Ekinariya Ryokan
Tatami room with low dining table and shoji screens at Ekinariya Ryokan in Gunma, Kantō
Tatami room with low table, shoji screens and tokonoma at Ekinariya Ryokan in Gunma
Multi-story traditional ryokan facade with entrance lantern, shoji windows and courtyard seating at Ekinariya Ryokan, Gunma
Sashimi and small dishes on a lacquer tray at Ekinariya Ryokan in Gunma
Glowing paper lantern with black kanji and crest hanging outside Ekinariya Ryokan in Gunma Kanto
Steaming hot pot with sliced beef and vegetables on tabletop stove at Ekinariya Ryokan, Gunma
Wooden indoor onsen bath with flowing water and small garden view at Ekinariya Ryokan, Gunma

Ekinariya Ryokan

9.5
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.5/10, based on 18 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 2:00 PM
Hot Spring Town Old Town Private Onsen Public Onsen Indoor Bath Hot Spring Bath
Staff 9,7/10
Facilities 9,3/10
Cleanliness 9,7/10
Comfort 9,4/10
Value for money 9,2/10
Location 9,6/10

Ryokan highlights

A small traditional Kusatsu Onsen ryokan with standout private baths and superb Yubatake access.

Near YubatakeJust steps from Kusatsu’s Yubatake and Netsunoyu, making sightseeing very easy.
Private Onsen BathsKnown for multiple reservable private hot spring baths for a quieter soak.
Small Ryokan FeelOnly a handful of rooms, giving stays a calmer, more personal atmosphere.
Traditional AmbienceClassic ryokan setting in central Kusatsu, suited to travelers wanting a local feel.
Well-Regarded CuisineMeals are a recurring positive point, with carefully prepared Japanese dining.
Strong Review ScoresGuests consistently praise the location, cleanliness, and overall stay satisfaction.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main stay driver: arrive in the afternoon, soak before dinner, walk Yubatake at night, enjoy breakfast, then add a second night only if you want slow baths and nearby Kusatsu sights like Sainokawara without rushing onward travel.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1 to 2 night Kusatsu Onsen stay for travelers who want a central traditional ryokan with private in-room onsen access, not a broad regional touring base.

Know before booking

Not a transport hubKusatsu is reached by bus after rail for many routes, so it is less efficient for fast multi-city hopping.
Easy to overstayThe town is excellent for bathing and strolling, but nearby sightseeing density is moderate rather than extensive.
Simple rather than luxeThis is a small traditional six-room inn, so travelers expecting resort-scale facilities may feel underwhelmed.

Food & drinks

Verified small ryokan at 406 Kusatsu near Yubatake with Japanese breakfast and dinner in private dining rooms, plus easy walkable dining nearby.

Private Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Japanese breakfast and dinner served in private dining rooms.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional morning set meal.
  • Japanese dinnerfoodRyokan-style evening meal.
  • Local ingredientsspecialtyCarefully selected regional produce.
  • TeadrinkStandard meal accompaniment.
Sobakichi Yubatake (nearby)
nearby2 min walk

Popular Yubatake-area soba spot with drinks and a view.

  • Soba noodlesfoodBuckwheat noodles, hot or cold.
  • Maitake tempurafoodCrisp mushroom tempura.
  • Vegetarian optionsspecialtySome traveler-friendly choices.
  • Alcoholic drinksdrinkServes alcohol with meals.
Kusatsu Yubatake Manten (nearby)
nearby2 min walk

Yubatake-view dining option useful for lunch or dinner out.

  • Japanese platesfoodCasual Japanese meal selection.
  • Izakaya-style dishesfoodGood for sharing.
  • DrinksdrinkPairs well after onsen.
  • Yubatake viewspecialtyScenic seating is a draw.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Ekinariya Ryokan is a central Kusatsu Onsen ryokan best reached via Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, with rail access usually connecting through Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station or Karuizawa Station.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a small traditional ryokan in central Kusatsu with unusually strong private-bath appeal and an excellent position near Yubatake. It suits travelers who want intimate onsen time and a classic inn atmosphere more than those seeking modern luxury or flexible late-morning schedules.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • One-minute walk to YubatakeThe ryokan sits extremely close to Kusatsu’s Yubatake, so evening walks, dining stops, souvenir browsing, and quick returns after sightseeing are all very easy.
  • Private baths for every roomA standout feature here is that each guest room gets access to its own reserved private bath, which is especially appealing for couples, families, or travelers who prefer not to use shared baths.
  • Two different spring sourcesThis inn is unusually distinctive in offering both Yubatake and Shirahata source waters, giving onsen-focused guests a more interesting bathing experience than a standard single-source stay.
  • Small-scale and peacefulWith only a handful of rooms, the ryokan feels quieter and less crowded than larger inns in Kusatsu, which helps the stay feel more personal and relaxed.
  • Classic ryokan character with mealsThe property leans into a traditional Japanese inn experience with tatami-style accommodation and Japanese meals, making it a strong fit for travelers who want atmosphere rather than a generic hotel stay.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not ideal for modern-luxury seekersThe inn has a more old-fashioned, traditional feel, so travelers expecting sleek design, spa-like polish, or upscale contemporary finishes may find it too vintage.
  • Early 10:00 check-outCheck-out is on the early side, which can make the morning feel rushed if you want a slow breakfast, another bath, or a very relaxed departure.
  • Limited English supportForeign-language support appears limited, so guests who need smooth English communication for detailed requests may need to rely on translation apps.
  • Traditional room style may not suit everyoneJapanese-style rooms and ryokan routines are part of the charm, but they can feel less convenient for travelers who strongly prefer standard Western hotel layouts and habits.
  • Small inn means fewer facilitiesIts intimate scale is a strength, but it also means you should not expect the broader amenities and variety that larger resort-style ryokans in Kusatsu sometimes offer.

Ranking around this ryokan in Gunma

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 21st out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
16th Ayameya Ryokan 9.0/10 376
17th Akagi Onsen Hotel 9.0/10 158
18th Hotel Ichii 8.9/10 1,697
19th Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku 8.9/10 1,185
20th Soumeian 8.9/10 334
21st Ekinariya Ryokan Current ryokan 9.5/10 18
22nd Senkyo 8.9/10 141
23rd Hot Spring Inn Hyoutan 9.5/10 17
24th Tokinoniwa 8.8/10 1,803
25th 湯宿みゆきYuyado Miyuki 8.8/10 613
26th Ryokan Tamura 8.8/10 577
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