8 BEST Kusatsu Onsen Hotels & Ryokans with private onsen (2025 update!)
Kusatsu is one of the most-visited onsen towns in the Kanto region, about a three-hour journey from Tokyo. It is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs with the highest water discharge in all of Japan with multiple natural hot spring sources, making it a perfect destination for an onsen escape. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best 8 hot spring hotels, all of which offer private baths or free communal baths. Let's see which one suits you the most!
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Top Onsen Hotels in Kusatsu:
1. Kusatsu Onsen Boun great value for money!
Located in the heart of Kusatsu, Boun is a traditional and elegant onsen ryokan just a 3-minute walk from Yubatake and the lively onsen streets. Guests can enjoy a continuous flow of natural hot spring water in the communal baths or private onsens, which feature two of Kusatsu's famous hot springs. The ryokan also provides a free shuttle service, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
The ryokan offers 33 rooms across 5 different types. The main building features traditional Japanese-style rooms without private bathrooms, while the newer Unshoan annex provides more modern accommodations. // View Room Details
For a luxurious experience, some rooms in Unshou-an include private open-air baths fed by the Sainokawara hot spring and offer serene garden views from the room.
The standard package includes breakfast, with an option for a full-board plan. Dinner can be enjoyed either in your private room or in a private dining space within the restaurant.
2. La Vista Kusatsu Hills private bath in all rooms!
LA VISTA Kusatsu Hills is a western-style hot spring hotel in Kusatsu, designed with a whimsical German fairy tale theme. Each room features a private open-air onsen and there's also a rooftop observation public bath, where you can soak in three different types of hot spring water in the region while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
The hotel offers three room designs, each inspired by a classic fairy tale: Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood. Decorated in soothing tones, every room exudes a cozy atmosphere.
Each room includes a private open-air onsen, allowing you to soak in the rejuvenating waters of the "Yuyakawa hot spring" at your leisure. // View Room Details
In the top-floor communal bath, guests can revel in three types of hot springs - Yubatake, Bandai, and Yuyakawa - while taking in panoramic views of Kusatsu. After your bath, enjoy complimentary treats like yogurt drinks, popsicles, or even tomato ramen for the ultimate relaxation.
Guests can make use of four private baths free of charge. These private onsens are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so no reservations are needed - just check for availability and enjoy.
The accommodation plan includes breakfast and dinner, offering a seasonal Western-style dinner set and a buffet breakfast with a mix of Japanese and Western choices.
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3. Kusatsu Hotel 1913 newly-renovated in 2020!
Nestled on a peaceful hillside, Kusatsu Hotel 1913 is a historic onsen hotel with over 100 years of history. Just a 6-minute walk from Yubatake and the lively onsen streets, the hotel underwent renovations in 2020, refreshing its communal baths and guest rooms. Guests can enjoy two types of hot springs in the public baths or reserve a private bath for a more personalized soak. A free shuttle service is available - simply inform the staff at the Kusatsu Bus Terminal to arrange your pickup.
The hotel features 40 non-smoking rooms in various styles, some of which include private onsens. Please note that the building does not have elevators, so access to certain rooms may require the use of stairs. // View Room Details
The hotel’s onsen features 100% natural flowing hot spring water. In the communal baths, you can enjoy both the rare Sainokawara spring (offered by only a few hotels in Kusatsu) and the Bandai spring.
For a more private experience, family baths are available for rental. The smaller bath for 2 people costs ¥1,650 for 45 minutes, while the larger bath for 4 people is priced at ¥2,200 for 45 minutes.
4. URAKUSATSU TOU opened in 2022!
Opened in 2022, Urakusatsu Tou is a stylish onsen retreat located in the heart of Kusatsu, just a 3-minute walk from Yubatake. The hotel blends traditional Japanese architecture with intricate craftsmanship, incorporating elements like woodworking, carving, painting, and weaving. Guests can enjoy the soothing waters of the Jizo spring in the communal baths, or choose private onsen rooms and rental baths for a more private experience.
The hotel offers two types of rooms, all featuring traditional tatami flooring. Large windows in each room provide serene views of the hotel garden and surrounding Kusatsu scenery.
For an added touch of luxury, four rooms four rooms feature private open-air baths where you can unwind while gazing through the expansive windows. These private onsen rooms can accommodate up to four adults, making them ideal for families or small groups. // View Room Details
The communal bath features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy the garden views while soaking in the hot springs.
