We loved the privacy and feeling of exclusivity that Eidaya offered during our stay in Kusatsu. Because it was a short walk away from the Yubatake, where the tourists tend to crowd, we had a quiet place to relax in Eidaya which we could call our home after a day’s worth of exploration and adventure. It was indeed our home away from home—exactly how we envisioned an authentic ryokan stay experience would be like. From the moment they picked us up at the Bus Terminal, to our arrival, we instantly knew it was going to be a great stay. The staff were warm and beyond accommodating, which we did not expect at all since we were foreigners who only spoke English. We were even so stupid as to lose our room key! To our surprise and relief, Eidaya’s neighbor found it and returned it to them, which they gave back to us without any fuss. We cannot tell which experience is our favorite but what we always looked forward to during our stay was when it’s time for breakfast and dinner. These amazing meals were not only prepared meticulously but also presented beautifully and generously explained by their staff to us as they were being served. We appreciated their efforts to communicate in English, even the sweet lady who kept smiling at us who could only speak in Japanese. It made us feel really welcome and want to come back to Eidaya. The cold sake is a must-try! Another highlight for us was the open-air bath inside our room. Even without it though, Eidaya has 3 amazing private onsens for unlimited use. Last but not least, the 90s games you can play inside the ryokan: we cannot emphasize how much this completed the entire experience. Loved this nice touch! They also helped us figure out how we can return to Tokyo. Overall, it was a 11/10 experience for us.

Nothing! We should have booked more nights.

It is a Japanese style inn with retro vibes. Their private onsen's water comes from the very hot spring source of Kusatsu and therefore you can experience the hot spring water without going to the public baths if you are shy. We mostly used them at night when the town's baths are closed since the inn's are 24/7 open. I would recommend to book a japanese style room as it has it's tatami and according decoration and together with the inn's yukata (there is an opt for a colorful one and geta to rent) it gives a more japanese experience. We liked that the inn had slippers for going outside which was convenient as the whole town is full with onsens (even ones that are only for feet) and therefore is more convenient to move in slippers. They have a game area with a lot of retro game (even arcade games) and Nintendo SFC System Video Game Console in the rooms. It may not be in the centre of the town (around 10 min walk for either yubatake or Sainokawara Park and open onsen) but is very close to it and also they offer pick up/drop off from the bus terminal. Staff were very friendly and helped with everything we needed. In our next visit to Kusatsu we are definitely staying there!

None actually. The photo on google maps doesn't give justice to this inn and it was the reason we were skeptical at first but we loved our decision when we got there.

The host was amazing, he offered us complimentary drinks! He suggested food places in the town as one of us was vegetarian, he helped us print out a component of our itinerary and was just an overall amazing person, the best service I've ever had anywhere in the world. On top of that we had accidentally left a smart watch at our last stop and he called the hotel on our behalf and spoke with them arranging for us to retrieve our belongings later on. We can't thank you enough for the amazing and welcoming environment.

I like everything about it. There are retro arcade games in the lobby area and our room is equipped with a super nintendo 2. I loved that they have 3 private onsen that you’re free to use anytime without limit as long as the doors are open (i.e. it’s available). It was super convenient that you don’t have to make a reservation to do it. The breakfast is super nice too! It was so worth it. The staff are superb! Super friendly and speaks english very well! The room is spacious; equipped with a shower. I would love to go back.

The location is a few mins walk away from Yubatake but it is halfway between yunatake and sainokawara park. Everything is on a hill in Kusatsu so prepare for a hike always.

Lots of amenities and games for children to busy themselves with. From old school Nintendo games in the rooms to board games and golf and more. We however didn’t need to use it as we were our quite often. I suppose if parents are in the Onsen then that would be a great alternative to keeping kids busy. Parking is across the entrance and just a few steps away. Which is very convenient if you drive. For Onsen lovers, there’s 3 which you can use and some rooms come with their own private onsen.

The restaurant was often closed. Maybe we missed the opening hours? Japanese Breakfast had to be ordered the night before by 7pm.

Home-y styled Ryokan containing three private onsens. We stayed in their private Japanese styled room with a shower and it was super comfortable. The Ryokan also had a dining room and communal area with old 90s games. Breakfast and dinner were made by in house staff and hit the mark every meal. The owner of this also owns a cafe down the road that serve Melbourne coffee and we were provided a free coffee ticket each upon check-in. This Ryokan was a little away from the main yubakate area (~10 minute walk) and is situated on higher grounds so do expect a bit of a climb during that 10 minute walk back. Overall, this Ryokan had amazing staff that were so friendly, great meals and comfortable rooms.

We are very happy that we were able to visit this place! We thank the host and everyone who made our stay here very comfortable. Importantly, the owner speaks English very well. The room is spacious and comfortable, has everything you need. We really enjoyed sleeping on the futon! Yukata and haori are wonderful. And it is impossible not to note the presence in the room of a Nintendo console with rare games: Mario, Zelda and others. 3 private onsen with different water temperatures. They are available to guests 24 hours and without restrictions. It is very convenient that you can watch online whether onsen is busy or not. This is a small thing, but it makes so comfortable to visit the hot springs, you do not need to go down from the room and check whether it is occupied or not. Well thought out! The common area is also wonderful. Here you can drink tea/coffee/water after visiting onsen. Use a massage chair, play games, read manga. Well, breakfast! Mmmmm, how delicious everything was! We also had a few requests for food, since we do not eat some products and the host replaced some items in the breakfast so that everything would suit us. Thanks for this care, it was so nice. This is a truly amazing experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Every time we remember living here with warmth and delight. We really hope to come here again someday.

Nothing

Where to start, first of all, this place is awesome! The staffs are very nice and helpful. I booked one night with full board (2 meals, dinner and next day breakfast). Foods are delicious and they offer complimentary tea and yuzu water in the hallway for people to drink after onsen. They have 3 private onsen rooms, first come, first serve, and we did not have problem finding an open one. They are open to guests 24/7 so you can get onsen any time. Room is spacious and clean, very comfortable beds. They also offer shuttle to the bus station.

I like everything here/ nothing to complain. Too short of the stay. Need to stay here longer next time!

All amenities you need (fridge, blowdryer, kettle) in the room and even some outside you could use (microwave etc.) Free private indoor onsen with free cold drinks for after (iced water and tea) Comfortable beds, big room even with a retro game console which gave a very homey feeling. Big common use area with traditional japanese decoration Yukata rental for 500yen also availabe All in all: everything you would need, they probably have

Duvet was a tiny bit too thin, but I did not freeze. A little bit steep way up the hotel

The staff were amazing help. I was having issues with communication through booking.com but they found a way around it for me. When they collected us from the bus terminal, the driver showed us some popular spots to eat and see. The house was old, but that's why I chose it. It didn't make it any less comfy, it felt like a home. The staff had set up a mini Super NES for the boys. The location was honestly a short walk from most stuff and the further stuff was fine as it gave you a chance to take in the Town.

The smell of the Onsen lol. No one can help that. You do get used to it, and I was aware of the smell when doing research. It's a natural smell. And I didn't like we couldn't stay longer.