4-Starhotels in Gunma Prefecture, Japan

Title: Unforgivable service, ridiculous charges, and total lack of respect for guests. My stay at Kamenoi Hotel Kusatsu Yubatake was a complete disaster from start to finish. The level of unprofessionalism is astounding. 1. Intrusive Wake-Up Call: On the second day, we were jolted awake at 9:00 AM by a phone call from the front desk just to ”confirm” our dinner time. There is absolutely no excuse for disturbing a guest's sleep for such a trivial matter, especially when a simple note under the door or a message on the phone system would suffice. 2. Dinner Reservation Fiasco: We had a confirmed reservation for the 9:00 PM dinner slot. When we arrived at the restaurant on time, we were rudely told we only had 15 minutes left to eat because the restaurant was closing. Why offer a 9:00 PM slot if you intend to close 15 minutes later? Their excuse was that they ”tried to call” to move us to a 7:30 PM slot. This is a lie—we were in our room all day and never received any call or message. Their poor internal communication and lack of a reliable system ruined our evening. 3. Sneaky Late Check-Out Fee: The hotel failed to inform us of the checkout time or the fees for late checkout. We were just 15 minutes late (at 10:15 AM), and they charged us 3,000 yen on the spot. This predatory fee was not mentioned during check-in, nor was it clearly stated in any visible policy. It feels like a scam to squeeze more money out of guests. 4. Useless Luggage Storage: After checkout, we simply wanted to store our luggage for a few hours before leaving town. They told us we had to pick it up by 12:00 PM noon. What is the point of offering ”storage” if it is only for an hour or two? This is an inconvenience, not a service. Overall, this hotel is run by people who seem to care more about collecting fees than providing hospitality. I strongly advise against staying here. --- Japanese (日本語) 評価: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) タイトル: ありえないサービス、理不尽な追加料金、客を無視した対応。 草津湯畑にある亀の井ホテルに宿泊しましたが、最悪の体験でした。プロフェッショナル意識が全く感じられません。 1. 朝9時のモーニングコール: 2日目の朝、なんと午前9時にフロントから電話で起こされました。内容は「夕食の時間の確認」です。就寝中の客を、その程度の用事で起こす行為は論外です。ドアにメモを入れるか、内線電話にメッセージを残すなどの方法があるはずです。 2. 夕食予約のトラブル: 夜9時の夕食枠を予約していました。時間通りにレストランに行くと、「レストランは閉まるので、食べられるのはあと15分です」と言われました。夜9時からの枠を設定しているのに、なぜ15分後に閉店するのでしょうか？ 後で「7時半の枠に変更しようと電話したが繋がらなかった」と弁解されましたが、私たちは終日部屋にいたにもかかわらず、そのような電話は一切ありませんでした。内部の連携不足と杜撰な管理のせいで、夕食の時間が台無しになりました。 3. 説明のなかったレイトチェックアウト料金: チェックアウト時間や延長料金についての説明が一切ありませんでした。そのため、いわゆるチェックアウト時間（10時）を15分過ぎただけで、3,000円を請求されました。チェックイン時にも、明文化されたポリシーにも記載のない不当な料金です。客から金を搾り取るようなやり方にしか思えません。 4. 意味のない手荷物預かり: チェックアウト後、観光のため手荷物を預かってほしいとお願いしました。すると、正午12時までに取りに来るよう言われました。わずか1〜2時間のために預けるのに、わざわざ「12時まで」と制限する意味がわかりません。これはサービスではなく、単なる不便の押し付けです。 全体的に、このホテルは「おもてなし」よりも「料金徴収」を重視していると感じました。二度と泊まりません。 --- Chinese (中文) 评分: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) 标题: 毫无专业可言，乱收费，完全不尊重客人！ 我在草津湯畑的龜乃井酒店的住宿体验简直是一场灾难。酒店的服务水平和沟通方式令人难以置信地糟糕。 1. 早上9点的“叫醒服务”: 入住第二天早上9点整，前台竟然打电话到房间把我们吵醒，目的只是为了“确认晚餐时间”。为了这种小事打扰客人休息，简直不可理喻。明明可以留便条或通过客房电话留言，他们却选择了最扰民的方式。 2. 晚餐预约的闹剧: 我们提前预约了晚上9点的晚餐时段。当我们准时到达餐厅时，工作人员却告知我们餐厅即将关门，我们只剩下15分钟的用餐时间。既然只营业到9点15分，为什么要开放9点的预约？事后他们解释说“试图打电话通知将预约改到7点半”，但我们一整天都在房间里，根本没有接到任何电话或留言。这种内部协调失误和糟糕的沟通方式，彻底毁掉了我们的晚餐体验。 3. 未提前告知的延时退房费: 酒店在办理入住时完全没有告知退房时间，也没有说明延时退房的费用。我们只是晚了15分钟（所谓的10点退房时间刚过），就被当场收取了3000日元。这笔费用在入住时没有提及，也没有在任何明文规定中看到，完全属于隐形消费，感觉像在变相宰客。 4. 毫无意义的行李寄存: 退房后，我们想寄存行李以便在附近逛逛。酒店却告知我们必须在中午12点前回来取走。寄存行李本来就是为了方便客人，只让存一两个小时有什么意义？这根本不是提供服务，而是给客人制造麻烦。 总之，这家酒店的管理混乱，只顾着收钱，完全没有待客之道。强烈不推荐入住！

