Osakaya Ryokan
Covered rock-lined onsen bath with wooden edge at Osakaya Ryokan, Gunma, Kantō, Japan
Assorted multi-course Japanese dinner on lacquer trays and small bowls with grilled fish and simmered vegetables
Traditional entrance with rickshaw, red seating, tatami area and shoji screens at Osakaya Ryokan in Gunma, Kantō
Row of traditional multi-story ryokan buildings with wooden beams, parked vans and pine tree along a sunlit street in Gunma
Tatami room with low table and shoji screens at Osakaya Ryokan in Gunma
Traditional tatami room with low table, zabuton chairs, shoji screens and tokonoma at Osakaya Ryokan, Gunma
Traditional tatami room with low lacquer table, zabuton cushions, shoji window and garden view at Osakaya Ryokan, Gunma, Japan

Osakaya Ryokan

9.0
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.0/10, based on 613 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 Hot Spring Bath Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Reservable Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 10,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional Kusatsu Onsen ryokan with strong walkable access to the town’s main sights and hot spring atmosphere.

Near YubatakeAbout a two-minute walk to Kusatsu’s iconic Yubatake hot spring field.
Traditional Onsen StayClassic ryokan setting with a calm Japanese atmosphere in central Kusatsu.
Authentic Hot SpringUses Kusatsu’s strongly acidic natural hot spring water for a genuine onsen experience.
Walkable SightseeingEasy walking access to Netsunoyu, Kosenji Temple, and nearby shopping streets.
Convenient ParkingFree on-site parking adds practical value for travelers arriving by car.
Good Value BaseWell-located traditional stay that balances onsen atmosphere with practical convenience.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town access is the strongest driver here: arrive by afternoon, check in, bathe, eat dinner, walk to Yubatake at night, then use the next morning for another bath and a short town stroll. A second night works if you want slower onsen time and public bath visits around Kusatsu, but the area is not strong enough for a long base unless your trip is specifically about bathing and mountain air.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1- to 2-night Kusatsu Onsen stay for travelers who want a traditional ryokan close to the town center, baths, and easy onsen-town walking rather than a broad regional sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Not a rail hubKusatsu is reached by bus for the final leg, so transfers and luggage handling are less convenient than city stays.
Easy to overstayKusatsu is rewarding for one or two nights, but many travelers run out of varied sightseeing beyond baths and town walks.
Traditional comfort levelThis is a classic ryokan atmosphere, so travelers wanting modern luxury design or large hotel facilities may feel underwhelmed.

Food & drinks

Historic ryokan by Kusatsu Yubatake with traditional breakfast and dinner, plus easy access to nearby soba and casual local dining.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Traditional ryokan meals, often served as breakfast and dinner.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodRice, grilled fish, and small sides.
  • Kaiseki-style dinnerfoodMulti-course seasonal Japanese meal.
  • Sushi coursespecialtyReported in some guest stays.
  • TeadrinkStandard hot tea with meals.
Sobakichi Yubatake (nearby)
nearby3 min walk

Popular soba spot near the Yubatake.

  • Soba noodlesfoodClassic buckwheat noodle dishes.
  • TempurafoodCrisp seasonal fried items.
  • Set mealsfoodSimple soba-based combinations.
  • Soba-yudrinkHot broth served after noodles.
Kusatsu Yubatake Manten (nearby)
nearby2 min walk

Convenient Yubatake-area restaurant for casual Japanese meals.

  • Japanese set mealsfoodCasual plates for lunch or dinner.
  • Local dishesspecialtyRegional comfort-food style options.
  • DessertsfoodLight sweets after sightseeing.
  • DrinksdrinkBasic soft drinks and meal pairings.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in central Kusatsu Onsen and is usually reached most easily via the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, with rail access typically involving Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station or Karuizawa Station plus a bus or taxi connection.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

A well-located traditional ryokan in central Kusatsu, best suited to travelers who want classic atmosphere and quick access to Yubatake. It is a strong fit for an old-school onsen stay, but less ideal if you want modern design, step-free convenience, or a highly secluded setting.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • One-minute walk to YubatakeThis ryokan sits extremely close to Kusatsu’s main landmark, so you can reach the Yubatake in about a minute and enjoy the illuminated area at night without planning around transport.
  • Authentic old-Japan atmosphereOsakaya leans into a classic ryokan feel with pure Japanese-style interiors, sukiya-style guest rooms, and a historic facade inspired by traditional beam construction.
  • Rare Yubatake source bathIts baths use free-flowing water drawn from the prized Yubatake source, which is a major plus for travelers who care about staying at a ryokan with a serious onsen identity.
  • Good choice for a classic meal stayDinner is centered on kaiseki-style cuisine with local Joshu ingredients, and some plans highlight Joshu beef sukiyaki, making the stay feel more complete than a room-only base.
  • Practical for Kusatsu arrivalsThe property offers free parking and a reservable shuttle from Kusatsu Bus Terminal, which helps if you are arriving by car or bus rather than rail.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not the best for mobility needsThe building’s traditional style may be charming, but it is not the easiest choice for travelers who need fully modern barrier-free access throughout the stay.
  • Sulfur smell is part of the experienceBecause it is so close to the Yubatake and uses strong hot spring water, the sulfur scent can be very noticeable and may bother guests who are sensitive to it.
  • Traditional rooms may feel datedIf you prefer sleek contemporary interiors or a luxury-modern finish, the classic Japanese style here can feel old-fashioned rather than polished.
  • Town-center location means less seclusionBeing in the heart of Kusatsu is convenient, but it does not deliver the quiet, remote mountain-retreat feeling some ryokan travelers are specifically looking for.
  • Check-out is fairly earlyWith a 10:00 check-out, the departure can feel a little rushed if you want a slow final morning after breakfast and one more bath.

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: 15th out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
10th Uribō Ryokan Nakamichi Urabō 9.2/10 236
11th Shima Onsen Yoshimoto 9.2/10 197
12th Kanemidori 9.1/10 1,223
13th Kirishimaya Ryokan 9.1/10 216
14th Syoubun 9.2/10 75
15th Osakaya Ryokan Current ryokan 9.0/10 613
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
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

6 days – Gifu > Gunma > Nagano > Shizuoka

6 stops
Liam Durand Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 35% Mountain Setting 23% Forest Surroundings 12% Old Town 12% Quiet Village 12% Countryside Escape 6%
1. Minshuku Takizawa 2. Osakaya Ryokan 3. Kisoya 4. Okara Sansō 5. Nanakusa no Yu, Bessho Onsen 6. +1 more

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