Kusatsu Onsen Guesthouse Gyoten — Hotel in Kusatsu

想像の三倍よりひどかった (The experience) three times worse than I expected 比想像糟三倍

With some language skills I've been to several places over Japan, from big cities to small villeges, and stayed at capsules and guesthouses alike, however not one has problems stemmed from design.

Upon arrival I was told by the host Ma-o that my bunkbed is in a room with 5 other guys, lights need be off and everyone be quiet at night, and the second floor is reserved for women. At first I thought this is the usual, until Ma-o came at night to ask for the small light installed at the bed be off, leading to me having to organize my luggage in the dark at 9~10ish.

As I laydown I can hear what sounds like TV noise from other side of room, to the point I can tell what is being said. "Ah, this is what they mean by be quiet". Coupled with a guy playing games, pauses when the host enters, then resumes after, this makes a difficult first night. The second night there is sounds of arguing and walking on the second floor from 10ish to midnight. Peaking into the second floor reveals it is a floor of private rooms, with 2 toilets, mirrors and hairdryer compared to the first floor. I hope this is not an isuue of discrimination, at the least from the main site the private rooms should cost more, but I could be wrong.

As past reviews has pointed out, main issue is beds don't have curtains, nor even basic soundproofing compare to capsules. Despite been one of the two cheaper places (more if you speak the language), this would enter the top 5 places I could not recommend in...

There is a rule that you can't check in past 10pm, which may make European and American travelers nervous, since they are used to late trains and front desks of hostels staffed all night. However, the last bus to Kusatsu (from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi) is there specifically to serve passengers arriving at Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi. So, as long as you're on the train that gets to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi around 8:43pm, you will make it to Kusatsu with plenty of time to make it to the guesthouse. This is one case where you can put your trust in the punctuality of Japanese public transportation.

This guesthouse is very cozy and easily fosters socializing with random, new people. The kotatsu is at the center of everything, and there were people hanging out there with snacks and beer every night that I stayed.

While I was in Kusatsu, I tried restaurants/cafes with high ratings on Google as well as ones recommended by the friendly guy on duty. His recommendations were always better than what I found on Google.

The dormitory room is comfortable and the guesthouse's atmosphere easily elicits friendliness and respect...

House and facilities was clean. It's an older Japanese house, but it's well kept. Japanese style rooms- so tatami mats on floors and on the bunk beds, so be prepared for that. Kitchen available, as well as a large main room. The innkeeper is super nice, speaks some English, and is very hospitable- he offered me dinner on my first night and on both nights, there was drinking and socializing with the other guests! So much fun!

The guesthouse can be loud, but it's communal living in an older home so the walls are thin. It's conveniently located- maybe a 5-10 minute walk from the yubatake. Be prepared for wintertime walking, as the guesthouse is located on top of a hill.

Overall a great stay! I...