There are onsen towns, and then there is Kusatsu. Hot spring culture isn’t simply something you can do; it’s woven into the fabric of the town itself.

For centuries, travelers have journeyed into the mountains of Gunma to soak in Kusatsu’s mineral-rich waters, and today the town still feels wonderfully devoted to the ritual.

Ryokan line the streets, yukata-clad visitors wander between baths, and in the center of it all is the Yubatake, Kusatsu’s steaming hot-water field, where enormous quantities of spring water bubble up and flow through the heart of town.

It’s hard to walk around Kusatsu without feeling like you’ve stumbled into a Japan from another era.

Watch the women perform yumomi, the traditional ceremony of stirring the scalding spring water with enormous wooden paddles to cool it while singing folk songs; warm your hands over the steam; crack open an onsen tamago cooked in the hot spring water; or stop for an onsen manju while wandering the narrow streets in your yukata.

And then there’s Sainokawara Park, where the hot spring water continues its journey through a surreal landscape of steaming streams, pools, and rocky paths. Beyond town, the nearby mountains offer hiking in warmer months and skiing when the snow arrives, making Kusatsu more than a place to come, soak, and leave.

Of course, one of the best ways to experience Kusatsu is to stay overnight at a ryokan.

Rather than squeezing the town into a quick day trip, spending the night lets you soak after the crowds thin out, linger over a traditional Japanese dinner, and wake up close to the Yubatake before the day begins.

And while Kusatsu has plenty of ryokans to choose from, there’s something particularly special about booking one with a private onsen of your own.

Here are a handful of Kusatsu ryokans with private onsens worth booking, depending on the kind of stay you’re after.

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Best Ryokans With Private Onsen In Kusatsu, Japan

My Top Pick For Best Ryokan In Kusatsu

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1. Tokinoniwa

Price: $$

Tokinoniwa is a traditional Japanese inn that provides guests with an authentic experience full of relaxation and nature. Located in the outskirts of town, the inn is surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery, contributing to its tranquil atmosphere.

Although the location is relatively remote compared to other hotels in the area, you can definitely expect to feel at peace here. If you think you’ll be trapped at the hotel without a car, fear not–they have a shuttle that takes you around town, including Yubatake, which is a nice little amenity.

In addition to the in-room onsen, there is a large public spa area with a variety of baths, including open-air baths, indoor baths, saunas, bedrock baths, and more. There are even massages you could opt for! Talk about relaxing.

The rooms are quite spacious (especially for Japan) and feature tatami flooring, futon bedding and a wooden bathtub in the bathroom. Free yukata rentals are available, so you can freely lounge in your Japanese robes during your entire stay.

Tokinoniwa’s restaurant serves a Western or Japanese set menu for breakfast, while for dinner, you can expect a traditional Japanese kaiseki-style multicourse meal.

In terms of the food, the breakfast and dinner meals are delicious and comprised of fresh, local ingredients. The staff that serves you? Expect nothing less than phenomenal and attentive. Drinks are also available at the hotel’s sake bar.

• Bed Options: Japanese-style and Western-style beds available
• Private in-room onsen: Yes
• Free shuttle service?: Yes
• Free parking: Yes
• Distance from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: 4-minute drive / 13-minute walk

2. Hotel Sakurai

Price: $$

Hotel Sakurai is a lovely ryokan conveniently located right near the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal, just an 8-minute walk from Yubatake.

The inn features several rooms that are decorated to reflect the rich history of Kusatsu. Guests can choose from various types of rooms including tatami-mat rooms, Western-style suites, and even rooms with private open-air baths!

This 4-star property is packed with in-house facilities to improve the quality and joy of your stay including free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and air conditioning to ensure that guests have all the common amenities they’re used to back home. Other amenities offered at the property include entertainment staff, a karaoke bar, a shared lounge, and a games room.

Within the property, you can spend your time relaxing in one of the three public onsens, with the most popular being the large communal bath (the largest in Kusatsu Onsen), as well as the open-air bath comprised of milky white waters and rocks full of rustic charm. Whichever you choose, they all draw water directly from the hot spring source.

When it comes to the meals, you have options. For dinner, you can have kaiseki-style in-room dining or buffet-style at the restaurant. A wonderful buffet-style breakfast is also included with your stay.

Buffet-style is quite unique for a ryokan-style property, so if you like to fill up on food til the food coma hits, this hotel should be at the top of your list.

Every night, there is also a show of “drum” and “rice water” of traditional performing arts that you can enjoy.

If you’re looking for a stay close to the middle of everything, this is a great option! Hotel Sakurai’s location in the Kusatsu neighborhood makes it close to famous attractions including Sainokawara St, Kusatsu Tsurutaro Kataoka Museum and Kusatsu Onsen Futabaya.

• Bed Options: Japanese-style and Western-style beds available
• Private in-room onsen: Yes, certain rooms only
• Free shuttle service?: Yes (Free pick-up service from the Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal is offered upon request.)
• Free parking: Yes
• Distance from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: 300 meters, 5-minute walk

3. Kusatsu Onsen Boun

Price: $$ – $$$

Kusatsu Onsen Boun is a ryokan located in the heart of town that’s mere steps away from Yubatake. The hotel’s peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include hot spring bath, spa, massage, and garden.

