkan property. Guests stay in the Kashotei and Sanso buildings, set on a hillside above the hot-spring town, with a quieter, nature-facing atmosphere. Onsen bathing is central here, with access to multiple hot-spring baths across the property, including indoor and open-air options; some rooms also feature in-room baths depending on the category. For added privacy, there are reservable private baths and family-use private baths. Dining is typically Japanese, with kaiseki-style multi-course dinners and a Japanese breakfast served in designated dining areas. Facilities may include guest lounges and on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful hotel/ryokan with a magical, Spirited Away-like atmosphere and historic character
- Rooms described as clean, spacious, comfortable; private in-room onsen/open-air baths highly praised
- Food/kaiseki meals frequently described as delicious, thoughtfully prepared, high quality (including notable dinners)
- Staff often described as kind, helpful, professional, and welcoming
- Onsen facilities and lounge/rest areas appreciated (clean baths; lounge with free drinks/tea/coffee/ice cream)
Negative reviews
- Insufficient help with luggage at arrival/check-in (e.g., in heavy rain; stairs/halls)
- Wayfinding issues: confusing parking location/signage (often only in Japanese), hard to locate/navigate; request for advance map/instructions
- Some areas show wear/maintenance issues (carpet stains/mouldy or wet corridor carpets; hallways run down; roof leaking mentioned)
- Food issues for some guests: portions small or flavors not matching creativity; dietary requests mishandled (served raw fish/fish despite request)
- Access/constraints: remote location/limited bus connections; doors closed by 11 PM (can’t go out); some guests mention high price/value concerns for solo travelers
Minakamisansou
9.5/10 (Based on 218 reviews )
379-1619 Gunma, Minakami, Tanigawa 556, Japan
Minakamisansou (Minakami Sanso) is a ryokan in the Tanigawa Onsen area of Minakami, Gunma, set in a quiet mountain valley near Mt. Tanigawa. The property focuses on hot-spring bathing: it offers男女別の indoor baths and open-air baths, and some guest rooms feature a private open-air onsen bath. A reservable private bath is also available, which can suit guests who prefer more privacy. Rooms are Japanese-style, with a calm, traditional atmosphere and views toward the surrounding nature. Dinner and breakfast are served on site in a seasonal Japanese kaiseki style. Access is typically by car or via Minakami Station, with on-site parking available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional location and staff; great food and genuine hospitality
- Warm, hospitable staff; convenient shuttle service to the station
- Beautiful views (mountain/river/snow); relaxing and healing experience
- Private in-room onsen (and shared/outdoor onsen) highly appreciated
- Excellent multi-course dinners and breakfasts; high-quality Japanese cuisine (often described as delicious/gourmet)
Negative reviews
- Bathroom window cannot be opened; humidity blocks the view
- Room walls did not keep out the outside cold
- Limited English speakers (staff did their best)
- Heater not working in one room; had to use AC instead
- Inconsistent internet connection; Wi‑Fi available but internet often not working
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan
9.5/10 (Based on 142 reviews )
377-0601 Gunma, Nakanojo, Shima 3829, Japan
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan is a traditional ryokan in Shima Onsen (Nakanojo, Gunma), set in a quiet natural hot-spring area along the Shima River. The property has a small scale (around 14 rooms) and focuses on bathing: three traditional open-air private onsen baths are available for guests to use repeatedly during their stay, and tattoo-friendly bathing is clearly indicated thanks to the private format. Some room categories also include an in-room open-air onsen bath, while a larger shared indoor bath is available on site. Meals are served as a multi-course Japanese dinner (kaiseki-style), with private in-room dining for smaller parties and private-room dining for larger groups; vegan options are listed. English support and Wi‑Fi are available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Traditional yet modern; beautifully set on a hillside
- Private baths/onsens are amazing; three private onsens available (no extra charge mentioned) with a light system to see when free
- Friendly, welcoming, attentive staff; personal service (small number of rooms) and accommodating (dietary restrictions, bringing dinner to room when sick)
- Exceptional food (kaiseki dinner and breakfast); tasting menu described as thoughtfully prepared and delicious
- Clean property; great views of mountains/river from balcony; free coffee in the library and free bicycles mentioned
Negative reviews
- Property wouldn’t allow one vegan and one non-vegan meal for a couple
- Breakfast described as too elaborate/too much variety; guest wished for fewer dishes with more meat