We stayed at Naraya Ryokan as a family of four for two nights and three days, and the experience exceeded our expectations from the moment we arrived. We were greeted immediately upon check in, and the staff took time to clearly explain the facilities, meals, and schedule, making the entire process smooth and welcoming. We personally communicated with the staff in Japanese, which made interactions especially seamless. We also observed the staff making genuine efforts to assist other guests in English. While English is not their first language, their willingness to accommodate and ensure guests felt comfortable was evident and appreciated. The ryokan itself is beautifully maintained, offering a calm and traditional atmosphere with thoughtful details throughout. One highlight not to be missed is the coffee spot attached to the lobby, which is an excellent place to relax. Their take on affogato is especially memorable and well worth trying. Dining at Naraya Ryokan is a traditional set menu experience that showcases seasonal Japanese cuisine. Guests should be prepared to enjoy authentic, traditional dishes that reflect regional ingredients and seasonal flavors. Each meal felt carefully prepared and added depth to the overall ryokan experience. Our stay felt unhurried and restorative, and we would have gladly stayed an additional night if our itinerary had allowed. Naraya Ryokan comes highly recommended, and we would happily return for another stay in the future.

We had a wonderful stay at Urakusatsu Tou, a brand-new hotel that truly exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly escorted by the staff. Although parking was allocated at a private outdoor parking area, the hotel thoughtfully provided an escort service, making the process very smooth and comfortable. The room was spacious and beautifully designed. Communication was easy as the receptionist spoke fluent English. The hotel also provided pajamas and daily clothing, which was a lovely and convenient touch. The onsen experience was outstanding—definitely one of the best we’ve ever had. You can immediately feel your skin becoming smooth after soaking, which made each visit incredibly relaxing. We stayed for three nights with both breakfast and dinner included. Meals were served à la carte, and the menu changed daily, surprising us every time. The food was delicious and very filling—we were completely satisfied after every meal. That said, there are a few areas we hope the hotel could improve: • During winter, the room felt quite cold as the air-conditioning heater did not function properly and was unable to warm up the room. • Breakfast hours could be extended a little later for guests who prefer a more relaxed morning. • Providing a choice of pillows would further improve sleeping comfort. • The blue indicator light on the room’s control panel remains very bright even when all lights are turned off, which can be a bit distracting at night. Overall, this hotel offers excellent service, comfort, and an unforgettable onsen and dining experience. Highly recommended, and we believe it will be even better with these small improvements.