The hotel also features two private rental baths, including a rooftop sky bath. Here, you can relax in complete privacy while surrounded by Kusatsu’s stunning natural beauty. The rental fee for a session is approximately ¥3,000.
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5. Hotel Sakurai largest public bath + free traditional shows!
Hotel Sakurai is a renowned onsen hotel in Kusatsu, boasting the region’s largest communal bath and three types of hot spring waters. Conveniently situated, it's just a 5-minute walk from the Kusatsu Bus Terminal or a short ride on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. Each evening, guests can enjoy unique experiences such as the Yumomi water-stirring performance and traditional Sakura Taiko drum shows.
With 179 rooms in various layouts, the hotel caters to different group sizes, with some rooms accommodating 4 to 8 adults. The standard stay plan already includes dinner and breakfast. // View Room Details
Select rooms feature cypress or ceramic baths. However, note that these in-room private baths are not supplied with natural hot spring water.
The communal bath at the hotel is among the largest in Kusatsu, featuring a 30-meter pool supplied with a blend of the Bandai and Sainokawara hot springs.
The open-air baths also offer a unique mix of the milky-white Wata-no-Yu, Bandai and Sainokawara hot springs.
For a more private soak, the private bathhouses are an excellent choice. Priced at just ¥1,000, they are available for up to 20 groups per day and are spacious enough to accommodate multiple people.
6. Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu with small kitchen!
Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu, located just a 2-minute walk from the Yubatake area, is a cozy onsen hotel offering modern and stylish rooms, including options with private baths. While the hotel does not have a restaurant, simple breakfasts are provided, and some rooms are equipped with small kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their meals. In addition to communal baths, the hotel also provides a free footbath and paid private baths.
With 44 rooms available in 10 different types, some rooms feature open-air baths or small kitchens. It's important to note that certain room types do not have shower facilities. // View Room Details
Rooms with private baths are supplied with natural hot spring from the Yubatake hot spring or the hotel’s exclusive spring source.
Both the communal baths and private baths utilize the hotel’s unique spring water, Kokodake no Onsen, known for its potential benefits for conditions such as skin inflammation, chronic eczema, and sensitivity to cold.
Guests often praise the hotel for its cleanliness. To maintain a tidy environment, all guests are required to store their shoes at the lobby before entering the hotel.
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7. Yubatake Souan free private bathhouses!
Located right next to Yubatake, Yubatake Souan is a highly convenient choice for sightseeing and dining in the region. The hotel offers private onsen rooms and complimentary 45-minute sessions in their private bathhouses, which feature natural hot spring sourced directly from the Yubatake spring. Additionally, they run a footbath café, where guests can enjoy drinks and desserts while soaking their feet.
The ryokan features 16 modern Japanese-style rooms. It's important to note that some rooms are situated on the second floor, and the building does not have an elevator.
Three rooms are equipped with private onsens, providing 100% free-flowing Yubatake spring water, allowing guests to indulge in Kusatsu's renowned hot springs in complete privacy. // View Room Details
All guests can reserve a free 45-minute session in the private bathhouses at check-in. While the baths are small, they are deeper than usual, which helps improve blood circulation and metabolism by increasing water pressure on the feet. After 1 a.m., the two bathhouses become gender-separated communal baths, freely accessible to all guests.
Guests can also enjoy the large communal baths at the sister hotel, Gensen Ichinoyu, located just a 2-minute walk away.
8. Aeruyado Takamatsu rooms with balcony!
Aeruyado Takamatsu is a modern-style hot spring hotel with balconies in all guest rooms. The rooms on the top floor even feature open-air baths on the terrace. It takes 5 minutes to reach Yubatake from the hotel, and guests without a car can utilize the free shuttle service from the bus terminal to the hotel.
The hotel offers a total of 23 modern rooms that blend Japanese and Western styles. Each room has enough space for an additional bed to accommodate a third guest. Moreover, there are connecting family rooms, perfect for groups and families. // View Room Details
All rooms are equipped with a terrace and come complete with Smart TVs that provide access to online streaming platforms such as YouTube.
The rooms on the 4th floor feature open-air baths where guests can enjoy the Yubatake hot spring on while enjoying views of Kusatsu's mountains and cityscape.
The top-tier rooms boast a fireplace and two private hot spring baths, offering not only the Yubatake hot spring but also a lower-temperature "resting bath".
In addition to the communal baths and open-air baths, the hotel also provides facilities like bedrock baths and saunas.
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