[2025 Kusatsu Hotels] Travel Guide for Konoha (Updated Jul)

Here is my review of the hot spring hotel 'Kiroha': First, let me introduce the location of this place. The hotel is located in Kusatsu Onsen, Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The address is 464-241 Kusatsu Shirane, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. How to get to the hotel? If you are departing from Tokyo, I suggest you take a train. First, take the express train 'Kusatsu' to Nagano Kusatsu-guchi Station, then transfer to a bus to Kusatsu Onsen. Upon arrival, you can take the hotel's shuttle bus to the hotel. If you drive, it takes about 3 hours to get to the hotel from Ueno Station. Why do I think the hot spring service of this hotel is cost-effective? This is because the hotel's private hot spring (no extra charge) is unlimited, you can use it at any time. Moreover, there are three different hot springs to choose from, all of which are of very good quality. If you go as a couple, you will definitely have a different experience. I mainly recommend 'Iwamuro' and 'Takeza'. Sometimes you need to queue up, but if the light is on, it means someone is using the hot spring. About the price of the hotel, the price of a single room is between 13,000 and 17,000 yen (800-1000 RMB), I think this price is very reasonable. Finally, I want to remind everyone that no matter which price plan you choose, the hot spring includes 23 hot spring pools, two large baths, and three private hot springs. The only difference is accommodation and breakfast. If you only care about the quality of the hot spring, then the cheapest plan is enough.

#japanhotel #japantravel #hot spring hotel #kusatsu hot spring #hot spring Going to Kusatsu, it would be too wasteful to just go back and forth on the same day to soak in the Higashi Onsen. So be sure to book a spa hotel to stay at least one night, be sure to soak enough money in the hotel. I like to stay in hot spring hotels in Kusatsu because the sulfur hot springs here are really good, and as it turns out, this one did not disappoint. Although this hotel is a bit inconvenient, some distance from Yubata and the bus terminal, the hotel has a free shuttle, so it is convenient. Once you enter the hotel, it is a traditional tatami floor, so you have to take off your shoes and put them in the shoe cabinet. The hotel hot spring is mainly on the first floor, with two different large baths for male and female guests (ancient bath and seasonal bath) and three other private baths. I personally prefer the seasonal soup, especially the open-air bath, which is really comfortable. If you want to enjoy private time, a private bath is also good, however it will take a while to see if anyone takes a dip. The rooms, although smaller than expected, were quite comfortable, with a hint of traditional spa hotel style. Dinner is on the second floor of the hotel, with good appetizers and sashimi, pork Shabu Shabu, and buffet-style mains with fish, tempura and dessert. There are many styles of drinks, and there are many kinds of alcohol, such as draft beer, plum wine, red and white wine, sake, etc. Another advantage of this hotel is that if you want to go to Karuizawa there will be a free shuttle bus ride to save 2240 yen fare. Although this hotel is really not very convenient, the equipment accommodation and food are really done well. In fact, this hotel also has free ramen for supper, but I didn't eat because I was too full😌