- Location/access: 40-minute bus ride from a train station; quite a drive from Tokyo; transportation/bus frequency described as limited by some guests
- Private bath/onsen area was cold (貸し切り風呂が寒かった)
- Room issues mentioned: steep stairs to a 2nd-floor room; hot water not coming out of sink/shower in room and public bath; spider web in room; dessert change request refused
Bettei Senjyuan
9.5/10 (Based on 101 reviews )
379-1619 Gunma, Minakami, Tanigawa 614, Japan
Bettei Senjyuan is a secluded ryokan in the Tanigawa Onsen area of Minakami (Gunma), set along the Tanigawa river with views toward Mount Tanigawa. The property is centered on hot-spring bathing: all guest rooms are equipped with a private open-air bath supplied by free-flowing onsen water, allowing soaking at any time in a quiet, low-density setting. Beyond the in-room baths, the ryokan also offers shared indoor and open-air baths, plus sauna facilities for alternating heat and cool-down between sessions. Meals focus on seasonal Japanese cuisine, typically served as a multi-course dinner and a traditional breakfast. On-site spaces are designed for calm downtime, with lounges and small areas for reading or relaxing between baths.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful architecture and elegant interior decor
- Great location/nature surroundings; beautiful outside environment and mountain/snow views
- Spacious, comfortable rooms (large rooms, 2 toilets, separate shower)
- Excellent onsen/hot spring experience (private in-room and public; open-air onsen with snowfall)
- Friendly, attentive staff and excellent service; thoughtful transportation arrangements; pleasant extras (snacks/drinks, unexpected treats, hallway happy hour)
Negative reviews
- Curtains didn’t fully cover the window, so the room wasn’t dark enough for the price
- Not much to do around the area
- Staff English communication could be better; loss of traditional ryokan setup with a primary attendant
- Breakfast choices limited for multi-night stays
- Food criticisms: bland/not as delicious as expected; disappointment with dinner quantity/variety for the price
Ekinariya Ryokan
9.3/10 (Based on 16 reviews )
377-1711 Gunma, Kusatsu, Kusatsu 406, Japan
Ekinariya Ryokan is a traditional ryokan in Kusatsu, Gunma, located about a one-minute walk from the Yubatake area. The main highlight is its hot-spring bathing: a large shared hinoki-wood bath uses Shirahata source water, and every guest room is assigned its own lockable private bath for the stay. The private baths are indoor (not open-air) and draw from two Kusatsu sources: Yubatake (four tiled baths) and Shirahata (two hinoki baths). Rooms are Japanese-style with tatami, and the property is designed to feel quiet and self-contained. Meals are served in private dining rooms; dinner is presented all at once to minimize interruptions. Free on-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Clean
- Friendly hostess / staff extremely friendly and helpful
- Close to attractions; very convenient location a few dozen meters from the Yubatake
- Private onsen (outside the room) / dedicated dining room; intimate experience with only seven rooms
- Exceptional dinner/breakfast experience (fine kaiseki cuisine; food very good and plentiful)
Negative reviews
- Toilet and washbasin are small
- Wanted water after bathing
- Need to carry luggage up/down stairs (traditional ryokan)
- Would be helpful to have something to place suitcases in the room to avoid damaging tatami
- Large step into the private bath tub; inconvenient for elderly guests
Houshi Onsen Chojukan
9.2/10 (Based on 223 reviews )
379-1401 Gunma, Minakami, Nagai 650, Japan
Houshi Onsen Chojukan is a traditional ryokan at Hoshi Onsen in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, in a quiet natural setting near the river. Its bathing facilities center on natural hot spring baths with separated changing rooms and shared bathing in one of the main baths (mixed bathing), alongside a women-only bath. The property also offers additional bathing areas with an indoor cypress bath and open-air baths; some bathing areas operate on scheduled time slots by gender. Meals are served on site, with lunch options also available on limited hours. Access is typically easiest by car or taxi, as local bus services are limited.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful, serene property; dreamlike/peaceful atmosphere
- Onsens/baths are a highlight (including open-air/outdoor); relaxing and special
- Excellent Japanese meals (dinner and/or breakfast); abundant/varied food
- Kind, friendly, professional and helpful staff; some staff speak very good English
- Historic/traditional ryokan with authentic vibe; beautiful surrounding nature and walking/hiking trails
Negative reviews
- Cold / rooms can be cold (old building)
- Bugs/insects in rooms (even in winter)
- Onsen schedule can be confusing/odd; switching times and mixed-sex time slots inconvenient (incl. men’s shower access limits)
- Beds/futons/mattresses (and pillows) can be very firm/thin/uncomfortable
