Dusk view of illuminated kanji sign and ryokan entrance framed by trees in Gunma
Twin beds on raised platform in Soumeian room, Gunma, Kantō, Japan
Small indoor tiled bath with wooden bench and washing stool at Soumeian in Gunma, Kantō
Tatami step and shoe shelves in Soumeian genkan entrance in Gunma ryokan
Japanese tatami room with shoji screens, twin beds and low table at Soumeian in Gunma, Kantō
Traditional ryokan entrance with stone driveway, landscaped shrubs and wooden sign at Soumeian, Gunma, Kantō
Traditional tatami room with low table, shoji screens and adjacent futon alcove at Soumeian, Gunma, Kantō
Grilled fish, rice, miso soup and small side dishes on tray at Soumeian ryokan, Gunma

Soumeian

8.9
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.9/10, based on 334 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 3:00 PM / Check-out until 11:00 AM
Hot Spring Town Mountain Setting Garden Setting Hot Spring Bath Private Onsen Reservable Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,5/10
Location 8,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A very small Kusatsu onsen ryokan known for private-use baths, roomy Japanese-Western rooms, and a quiet setting.

Private Onsen BathsHot spring baths can be used privately whenever available, adding flexibility and comfort.
Bandaiko Spring WaterThe baths use Kusatsu's Bandaiko source, a concrete draw for hot-spring-focused stays.
Only Four RoomsJust four guest rooms create a quieter, more intimate ryokan atmosphere.
Spacious Wa-Western RoomsAll rooms are Japanese-Western style, giving more space and easier comfort.
Local Gunma BreakfastBreakfast highlights local Gunma ingredients rather than a generic hotel-style meal.
Quiet Kusatsu BaseSet in Kusatsu Onsen but away from the busiest core, suiting relaxed stays.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsThe strongest driver is Kusatsu’s onsen-town rhythm: arrive by mid-afternoon, soak, walk to Yubatake for the evening atmosphere, sleep, enjoy breakfast, then use the next day for public baths and town strolls. A second night works if you want a slower bath-focused stay without changing hotels.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a quiet 1-2 night Kusatsu onsen stay for travelers who want private-bath flexibility and easy walks to the town center, not a long regional base.

Know before booking

Limited long-stay depthKusatsu is rewarding for baths, town walks, and a few sights, but many travelers run out of fresh activities after two nights.
Not central-centralThe ryokan is walkable to Yubatake but not right beside it, so expect a short uphill/downhill luggage walk.
Breakfast-led diningVerified meal information emphasizes breakfast; do not assume a full kaiseki dinner unless your exact plan clearly includes it.

Food & drinks

Soumeian at 633-19 Kusatsu is a small ryokan with breakfast noted, while most fuller dining choices are a short walk around central Kusatsu Onsen.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Small on-site meal space with Japanese breakfast clearly noted; dinner details are limited.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional set breakfast.
  • Rice and sidesfoodTypical ryokan morning dishes.
  • TeadrinkSimple hot tea service.
Mikuniya (nearby)
nearbyabout 5 min walk

Popular soba spot near the Yubatake area, good for lunch or casual dinner.

  • Stone-milled sobafoodHouse specialty noodles.
  • TempurafoodCrisp fried sides for soba.
  • Meat sushispecialtyWagyu-style seared sushi is noted nearby.
  • SakedrinkGood match with soba.
YAMAIRO (nearby)
nearbyabout 5 min walk

Well-liked breakfast cafe in Kusatsu for a lighter non-ryokan meal.

  • Grilled salmon setfoodPopular Japanese breakfast plate.
  • Toast setfoodCafe-style breakfast option.
  • CoffeedrinkMorning cafe drink.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Soumeian appears to be a ryokan in the Kusatsu Onsen area, best reached via Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal rather than by train directly.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

Soumeian is a very small Kusatsu onsen ryokan suited to travelers who want a quiet, more private stay with reserved-feeling baths and spacious Japanese-Western rooms. It is less ideal if you want a central, full-service ryokan experience with dinner included and easy walkability from the bus terminal.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Private baths without schedulingThe ryokan has two private hot spring baths that guests can use freely when available, which is a big advantage for couples or anyone who dislikes shared public bathing.
  • Authentic Kusatsu hot spring waterIts baths use Kusatsu's Bandaiko source, known for strongly acidic water, so the onsen experience feels rooted in the town rather than like a generic hotel bath.
  • Only four roomsWith just four guest rooms, the atmosphere is much calmer and more intimate than larger inns, with less foot traffic and a quieter overall stay.
  • Spacious mixed-style roomsRooms are Japanese-Western in style and relatively roomy for this category, with tatami areas plus beds; one room even has a separate wash area with two sinks, useful for small groups or families.
  • Good fit for drivers and breakfast-focused staysFree parking is practical in Kusatsu, and the stay style is built around a locally focused breakfast, leaving your evenings open to explore the onsen town for dinner.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • No dinner serviceSoumeian is a breakfast-only ryokan, so travelers expecting the classic kaiseki dinner-and-breakfast ryokan experience may find the stay less immersive.
  • Not the most central baseIt is not right by the Yubatake or the main transport hub, so some guests may find the location less convenient, especially on foot with luggage.
  • All rooms are upstairsGuest rooms are all on the second floor, which can be inconvenient if you have heavy bags, limited mobility, or simply want elevator-style ease.
  • Very limited on-site facilitiesBecause it is such a small ryokan, amenities and common spaces are naturally limited compared with larger resorts that offer lounges, multiple baths, or broader services.
  • Onsen water may feel intenseThe strongly acidic Kusatsu spring water is part of the appeal, but sensitive skin or first-time onsen guests may find it a bit stronger than softer hot spring types.

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: 20th out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
15th Osakaya 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 Current ryokan 8.9/10 334
21st Ekinariya 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
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