Just a three-minute walk from Yubatake, Boun Hotel boasts a selection of Kakenagashi baths, all of which are constantly supplied with fresh hot spring water, as well as a beautiful rhododendron garden.

For a truly Japanese atmosphere, guestrooms feature traditional tatami mats. Depending on your sleeping style, you can choose between rooms with Western-style beds or Japanese-style beds (futons on the ground). They also have a few rooms with private open-air baths for travelers who’d like more privacy and convenience when it comes to bathing.

As with most ryokan stays, your stay at the hotel will include breakfast and dinner made with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

Friendly staff, great facilities, and close proximity to pretty much everything you’ll need are what make this ryokan a top contender for those looking to explore Kusatsu.

• Bed Options: Japanese-style and Western-style beds available
• Private in-room onsen: Yes, certain rooms only
• Free shuttle service?: Yes
• Free parking: Yes
• Distance from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: 220 meters, 3-minute walk

4. Kusatsu Hotel

Price: $$

With its iconic exterior (reminiscent of a white castle in the architectural style of the Japanese Taisho Era), luxurious interiors, and modern amenities, Kusatsu Hotel provides a unique experience for guests looking to explore all that Kusatsu has to offer.

One of the main reasons why guests love this hotel? It’s within walking distance of many local landmarks! It’s just a few steps away from Sainokawara Park and Yubatake is just a 6-minute walk away.

Kusatsu Hotel offers a range of accommodations, including traditional Japanese-style rooms and Western-style suites with breathtaking views of the rural landscape. No matter which option you choose, you can expect nothing less than an authentic Japanese atmosphere created by the tatami floor, shoji sliding paper screens, and low tables with seating cushions.

The ryokan serves up delicious local specialties made from fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms or fishermen’s markets. A Japanese dinner (optional and costs extra) is served in the privacy of the guestroom, while guests can enjoy free coffee in the Café Terrace. Breakfast is also optional and costs extra.

Guests can also take advantage of the impressive spa facilities where they can enjoy traditional baths, in-room massages and body treatments to relax after long days exploring the area. There are indoor and outdoor onsens for guests to choose from, as well as a relaxing little footbath area. And if you’re looking for a bit of privacy, you can even reserve the private-use onsen for an hour or two.

NOTE: Room prices do not come with dinner/breakfast meals. Meals will need to be added on at the hotel.

• Bed Options: Japanese-style and Western-style beds available
• Private in-room onsen: Yes, certain rooms only
• Free shuttle service?: Yes (shuttle service to both bus station and ski resort, advanced reservations required)
• Free parking: Yes
• Distance from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: 550 meters, 8-minute walk

5. La Vista Kusatsu Hills

Price: $$

La Vista Kusatsu Hills is one of the newer accommodations in Kusatsu, offering a refreshing 4-star accommodation with amenities you’ll love such as an in-room open-air onsen, a sauna and terraces in the rooms.

This scenic lodging stands on high ground overlooking the Kusatsu hot spring town, so you’ll feel far removed from civilization while still just a downhill walk away from the action.

The rooms are primarily made up of a series of twin beds and include a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. Other creature comforts include a balcony all to yourself, as well as air conditioning, a mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV.

And when you’re looking for a change of pace from the in-room onsen? Head to the large panoramic communal bath on the top floor to enjoy a public soak with epic views!

In true ryokan nature, you can expect dinner and breakfast to be delicious and a whole lot of fun to eat. The free shuttle pickup and drop off at the Karuizawa JR Station is also a huge plus, as are the shuttles to and from the center of town!

• Bed Options: Western-style beds available
• Private in-room onsen: Yes
• Free shuttle service?: Yes
• Free parking: Yes
• Distance from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: 550 meters, 8-minute walk

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Need To Know: Basic Onsen Etiquette + Rules

Your first onsen can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re trying to remember which towel goes where and whether you should shower before or after getting in.

The good news? Onsen etiquette is actually pretty simple once you know the basics. The biggest thing to remember is that an onsen is a place to soak and relax, not a swimming pool or a communal shower!

Yes, you really do get naked.

This is probably what makes first-timers most nervous, but in 99% of cases, there’s no swimsuit option here. You’ll undress completely in the changing room and leave your clothes in a locker or basket before heading into the bathing area.

And once you’re inside, nobody is paying attention to anyone else. In Japan, it’s completely normal for no one to give it a second thought.

Shower before you soak.

Here’s the cultural distinction that trips people up: the bath is for soaking, not washing. Before you get anywhere near the hot spring, sit at a shower station and thoroughly rinse and wash yourself.

Most have a little stool, handheld showerhead, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Once you’re clean, you’re ready for the good part.

Keep your towel out of the water.

You can bring your small face towel into the bathing area, but don’t let it touch the onsen water! You’ll often see people folding it up and balancing it on top of their head while they soak. It’s partly to keep the head cool, and partly because there isn’t anywhere else to put it. Everything else stays back in the locker / changing area.

Final tip: Keep voices low, don’t splash, and avoid treating the bath like a social swimming pool. Then, enjoy and let the tensions melt away.

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Japan Travel Insurance

This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.

I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.

True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.

Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!

One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.

SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.

In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:

• emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
• travel delay
• lost checked luggage
• adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
• electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.

Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.

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