草津温泉 桐島屋旅館(Kirishimaya Ryokan)

It’s a really nice onsen hotel! It’s a small hotel, however they have kept the Japanese vintage style very well over the room and also the common area. The ground floor there are reading area and breakfast area which has cool Japanese traditional decorations. The breakfast is also very traditional. The hotel is just a few minute walk from the famous yubatake, and the hotel staffs are very nice. There is a reception staff can speak English very well which is not common in Japan. And the onsen pools are nice, and not many people use that👍 I suggest you can go at weekends which are less people in the town.

We stayed during low season, in Summer end of Jun22 for two nites, so it was not busy. This is our 1st time trip to Kusatsu. Loc is within distance of Yubatake, 6min walk, next to Shirane shrine. A bit steep but still manageable. Easy in and out to get your meals/snacks around Yubatake area. I love the front garden, it is lush and beautiful. I can imagine how pretty it is during Autumn or Spring with all the Japanese maples and sakura trees. Hotel guy is super friendly, accommodative and fluent in English. Our room is on 3rd floor, with stairs, so if you have problem , you might request to be on lower level. It is spacious and clean. I love the futon and especially the duvet, is fluffy and comfy. Pillow is the traditional Japanese rice pillow but personally I love it as it doesnt give you any neck pain and keeps you straight. There is a tv and fridge as well. Welcome cookies, hot water, greentea sachets and drinking water also provided. Towels and toothbrush. Yes, the toilet is tiny, but it is still ok. I love the view from my big window with all the greeneries. They provide yukata and a cute shopping basket for you to stroll around. They have one private onsen that you can use for yourself, and two communal onsen (men and women) . We tried the private one, it is quite roomy. It is just so hot, probably because we are not used to have an onsen. One thing to improve probably to clean the washroom drain inside the onsen. Next day we've got a chance to use the communal one privately. And yes, you can enjoy it by yourself, all you have to do is ask. It is roomier and also have an extra outdoor , ofuro-size with forest-view. The temperature is warmer and nicer. We ordered an extra breakfast for Y770 pp and it is a decent Japanese meal set. No meat, but nice and worth the price. We enjoyed our stay in Kirishimaya ryokan, although we plan to try other places in Gunma next time, we think Kirishimaya is an absolute gem and worth to visit again.