4-Starhotels in Gunma Prefecture, Japan

I chose this hotel because of the brand, having stayed at their Izu property before. The Kusatsu location, however, felt a bit lacking. Also, 'low floor' didn't mean a lower level in the main building, but rather a room in the East Wing instead of the main building. The Ctrip prices were quite erratic! While they did refund me 100 for the price difference, that refund came at the cost of not staying in the main building! The evening buffet was decent, but the steak station was always empty, with only a few pieces on the plate and no fresh ones being brought out after cooking.

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!

Excellent Hotel Review Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The room was spotlessly clean, cozy, and well‑equipped. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with a warm smile. The location is perfect—quiet yet close to attractions and restaurants. The food was fresh and delicious with a great variety. I had a comfortable and memorable stay and will definitely return on my next visit. Highly recommended

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 food and service in this hotel is absolutely great. We enjoyed onsen. After check out, the host is willing to keep luggage for us and arrange shuttle to skiing resort.The host is very friendly. Thank you.