Part of the Kyoritsu Group, "Konoha" is like the "time management master" of Kusatsu Onsen! With daily gender-swapping large baths and three free private hot springs, you can enjoy four distinct bathing experiences in just one day. 🌿 "Value for Money" Secrets of the Large Baths ▪️ Exciting Gender-Swapping Pools The facility features two main baths: "Aomomiji no Yu" and "Momiji no Yu." At midnight, the gender usage rights are swapped. On the day of check-in, start with the outdoor pool of "Aomomiji" (surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for daytime), and the next morning, switch to the rock bath area of "Momiji" (the heated stone chairs are incredibly relaxing). Don’t forget a waterproof phone case to capture the swaying tree shadows while soaking! ▪️ Seasonal Outdoor Pools In autumn, open the wooden door of "Aomomiji no Yu" to find a pool filled with floating red leaves. In winter, "Momiji no Yu" offers an outdoor pool with snowflakes dancing in the steam under the lights. After bathing, use the "onsen facial steamer" provided by the inn for skincare—your skin will instantly glow! 🛀 "Exclusive Experience" of Private Hot Springs ▪️ Three Free Private Baths to Choose From The three private hot springs—"Takego," "Matsukaze," and "Umeage"—each have unique styles. "Takego" is surrounded by bamboo, perfect for quiet meditation. "Matsukaze" features driftwood chairs, ideal for listening to the wind through pine needles. "Umeage" offers plum blossom reflections in spring and a cozy heater in winter. During the day, there’s almost no waiting, but during peak evening hours (7:00 PM–9:00 PM), expect to wait for 3–5 groups. It’s recommended to visit the large baths first to avoid the crowd. ▪️ Water Temperature Adjustment Tips Private hot springs are generally 3°C warmer than the large baths. If it feels too hot, open the "cold water valve" (blue button on the wall) and adjust to around 40°C for a more comfortable soak. After bathing, enjoy a chilled Yakult provided by the inn for a refreshing hot-and-cold sensation! 🍳 Breakfast and Nearby Delicacies ▪️ A Hearty Brunch for ¥1,600 The buffet breakfast includes Japanese set meals and Western dishes: freshly baked toast with Kusatsu honey, onsen egg rice with golden yolk, and sweet fresh pineapple that tastes like it’s been candied. Don’t miss the "grated yam soba," a light and refreshing dish perfect for waking up your taste buds after bathing. ▪️ "Dessert Hunting" in the Onsen Town A 5-minute walk from the inn to "Yubatake," where you must buy "onsen yokan" (¥350/box)! The red bean flavor is rich but not overwhelming, and the matcha flavor has a subtle sulfur aroma (oddly intriguing but addictive). Stop by the "Kusatsu Milk Ice Cream" stand and add a serving of "shiratama mochi"—the chewy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy milk flavor. 📍 Practical Tips for Your Stay ✅ Shampoo and conditioner are provided in the baths, but it’s recommended to bring your own shower puff (the inn only provides small soap bars). ✅ The private hot spring entrances have "in use" indicator lights. If the red light is on, do not enter to respect others’ privacy. ✅ After check-out, you can use the free "coin-operated luggage lockers" (located to the right of the inn’s entrance) to explore the onsen town hands-free. Summary: "Konoha" is truly a paradise for hot spring enthusiasts! With affordable prices, diverse bathing options, a hearty breakfast, and nearby delicacies, it’s perfect for indulging in Kusatsu’s essence in just one day. Next time, I’ll try the "late-night private hot spring"—turn off the lights and soak while stargazing. Just imagining it gives me goosebumps from the romance!

Complete Guide to Hot Springs, Transportation, and Dining—Unbeatable Value! After experiencing Kusatsu Onsen's 'Konoha,' I can't help but highly recommend it! With a one-night stay including two meals and access to premium shared hot springs, it's the ultimate haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking relaxation. 🌿 Surprising Hot Spring Experiences ▪️ Dual Bathhouses + Three Private Outdoor Baths: The main bathhouse is divided into 'Rock Bath Area' and 'Herbal Bath Area,' with the 'Herbal Bath' being a standout! After soaking, leg fatigue noticeably diminishes, thanks to the addition of Kusatsu's specialty 'birch tree sap.' The outdoor private baths are nestled in bamboo groves, illuminated by lanterns at night. Listening to snow falling on bamboo leaves while soaking is the epitome of Japanese-style healing. ▪️ Seasonal Garden Shared Benefits: Some hot springs are shared with the neighboring high-end inn, allowing you to enjoy 'Seasonal Garden's' design at 'Konoha' prices. For the best experience, visit the hot springs early at 7 AM to almost have the entire area to yourself. 🚌 Transportation Made Easy ▪️ Karuizawa JR Direct Shuttle: Reserve the free shuttle bus in advance for a hassle-free 1.5-hour ride from Karuizawa Station to the inn. The driver will assist with luggage—don't forget to say 'arigatou' when you get off. ▪️ Onsen Town Circulating Minibus: A free minibus stop is conveniently located at the inn's entrance, running every 10 minutes to 'Nishinoharu Onsen Town.' Perfect for buying onsen buns and foot bath socks. After soaking in the evening, you can skip walking and take the bus back to your room. 🍽️ Satisfying One-Night, Two-Meal Dining ▪️ Kaiseki Cuisine + Buffet: Dinner features 'Kusatsu Beef Sukiyaki' as the main dish, accompanied by steamed yam, pickles, and miso soup. The buffet area offers tempura, salads, and desserts. Be sure to try the 'Birch Sap Pudding,' which has a creamy texture and a resinous fragrance. ▪️ Late-Night Ramen + Morning Set Meal: After soaking until 10 PM, enjoy free ramen! The soy sauce-based broth is rich, and the bamboo shoots are delightfully crunchy. For breakfast, the 'Onsen Egg Rice Bowl' is a must-try—the moment the yolk breaks and flows is pure bliss. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ✅ Rooms are indeed dated! Tatami mats in Japanese-style rooms show signs of age. Opt for 'Western-Japanese hybrid rooms' for more comfort. ✅ Soundproofing is average! Speak softly after returning from the hot springs to avoid disturbing neighbors. ✅ Private baths require advance booking! Reserve prime time slots (5:00-6:30 PM sunset hours) upon check-in. Summary: Perfect for those who want to experience the essence of Kusatsu Onsen without spending a fortune! The hot springs are professional, transportation is convenient, and dining is abundant. Apart from the dated rooms, there are virtually no drawbacks. Next time, I'll bring my parents to let them enjoy the double joy of 'herbal baths + late-night ramen'!