The entire hot spring town is absolutely beautiful. Since it was newly renovated in 2024, there was no musty smell in the room. The staff were professional, polite, and warmly welcoming without being intrusive, and their English was excellent. There's a shuttle service from the hotel to the station, or you can walk there yourself. This hotel is exactly what I imagined a Japanese onsen hotel to be. The hotel's own hot springs are fantastic. The location is truly the best – some hotels are up in the mountains or require a bit of a walk, but Ichii offers direct views of Yubatake. On the first floor, there's also a large souvenir shop with many unique items that aren't available back home. I'd definitely choose to spend a whole day exploring Karuizawa and then stay at Ichii again!

I booked the highly-rated Bouun Ryokan three months in advance, supposedly in business for 462 years! The interior decor and tatami rooms were surprisingly new. The room service, the dining environment for dinner, and the exquisite Kaiseki cuisine were all incredibly impressive. We stayed for two nights, with breakfast and dinner included. The hotel uses only the finest Japanese ingredients, and not a single dish or dessert was repeated. I especially want to commend the Japanese gentleman who picked us up and dropped us off at the bus station, and the young lady who helped us with our luggage on check-in day, January 5th. Both were exceptionally thoughtful. However, I must criticize a young male receptionist at the front desk – fair-skinned, round-faced, and wearing glasses. He didn't seem Japanese and was very impatient with guests. A high-end hotel like this shouldn't have such staff; it really detracts from the experience! Nevertheless, this won't stop me from staying here again on my next visit to Kusatsu.

Excellent value for money, with a half-board package that included dinner and breakfast. Dinner was very generous, though the aftertaste was just average; the Jōshū beef was the highlight. Breakfast quality was superb. Very satisfied with the cleanliness and comfort.

Overall, Kizunoniwa is definitely better than Konoha. Dinner was a delicious Japanese meal served in a private dining room, and breakfast was also good. My only minor complaint was that the rice wasn't quite up to Japanese standards. The location is quite far out. If you're heading to Ueno Station in the city, leaving the hotel at 9 AM and having a smooth journey, you'd likely arrive around 1 PM. The hotel shuttle takes ten minutes to the bus stop, then it's an hour and a half by bus to Karuizawa, and another hour-plus from Karuizawa to Ueno. The main delays are due to waiting for various connection times. It snowed on our second day, which was truly beautiful. I'd love to come back during autumn leaf season if possible.

Best place we have stayed in Gunma. Walking distance to tourist attractions and shuttle around Kusatsu going to the bus station. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and a 7-eleven around Kusatsu. Some restaurants might close early around 8PM. We love the experience of going around Kusatsu with the Yukata and slippers, just be mindful to have extra clothing underneath because it was cold during our stay and the Yukata might still be not enough. Vegetarian breakfast and welcome drinks available and included. They also have a restaurant wherein you can dip your feet while eating, if you like to experience. You also have a private hot tub. Room is spacious and feels elegant. Staffs are helpful and smiles always. Would definitely recommend for future stays.

The hotel is a bit of a drive from Karuizawa JR Station, about 35 minutes, and there's a toll fee. However, the scenery along the way is beautiful. Shiraito Falls is about 10 minutes away. The hotel parking lot is ample and very convenient. The hotel rooms are very spacious and comfortable. The hot springs are both indoor and outdoor, with an orange-brown color and a mild odor. Unfortunately, the outdoor hot springs don't allow for a view of the sky. The breakfast and dinner buffets offer a wide variety of options and are delicious. This hotel has a very resort-like feel and I'd definitely return if I had the chance. Figure 1: Scenery along the way Figure 2: View from the hotel window Figure 3: Nearby attractions (Shiraito Falls)

the dinner is insanely large portion, i feel so bad wasting alot of food and skipping some courses luckily the breakfast is in normal portion the onsen is nice, the outdoor onsen is less hot compare to the indoor they also offer different design of yukata to pick from