Nakamuraya Ryokan — Hotel in Kusatsu

There are many Ryokans in Kusatsu, but none are as unique, quaint, and homely as this one! This Ryokan (a traditional Japanese style inn) is run by a very friendly and endearing family, and everyone is incredibly friendly, polite, and excited to have you there! Their main claim-to-fame is that this is a "Neko Ryokan" or "Cat Hotel"! They have about 5-6 very docile and friendly cats that roam throughout the hotel, although they are not permitted into people's rooms, and the cats are well behave so they won't rush in or try to sneak away. Rather, the cats roam freely and wait for hotel guests to pet them, cuddle them, take pictures with them, or feed them some tuna paste from their palm! The owners are incredibly kind and engaging, and will definitely make sure that you understand the rules, but also how to most successfully engage with their cats! Be careful--sometimes those cats will sunbathe in the hallways, so if you're not careful you just might trip over one!

This Ryokan also boasts 5 internal private Onsens as well, using the same mineral hot springs water that is found in all the other large Onsens in town. They are open 24/7 to guests, and require no reservation or special permission--just a "First Come--First Serve!" availability. Their internal Onsens are very nice--they have 3 different varieties: Stone, Wood, and Circular Deep Baths. Each one has its own unique charms and limitations, but the entire experience cannot be beat! The quality of the hotel Onsens were as good as any of the public ones, and no one would fault you for just staying inside and relaxing all day!

The hotel provides you with a complimentary Yukata to take bathing and walk around the town in traditional garb, and they will show you how to properly wear it and take care of it! They also provide free traditional wooden sandals/shoes, though not required to wear (the cobblestone roads can be tricky at times in those!). They have sizes for all types, so even larger or taller folks will have something they can wear if they want to!

The rooms are in traditional Japanese style--the floors are Tatami Mats, low tables, floor cushions/chairs, and minimal shelf or closet space. The mattress is a Shikifuton, or sleeping mattress, that is about 2" thick and has a heavy comforter on top. Japanese sleep firm whether on a bed or on a futon, so this can be surprising if you're not used to it. However, it is still soft and comfortable, and I found the whole experience rather refreshing!

Overall, this hotel is incredibly cozy, homey, simple, friendly, and a unique and remarkable experience! You cannot beat its location to the center of town (a 1 minute walk!) and their multiple internal onsens are phenomenal! For anyone wanting to stay the night in Kusatsu, this is definitely a place you...

This was my first and only stay at a ryokan so I don’t have much to compare it to. I chose this lodging because of the cats and good reviews on the food. The cats were really sweet and I enjoyed playing with them. I have 2 cats of my own so it was really nice. The food was so beautiful and delicious - the mushroom soup at dinner was amazing. I really enjoyed it. The private bath rooms were very convenient and open 24 hrs. I thought the facilities were clean and very pleasant. The location was very close to the central area and a quick walk to all the important sites including the bus station. The only comment I have was in the morning someone was smoking and the smell got ** into the 2nd floor hallway so maybe more care should be taken to be sure the smoke stays outside. The host was so nice and sweet and I used google translate to ask questions. The matcha madeleines are so tasty I bought a box to...

This was my first and only stay at a ryokan so I don’t have much to compare it to. I chose this lodging because of the cats and good reviews on the food. The cats were really sweet and I enjoyed playing with them. I have 2 cats of my own so it was really nice. The food was so beautiful and delicious - the mushroom soup at dinner was amazing. I really enjoyed it. The private bath rooms were very convenient and open 24 hrs. I thought the facilities were clean and very pleasant. The location was very close to the central area and a quick walk to all the important sites including the bus station. The only comment I have was in the morning someone was smoking and the smell got ** into the 2nd floor hallway so maybe more care should be taken to be sure the smoke stays outside. The host was so nice and sweet and I used google translate to ask questions. The matcha madeleines are so tasty I bought a box to...