[2025 Kusatsu Stay] Travel Guide for Naraya (Updated Mar)

The third episode of the winter hot spring ♨️ trip came to Kusatsu Onsen, one of the three major hot springs in Japan. We chose the best local hot spring hotel, Kusatsu Onsen Naraya. Naraya was founded in the Edo period (1877) and has a history of nearly 150 years. Standing next to the famous spring "Yubatake" that gushes continuously, it is a well-deserved old hotel in the area. The hotel is a three-story wooden structure. It is a local landmark and the filming location for many Japanese TV dramas. The hot springs here are acidic. As a naturally flowing hot spring, the amount of hot spring water is the largest in Japan. It has a strong bactericidal power. According to scientific research, it can treat neuralgia, help relieve fatigue, and can also treat skin diseases. Although the hotel is old, the facilities and equipment are very good. The service reflects the local characteristics. It is very friendly. The room is also spacious. There are enough power outlets. Two sets of Sekkisei are also provided. Oh, it's not bad. The restaurant is also worth mentioning. It is one of the most exquisite ones. Today is the Japanese "Sushi Festival". The hotel also held an all-you-can-eat sushi event. It was quite interesting. I missed my shopping time because of it. Haha Overall quite satisfied. If you come to Kusatsu Onsen, highly recommended

Nestled near the iconic Yubatake hot springs, Naraya boasts access to the historic Shirohata source spring. This Kusatsu gem merges tradition with modern flair, offering a serene retreat steeped in history. 🛀 Imagine soaking any time you wish, thanks to two dedicated 'Yumori' who ensure the perfect temperature around the clock. 🌡️ The rooms blend Japanese elegance with contemporary design, ensuring a stay that's both authentic and comfortable. 🏨 Feast on exquisite meals served in private dining rooms, adding a touch of luxury to your culinary journey. 🍱 Despite its high-end vibe, Naraya promises a warm welcome and service that makes you feel right at home. 🤗 For those seeking a blend of luxury, culture, and the ultimate onsen experience, Naraya is a splurge-worthy destination. 🌟 📍 Kusatsu 396, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, 377-1711, Japan

Located in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, it is a famous hot spring resort destination, boasting the number one natural hot spring output in Japan, reportedly ranking first for 16 consecutive years. As soon as you step into this place, there is a smell of sulfur, but that is exactly its charm! 🚉Transportation tips: If you're not in a hurry, I recommend taking the bus directly from Shinjuku Station. Without traffic, it takes about four hours to get there~ After leaving Shinjuku Station, cross the street and go up to the third floor, where the bus terminal is located. It's best to buy your ticket the day before and take the opportunity to stroll around Shinjuku~ ❤Reasons to recommend: The scenery along the bus ride is beautiful, and if you're lucky, you can even see Mount Fuji, which is one of the reasons I recommend taking the bus. Once you arrive at Kusatsu Bus Terminal, it's just a two or three hundred meters walk to Yubatake, where the entire street is steaming, and footbaths can be found all over the small town, along with many public hot springs. The most famous is probably Otakinoyu, which costs only 1100 yen. It has both indoor and outdoor baths, and is fully equipped with toiletries, but you need to bring your own towel~ 🏨Hotel environment: We stayed at Kusatsu Hotel Unkai Onsen this time. This hotel not only has three bath pools but also offers one night with two meals~ We booked a Japanese-style deluxe room which was very spacious, and the garden view from the window was also super beautiful. We went for a soak in the afternoon of our arrival day, where the toiletries were super complete. After changing into a yukata, we could take pictures around the hotel. We had dinner reserved for 18:30, and after a lovely meal, we went for a stroll around Yubatake to digest, where a local specialty store was very nice to shop at, and I accidentally started a shopping spree The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we soaked in another bath pool, then enjoyed a free freshly ground coffee at the third-floor book bar, and checked out with great satisfaction ^_^ 💰Average cost: We went during a long holiday, and the hot spring hotel was over 3000 per night, about 1500 per person, but it included meals and hot spring baths, which was quite a good deal. On weekdays, it's probably only about 2000 per night, and besides shopping, there's basically no need to spend extra money. If you have a sufficient budget, you can also choose Kusatsu Onsen Nara-ya, which is right next to Yubatake. The cafe is a popular spot for people to check in, and the meals are even more exquisite~