As a French traveler, I have high expectations when it comes to service and hospitality. I can honestly say that Kirishimaya Ryokan far exceeded them. The ryokan is very well located — peaceful, yet close to all the important sites in the area. The value for money is excellent: the rooms are clean, comfortable, and full of traditional Japanese charm. But what truly impressed me was the incredible kindness and professionalism of the staff. I accidentally left some important belongings behind when I left the hotel. Despite the distance, they went above and beyond to help me: quick and friendly communication, helpful solutions, and a carefully arranged delivery to my next hotel. This level of service is rare — even in Japan. I would recommend Kirishimaya Ryokan without hesitation to anyone looking for an authentic and warm Japanese experience. I’ll also suggest it to all my friends and family visiting Japan. Thank you so much to the whole team!

Nothing

The staff here were exceptional, they were helpful, welcoming and friendly. The location was great, near enough the main sights but still felt like we weren't in the main tourist area. The room was clean and the onsen was lovely. The ryokan is at the top of a small but steep hill, they warned us about this in advance which was brilliant as we had a lot of luggage, so decided to catch a taxi.

The breakfast was good and hot tea was offered, but it would have been nice to have coffee too. There was an option in the vending machine and there are plenty of cafes near by, so it wasn't a problem really.

We arrived very late after a hard drive in the snow. The father and son duo that run the Ryokan stayed up to greet us and dusted off all the snow off our backs and took all of our luggage upstairs. The room was warm and comfortable. The staff would always appear like genies. Anytime we needed anything, there was someone available immediately. The facilities were very clean, the onsen was warm and very enjoyable. The father plowed snow and made a mini Mt. FUJI for my daughters. He told them they could climb it and he would give them a certificate for climbing "Mt. Fuji". He didn't forget. As we were checking out, he surely handed them their certificates. Location was very close to the Yubatake. Parking was difficult in the snow (especially with the steep entrance to the Ryokan) but the staff had communicated very quickly and let us know to park at a local public parking lot(at a cost). Their communication was very prompt and clear throughout our stay. We did end up moving out car to the free Ryokan parking once the snow was plowed. There is a washing machine for use for free, just use of the dryer was 300yen per load. We would come and stay here again.

The price was definitely high for 3 days, however considering how attentive the staff was and how enjoyable the stay ended up being, I would still stay there again.

From the minute we arrived everything was so accommodating and in English, and the staff member that greeted us was so friendly and his English was brilliant too! It was such a lovely authentic onsen experience that I have always wanted to try! Though the onsen was a little further out then some of the bigger ones it was perfect because it was much quieter and it meant I got the main bath all to myself! There was the option for a private bath too, though I didn't use it. The onsen was also very welcoming about mine and my brother's tattoos, which we were concerned about, but we were told that tattoos were fully welcome there. We also had the breakfast and it was delicious, would definitely recommend it for the full experience. I would absolutely visit again and plan to the next time I visit Japan!

There are many things I liked about this Ryokan, starting with the excellent service from the staff—they were always attentive and very helpful. They spoke perfect English. Secondly, I loved that everything is within walking distance, especially the main tourist attractions in the area. My room was just the right size for three adults, with a small space overlooking the garden. Lovely natural lighting. Having a toilet in the room, even though it was a small space, was a great convenience. I would return without hesitation

Without being a complaint, I noticed that the breakfast may not have been quite sufficient as I ended up feeling hungry.

One of my favourite ryokans I’ve ever stayed in! Such a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, lovely rooms and comfortable futon. Loved the private bath we were able to use a few times. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, it really felt like “coming home”. Super glad we booked this as part of our honeymoon and I’ll be staying here again if I return to Kusatsu!

The Onsen was gorgeous, clean and well organised with an efficient and easy to understand system. The staff was exceptionally friendly, welcoming and helpful, and spoke English very very well. The rooms were beautiful and super warm (even while there in the snow you did not have to worry about rugging up). I loved the classic wooden ryokan set-up and tatami floors with futons. Futons were also made for you each night while you were out, and packed up for you after you left in the morning.

Toilet space was quite compact, if that concerns you.

A Ryokan with a homely feel! The gentleman who checked us in spoke really good english and we had no issues with communication whatsoever. He made our stay especially pleasant! The onsen water at Kusatsu is also to the next level! You come with dry and rough skin and leave with silky smooth skin. Highly recommend this onsen town!

The property is located on top of a hill which we didn’t know, so we had to lug our big luggages up the hill! There was no lift in the ryokan as well. A note to ourselves is to not bring big bags to onsen towns!

The ryokan is adjacent to a wooded park, which provides some freshness during the scorching summer. The Matsuo Basho Monument is just behind. Although this is a building with a long history which has retained its authentic atmosphere and has welcomed distinguished Japanese visitors in the past, the owners are also friendly to foreign guests and the reception staff speak perfect English. The baths have recently been renovated and it is possible to enjoy a peculiar onsen water, which is highly acidic and removes all dirt from the skin. For those who are concerned, the water does not smell much. For couples or families, there is a private bath available for free. If you can afford more than a guesthouse, I recommend staying there to enjoy the yubatake surroundings at night, by borrowing a yukata and a pair of geta lent by the ryokan.

This hotel, room, and location was wonderful! Great to see in the winter time, and close to the little town with restaurants and shops. My husband and I especially loved the private onsen!

If I really HAD to push and say something I didn't like (very hard to do as everything was lovely) - I found the rice pillow to be a bit uncomfortable to sleep on. But I say that knowing full well that they told us in advance that those were the pillows and knew what we were getting ourselves into.