Yakushi no Yu Yumotokan
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 78 reviews
Yakushi no Yu Yumotokan sits at the heart of Kusatsu’s hot‑spring district, a traditional ryokan that places guests within easy walking distance of the town’s central Yubatake. The house style is classically Japanese: tatami‑floored rooms laid out for futons, low tables and simple furnishings, with options that include private bathrooms in some room types. This property markets itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Kusatsu, offering the convenience of a free, reservable family bath for staying guests alongside the public bathing spaces.
The inn draws its water directly from the Yubatake source and describes the onsen as an acidic, sulfur‑bearing spring; on its information pages the source is listed with a low pH and the baths are promoted as being source‑flow (kakenagashi). Guests can use the main thermal baths and, at no extra charge when staying, the private family bath for quiet, uninterrupted soaking. The property also maintains an in‑house spa program with short treatments and a small dining area presenting seasonal, health‑oriented cuisine designed to complement a restorative onsen stay.
Practical facilities include on‑site parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, luggage assistance and multilingual staff assistance noted in guest reports; the ryokan operates standard evening meal and breakfast service in a communal dining room and offers ski‑and‑local‑activity arrangements in season. Its location close to the Yubatake and the compact center makes it a convenient base for walking tours of Kusatsu and for accessing regional attractions, a straightforward example of a ryokan with onsen in Gunma that combines traditional room layouts with direct access to the town’s hot‑spring culture.
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Review summary for: Yakushi no Yu Yumotokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent central location
Many guests praise the ryokan’s location—steps from the Yubatake/main town center—making it extremely convenient for sightseeing, meals and walking to local attractions; staff often assist with parking or luggage which adds convenience.
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlight polite, helpful and considerate staff who provide good service, early parking assistance and helpful hospitality throughout the stay.
High-quality onsen (hot spring)
Guests repeatedly mention the hot springs fed from the Yubatake source as excellent—hot, authentic and rejuvenating; several reviews also appreciate access to a private/kashikiri bath that can be used freely.
Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms
Many reviewers found the rooms clean, cozy and relatively spacious with good amenities; some rooms offer views of the Yubatake and comfortable spaces to relax.
Good food and breakfast options
Several guests enjoyed the meals and restaurant options, noting tasty dinners and generous breakfasts; staff were flexible about adding breakfast on arrival in some cases.
Negative Reviews
Bath facilities small or dated / no outdoor bath
A number of guests said some baths felt old or small and a few noted the property lacks an open-air (rotenburo); others also found the water very hot and needed time to acclimatize.
Accessibility issues (stairs, no elevator)
Several reviews mention many stairs and no elevator, which can be difficult for elderly guests or those with mobility issues—rooms on upper floors require stair use.
Occasional facility problems and safety concerns
A few guests reported maintenance issues such as a broken heater, missing towel racks and, in one case, electrical concerns (scorched fridge cord and an overheating dryer outlet), raising safety worries.
Sleep and comfort complaints (pillow/futon/noise)
Some guests found pillows too firm or futons thin (leading to back discomfort), and a few mentioned occasional noise from outside affecting sleep.
Parking, checkout and meal timing limitations
Guests noted there is no on-site parking (valet/remote parking used) and some found checkout time (10:00) and breakfast hours early or restrictive for tired travelers; a couple also mentioned limited breakfast portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are Japanese-style with futons and range from solo to family layouts (some rooms sleep up to seven depending on the room type); extra beds are not available and children are not accepted.
Yes — the property has on-site hot spring baths for guests and also offers reservable private baths; some bathing services require advance booking and tattoo restrictions may apply.
There is no regular airport shuttle; common access is by train to Naganohara‑Kusatsuguchi with a connecting JR bus to Kusatsu or by direct highway bus from Tokyo/Shinjuku, and local buses or taxis serve the town.
Staff can assist in English and Japanese; if you need help in another language, please notify the ryokan in advance.
Check-in generally begins at 15:00 with evening cut‑off times — please inform the ryokan of late arrival — and check-out is by 10:00; there is an overnight curfew so very late entry may be restricted.
Yes, private/reservable baths are available and should be booked in advance through the ryokan to secure a time slot.
Pets are not permitted and the property does not accept children; contact the ryokan directly if you have any special circumstances to discuss.
The ryokan operates an on-site restaurant serving seasonal Japanese meals with plans that may include breakfast and/or dinner; notify the ryokan ahead of time for dietary requirements.
Kusatsu town center, within easy walking distance, has convenience stores and small food shops; for larger supermarkets you may need a short taxi ride to nearby towns.
The ryokan is close to Kusatsu’s Yubatake hot-water field, Sainokawara Park, hiking around Mt. Kusatsu‑Shirane and seasonal skiing; guests also enjoy strolling the town in yukata and sampling onsen specialties.