Originally Posted by
YVR89
Thanks - you are giving me great ideas here. I think what we may do is take the Shinkansen to Nagano, rent a car and do Kusatsu Onsen instead of Gero Onsen. I'll explore your suggestions around the Nagano region.
We have been to Japan several times. On this occasion we are doing 5 nights in Tokyo and have 4 nights to spend anywhere before heading to Osaka for 3 nights. We fly out of there. My wife really wants to see Nagoya for at least one night so that's why I'm basing everything around it. If we do the Nagano region we could take the Shinano line from Nagano to Nagoya....
Onsen is not a priority everywhere we stay. It's a nice. What is a must is atmosphere and experience.
If you are aware of any gems or new finds in Nagano, Kotatsu Onsen, and around, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
See post 639 for some suggestions on Nagano.
Kusatsu Onsen is a wonderful Onsen town. It just doesn't have an amazing place to stay. You do realize it's FAR from Nagoya, right? The Shinano takes you to Nagano in 3 hours, and from there, it's another 90 minutes to get to Kusatsu. I'd much rather take the 2-hour Hida Limited Express train to Gero Onsen - no connection needed, either.
If you're still motivated to get there, Kusatsu is home to a relatively new, 1-room ryokan called Kimuraya which opened in 2022. It was designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma (I am not a fan of his work, FYI), and looks weird and out of place. Kimuraya does not offer traditional cuisine, but rather can deliver food from the 1F restaurant called Tigre, which serves semi-European flavors that is more comfort food than high-end gastronomic fare. On the plus side, it is one of only 6 establishments that draw the spring water from the same source as the main Kusatsu bathhouse. It also is right in front of the Yubatake, the main hot spring field. Kusatsu Onsen Kei was not a highlight during our stay (see my review upthread.) The only other possible options are Naraya, Kusatsu Onsen Boun, Ekinariya Ryokan (has private Onsen baths) or Toki no Niwa, which offers onsen in each guest room. Each has its pros and cons, so you should do your own research as to whether any of them are up to your standards.