Fodor's Expert Review Kusatsu Hotel

479 Kusatsu, Gunma-ken, 377-1711, Japan

Built in 1913, but with a smart, new annex added in 2020, the Kusatsu Hotel is a blend of classic and contemporary ryokan. Accommodation options include traditional tatami-mat rooms (with futon for sleeping) in the main building or rooms with beds and wood flooring that still manage to retain a traditional vibe. Meals are centered on multi-course kaiseki traditions, but there's also a laidback cafe on site. The several indoor and outdoor public baths, which were renovated in 2020, offer a classic way to unwind, especially after a day at the nearby Kokusai Ski Resort.

PROS

  • only a five-minute walk from the Yubatake and town center
  • selection of natural hot-spring baths
  • charming old building

CONS

  • might feel too formal for some
  • a few of the Japanese-style rooms have no bath
  • prices skyrocket during peak seasons

QUICK FACTS

Hotel
$$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 0279-88-5011

HOTEL DETAILS

43 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

What’s Nearby