Onyado Konoha is the sister hotel of Yuyado Kinoniwa. Konoha is a more affordable hotel with Western-style rooms, while Kinoniwa's rooms have private baths. What is a bit inconvenient is that the cheapest rooms in Konoha do not have bathing facilities, and you have to go to the large public bath to take a bath. However, when I went there at around 11pm, there was almost no one in the large bathing area, and there were two large bathing areas, so there was no need to worry about too many people. 📌The two hotels share public facilities such as the large bath. The biggest selling point is that the hotel has two spring sources, more than 20 kinds of hot springs, and private hot springs that can be queued. 📌The hotel includes semi-buffet dinner and breakfast, and there is unlimited alcohol at dinner. Compared with the kaiseki cuisine provided by ordinary hot spring hotels, the semi-buffet food variety is more attractive! It also suits our taste more! 📌The hotel provides a shuttle bus to Kusatsu Yubatake, but the frequency is not frequent, so you need to plan your visit time in advance. The hotel also provides private parking with plenty of parking spaces, so you don't have to worry about not having a spot. So in summary, it is more suitable for self-driving tourists. 📍Address: Oyado Konoha Hotel  Shirane 464-214, 377-1711 Kusatsu-cho, Azuma-gun, Gunma prefecture, Japan # Sign up for May Hotel Sleeper 2025 # Hot Spring Hotel # Kusatsu Hot Spring # Kusatsu

#japantrip Konoha offers tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doors, and beautiful gardens. The design emphasizes simplicity and harmony with nature. Experiencing the onsen - Soaking in these mineral-rich waters is not just relaxing; it's also believed to have therapeutic benefits. You can enjoy indoor or outdoor baths, often with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Dinner at a ryokan typically includes kaiseki, a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation. Each dish is crafted with care and reflects the local culinary traditions. Konoha offers breathtaking landscapes. The overall atmosphere of a ryokan encourages relaxation. Whether it's enjoying a quiet evening in your room, sipping green tea, or taking a stroll in the garden, you'll find plenty of opportunities to unwind. A stay at a ryokan in Konoha is a unique experience that combines traditional Japanese culture with the stunning natural beauty of the region. A perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and nature, making it a memorable getaway!

🏡Ryokan 'Konoha (木の葉)' located in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, is the best place to enjoy nature and hot springs away from the hustle and bustle of the city. ♨️In particular, there are three themed large baths and private open-air baths, so you can enjoy the hot springs while looking out at nature all year round. 🍱Meals in the ryokan are also kaiseki cuisine using fresh local ingredients, so you can taste traditional Japanese food. ✨Tips •Private open-air bath/Kashikiri open-air bath (貸し切り露天風呂) If you enter an empty open-air bath first and close the door, you can enjoy the hot springs with your family, friends, or lover without being disturbed by others, making it even more special! Open-air bath themes: bamboo, rock, forest •Snacks provided After the hot springs, relieve your fatigue with delicious snacks provided free of charge by Konoha Ryokan! Morning: Yogurt Afternoon: Ice cream Night: Ramen •Shuttle bus Free shuttle bus to Yubatake and Kusatsu Bus Terminal 📍〒377-1711 Gunma, Agatsuma District, 吾妻郡 草津町草津白根464-214 💴 Weekdays 30,000 yen per night #Emotional accommodation #Japan travel #Couples #Hot spring travel #Ryokan recommendation #Japanese ryokan #Kusatsu Onsen #kusatsu #ryokan #Open-air bath #Open-air bath accommodation #Tokyo suburbs