- Hard to get to / remote location; transport can be difficult and costly
Shima Onsen Yoshimoto
9.2/10 (Based on 54 reviews )
377-0601 Gunma, Nakanojo, Shiman 4344-2, Japan
Shima Onsen Yoshimoto (Tokiwasure no Yado Yoshimoto) is a small ryokan in Shima Onsen, Nakanojo (Gunma), a quiet hot-spring area surrounded by rivers and mountain scenery. Onsen bathing is central here: the property has separate men’s and women’s large baths, each with an indoor bath and an open-air bath, plus a reservable private bath. Baths are available 24 hours, and the private bath can be used when vacant, typically in 30-minute slots. The spring is a sodium and calcium sulfate type. Dining focuses on seasonal local ingredients with Japanese techniques, and there is a lounge with an irori hearth where house-made Japanese sweets are served. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, free on-site parking, a garden, and bicycle rental.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very helpful staff
- Good location / close to restaurants and shops / close to Szekizenkan
- Delicious meals / amazing breakfast and dinner / extraordinary kaiseki
- Private onsen in-room (huge/lovely, easy to use, perfect temperature; balcony onsen with views/snowfall) and beautiful public baths (indoor/outdoor; not crowded)
- Rooms described as clean, comfortable, well designed/modern and spacious; relaxing ambiance
Negative reviews
- Dining experience felt a bit cold; private dining rooms felt small and windowless
- No shower facilities in the room / shower only in onsen room
- Location not easy to get to from Tokyo / far; longer travel than expected; bit of a walk (sometimes uphill) from bus stop; having a car would be a plus
- Room view could be disappointing (road and carpark)
- Room issues: room was dusty (cleanliness), room could be too cold (heater insufficient), noise from wind/tree banging or nearby construction, Japanese-style beds/futons not comfortable for some; no iron/ironing service; wish for later checkout/pickup service; language barrier when reporting an issue
Kinseikan Seseragi
9.1/10 (Based on 65 reviews )
379-1619 Gunma, Minakami, Yagawa 544, Japan
Kinseikan Seseragi is a traditional ryokan in the Tanigawa Onsen area of Minakami, Gunma, set in a natural riverside setting near the Tanigawa River. The bathing facilities center on natural hot springs fed by multiple sources, including a mixed-gender open-air bath by the river, gender-separated indoor baths, and additional open-air options; a private bath is also available. Guest rooms are Japanese-style and entirely non-smoking, with a small number offering an in-room open-air hot tub. Meals are served on site, typically a seasonal kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, free parking, and a complimentary shuttle from Minakami Station.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional hospitality: very accommodating staff who anticipate needs and try to meet special meal requests
- Onsen/baths praised: quiet, clean, well maintained; outdoor baths with very nice views; enjoyable especially in snow
- Food highly rated: delicious/exceptional meals with generous variety (e.g., beef, scallops, fish)
- Beautiful location/surroundings: scenic, secluded and tranquil; lovely views from rooms
- Rooms and common areas appreciated: beautiful traditional rooms, spacious and clean; pleasant communal areas
Negative reviews
- Pools/onsen area: pools not huge
- Room storage: not many places to hang items in the room
- Limited English spoken by staff (though guests said it was manageable)
- Onsen and free self-serve coffee service both end at 10am, requiring guests to rush; request to extend coffee hours
- Bathroom/toilet issues mentioned: toilet smell in one review
鹿覗きの湯つるや
9.1/10 (Based on 38 reviews )
377-0601 Gunma, Nakanojo, Shima 4372-1, Japan
鹿覗きの湯つるや is a small ryokan in the Hinatami area of Shima Onsen (Nakanojo, Gunma), surrounded by the nature of Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park. The stay centers on private bathing: the property has reservable onsen facilities including a private open-air bath called “Shikanoyomi no Yu” and a private indoor bath “Kangetsu no Yu,” both fed by hot-spring water. Some rooms also feature their own open-air and indoor baths with free-flowing spring water, designed for soaking at any time. For additional wellness, there is a sauna and a ganbanyoku (hot-stone bath). Meals are served on-site at the dining area “Mannenshō,” and the ryokan also has a lounge, shop, and gallery space.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Everything was superb!
- Staff were incredibly accommodating (helped extend stay, arranged room change, ensured breakfast and dinner were included).
- Host Hinata was welcoming, attentive, professional, and spoke clear English.
- Rooms were very spacious with soft, cosy beds and a TV with Netflix and Disney.
- Exceptional food; private onsens (in-room and public) were perfect for unwinding; complimentary pick-up/drop-off at the local bus stop.
