Tajimaya Ryokan

Wonderful experience Owner doesn't speak English so much but was willing to help anytime. Complimentary matcha was very tasty and at the end he even gave me complimentary snack. Unfortunately i didn't bring my towel, so i needed to pay extra. Room is considered for 1-4 person, but i would not like to share it with that many people, its very compact. Location is in center. And the hot spring is great. I would stay longer but apparently its a myth about Japanese working too hard. I had to split my stay between two hotels because this one is family owned so they have a day off on which you cannot stay. Other then that the loveliest place.

Conveniently located, though no amenities provided, essential items are there including heater, indoor onsen available the entire day. Traditional, yet a bit aged condition.

If you are looking for an affordable, authentic traditional ryokan stay in Kusatsu Onsen, this is the place. This was the cheapest ryokan I found in Kusatsu. The front desk, managed by a friendly grandpa, is able to communicate in English, which makes check-in very convenient. The key they provide upon check-in has a QR code that explains the location and route to your room. Please note that the rooms are not labeled by number but by Japanese characters, so I had fun matching the characters on the key holder to the room door. The room was pretty clean. Since this is an old building, some facilities are understandably dated and may show visible discoloration or marks that developed over time. The flooring is made of tatami mats. You will make your own futon, which you can find inside the closet. The room includes a center table and chairs, and they provide 2 pieces of onsen manju as a welcome treat—the chestnut flavor is delicious. The room has a heater, so there’s no problem visiting during the cold season. Towels are not provided, so please bring your own. The toilet is clean and shared, with separate cubicles for men and women. There are 3–4 sinks outside the rooms, as well as a refrigerator and microwave oven. I think there’s free coffee on the ground floor. I don’t remember if free water is provided, so it’s easy to just buy your own at the nearby convenience store. The shared bath is located on the ground floor. It’s onsen-style, so you’ll need to be in your birth suit. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided. This ryokan is conveniently located right in front of the bus terminal, with a Lawson nearby. It’s also only a 3–5 minute walk from Yubatake. Walking from Yubatake to the hotel late at night felt very safe, even when I was alone. There are also a few restaurants in the area. Upon checkout, they ask for a separate tax; during my stay, it was 500 yen, which is very reasonable. Overall, I would stay at this ryokan again whenever I visit Kusatsu. If you are looking for a full-service stay with a breakfast feast, you may want to look elsewhere.

Near bus station, great stay, friendly staff and also exceptional onsen! Toilet has no bidet, other than that was great!