What kind of onsen ryokan is Naraya?
This is an authentic onsen ryokan with a long history in Kusatsu Onsen. Once we entered the gate, we felt that we were being pulled into old Japan. If you are a hot spring freak, I would recommend it as the spring quality is one of the best in Japan. On the other hand, if you are looking for a room with a private onsen, this is not. There is no room with a private one. Because the quality of the Kusatsu hot spring water will encroach on rooms. The onsen ryokan would be great for families, couples, small groups, or solo travelers. The ambiance is cozy, serene, and friendly.
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Is the location easy to access?
Yes, it would be easy from Tokyo, but it takes 240min by bus. If this is your first-time visit to Kusatsu Onsen, you may want to take an express bus at Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, Shibuya Mark City high-speed bus stop, or Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit. Then get off at Kusatsu-Onsen Bus Terminal and just a 5min walk to the property. Also, a Free shuttle bus from Kusatsu-Onsen Bus Terminal is available between 8:30 to 18:00. You need to book it in advance.
Alternatively, Kusatsu Onsen can be reached by express train from Ueno Station, but it is not recommended because you need to change to a bus on the way. If you want to know how to get there by train, please comment below. More detailed information is provided here.
Then the location is perfect, just a 1min walk from the center of Kusatsu Onsen. You must be excited to take a walk around Yubatake in Yukata. Yubatake is amazingly illuminated in a mystical atmosphere.
Then the parking lot is a bit away from the property. Staff can pick you up by shuttle bus, so you may want to inform them in advance if you want to use it.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, you should book renovated rooms. Facilities tend to be the latest. The rooms are spacious, functional, and user-friendly. On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend the unrenovated rooms. Because those rooms tend to be cramped, worn-out, and not functional.
If you want to view Yubatake from your room, you should book a room called “MINEZAKURA”. Most of the rooms have no nice views. For the location, I can’t complain more.
Then the traditional building wouldn’t have the latest soundproofing. My ear sometimes caught some noise from the upstairs when I slept at night. Also, the air conditioners installed in the rooms tend to be quite old-fashioned. I guess it is not possible to install the latest air conditioners because of the quality of the Kusatsu hot spring water.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, a green tea set, yukatas, water bottles, and tea bags. There are complimentary coffee and tea at the lounge between 7:30-9:30 and 20:00-22:00. Room service is not available. There is a convenience store nearby. Wi-Fi reception was good but sometimes slow at night.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are wonderful communal hot springs. Surprisingly the onsen ryokan has some staff called “Yumori” who manage hot springs, such as water temperature, quality, and resembling flowers, etc. In the good old days, many onsen ryokans used to have Yumoris but nowadays it would be very rare. The water temperature of hot springs in Kusatsu Onsen tends to be high but Naraya is absolutory exceptional. It was just perfect. Once you try them, you would become an onsen freak. They are open between 14:00-10:30 the following morning.
Then there are three private family hot springs. It costs JPY2,700 for 45min. You need to book when you check-in at the reception if you want to use them. They are available for 24H. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing area. You should use private family ones instead.
Then this is not a universal design. There are some steps. If you bring people with weak feet, you should find others. Unluckily most of the onsen ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen have a lot of steps because of the spa resort town with many hills.
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How about meals?
The local cuisine for dinner and breakfast was good but it wouldn’t be special. If you are a gourmet, I wouldn’t recommend it. The food wouldn’t be sophisticated. The portion tends to be average. All meals were served in a private room in a dining area. Please note that if you have dinner here, you need to check in until 19:30. After dinner, don’t forget to visit Café & Bar in-house as the ambiance was tranquil, comfortable, and lovey. The bar is open between 18:00-21:00. Then there are some local restaurants around the property. You can go out for dinner.
My impressions
Overall, if you expect 5-star hotel service, this is not. All staff was friendly, but if you cannot find English speakers at the reception, you might want to write on paper what you want to say. Most of the young staff would understand English sentences. I hope you don’t mind. Overall, if you want to get much of an immersive “authentic onsen ryokan experience”, Naraya would be one of the best. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. *If you reach after 17:00, you need to inform the staff in advance. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Naraya
| Style | Authentic Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
14:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 56,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Call at 0279-88-2311 from domestic Call at +81 279-88-2311 from overseas |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Naraya’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle bus from Kusatsu-Onsen Bus Terminal Need to request it in advance |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Naraya’s HP *Japanese Only |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.