Negative reviews
- No convenience stores in walking vicinity (pack snacks).
- On one night, no hot water in the washing area of the room with private onsen; A/C in the other area was not working.
- A bit on the expensive side / too expensive.
- Shuttle bus was late by at least 20 minutes for both pick-up and departure with no explanation; meals were no good (very disappointed).
- Food felt insufficient / disappointing (multiple reviews).
Kanemidori
9/10 (Based on 99 reviews )
377-1711 Gunma, Kusatsu, Kusatsu 162, Japan
Kanemidori (Mukashigokoro no Yado) is a ryokan in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, set in the center of the hot-spring town and within a short walk of the Yubatake area. The onsen facilities include gender-separate public baths and an open-air bath with set bathing hours (afternoon to midnight, then early morning). Two detached private open-air baths are also available for 45-minute sessions, bookable after arrival for an additional fee. Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine built around seasonal ingredients, served in on-site dining halls with a calm, wood-accented atmosphere. Access is convenient from the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, and a pick-up service from the terminal is offered on request after arrival.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Elegant, modern design; ryokan looks new
- Spacious, very clean/well-maintained rooms; authentic tatami rooms
- Great location: steps from Yubatake/shopping streets/city center; close to bus station
- Excellent, warm and attentive staff/service (helpful even with translation apps; luggage assistance)
- Onsen facilities praised (indoor/outdoor, cosy/beautiful, often not crowded; private/outdoor onsen worth the fee; open almost 24 hours)
Negative reviews
- Few staff speak English / limited English proficiency
- Noticeable smoke smell in hallway near the elevator due to a smoking room on the third floor
- Futon could be thicker/more comfortable
- No chair/sofa in the lobby area or in the guest room to sit
- Some rooms had no attached bathroom / bathroom description mismatch
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso | 9.5▲ | 428▲ | 4▼ | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| 2 | Minakamisansou | 9.5▲ | 218 | 4▼ | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| 3 | Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan | 9.5▲ | 142 | 4▼ | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.4 |
| 4 | Bettei Senjyuan | 9.5▲ | 101 | 5▲ | 9.9 | 9.9 | 9.9▲ | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.8▲ |
| 5 | Ekinariya Ryokan | 9.3 | 16▼ | 4▼ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.5 | 9.5▲ | 9.5▲ | 9.8▲ |
| 6 | Houshi Onsen Chojukan | 9.2 | 223 | 4▼ | 9.5 | 9.3▼ | 9.1▼ | 9.2 | 8.7 | 9.3 |
| 7 | Shima Onsen Yoshimoto | 9.2 | 54 | 4▼ | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.4 |
| 8 | Kinseikan Seseragi | 9.1 | 65 | 4▼ | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.2 | 8.4 | 9.1▼ |
| 9 | 鹿覗きの湯つるや | 9.1 | 38 | 4▼ | 9.3▼ | 9.4 | 9.5 | 8.7▼ | 8.3▼ | 9.5 |
| 10 | Kanemidori | 9▼ | 99 | 4▼ | 9.5 | 9.3▼ | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.3▼ | 9.1▼ |
FAQ
Bettei Senjyuan is a secluded ryokan in Tanigawa Onsen where every guest room comes with a private open-air bath supplied by free-flowing onsen water. You can also use shared indoor and open-air baths, and there is a sauna for post-soak relaxation. The setting is along the Tanigawa River with views toward Mount Tanigawa.
Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso is part of the historic Sekizenkan property in Shima Onsen, set on a hillside above the hot-spring town. Onsen bathing is central, with access to multiple baths across the property including indoor and open-air options. Japanese kaiseki-style dinners and a Japanese breakfast are typically served in designated dining areas.
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan is a small traditional ryokan with three private open-air onsen baths that guests can use during their stay. The private format makes it clearly tattoo-friendly, and some room types also include an in-room open-air onsen bath. Meals are served kaiseki-style, with private dining options depending on group size.
Minakamisansou sits in the Tanigawa Onsen valley near Mt. Tanigawa, surrounded by a quiet mountain setting. It offers indoor and open-air baths, plus a reservable private bath for more privacy, and some rooms include a private open-air onsen bath. Seasonal Japanese kaiseki dinner and breakfast are served on site.
Ekinariya Ryokan is about a one-minute walk from the Yubatake area in Kusatsu, making it a very convenient base for exploring the town. It features a large shared hinoki-wood bath and assigns each room its own lockable private bath for the stay. Dinner is served in private dining rooms, with the meal presented all at once to keep the experience calm and uninterrupted.