Kusatsu Onsen's Must-Stay 'Konoha'

Complete Guide to Hot Springs, Transportation, and Dining—Unbeatable Value! After experiencing Kusatsu Onsen's 'Konoha,' I can't help but highly recommend it! With a one-night stay including two meals and access to premium shared hot springs, it's the ultimate haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking relaxation. 🌿 Surprising Hot Spring Experiences ▪️ Dual Bathhouses + Three Private Outdoor Baths: The main bathhouse is divided into 'Rock Bath Area' and 'Herbal Bath Area,' with the 'Herbal Bath' being a standout! After soaking, leg fatigue noticeably diminishes, thanks to the addition of Kusatsu's specialty 'birch tree sap.' The outdoor private baths are nestled in bamboo groves, illuminated by lanterns at night. Listening to snow falling on bamboo leaves while soaking is the epitome of Japanese-style healing. ▪️ Seasonal Garden Shared Benefits: Some hot springs are shared with the neighboring high-end inn, allowing you to enjoy 'Seasonal Garden's' design at 'Konoha' prices. For the best experience, visit the hot springs early at 7 AM to almost have the entire area to yourself. 🚌 Transportation Made Easy ▪️ Karuizawa JR Direct Shuttle: Reserve the free shuttle bus in advance for a hassle-free 1.5-hour ride from Karuizawa Station to the inn. The driver will assist with luggage—don't forget to say 'arigatou' when you get off. ▪️ Onsen Town Circulating Minibus: A free minibus stop is conveniently located at the inn's entrance, running every 10 minutes to 'Nishinoharu Onsen Town.' Perfect for buying onsen buns and foot bath socks. After soaking in the evening, you can skip walking and take the bus back to your room. 🍽️ Satisfying One-Night, Two-Meal Dining ▪️ Kaiseki Cuisine + Buffet: Dinner features 'Kusatsu Beef Sukiyaki' as the main dish, accompanied by steamed yam, pickles, and miso soup. The buffet area offers tempura, salads, and desserts. Be sure to try the 'Birch Sap Pudding,' which has a creamy texture and a resinous fragrance. ▪️ Late-Night Ramen + Morning Set Meal: After soaking until 10 PM, enjoy free ramen! The soy sauce-based broth is rich, and the bamboo shoots are delightfully crunchy. For breakfast, the 'Onsen Egg Rice Bowl' is a must-try—the moment the yolk breaks and flows is pure bliss. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ✅ Rooms are indeed dated! Tatami mats in Japanese-style rooms show signs of age. Opt for 'Western-Japanese hybrid rooms' for more comfort. ✅ Soundproofing is average! Speak softly after returning from the hot springs to avoid disturbing neighbors. ✅ Private baths require advance booking! Reserve prime time slots (5:00-6:30 PM sunset hours) upon check-in. Summary: Perfect for those who want to experience the essence of Kusatsu Onsen without spending a fortune! The hot springs are professional, transportation is convenient, and dining is abundant. Apart from the dated rooms, there are virtually no drawbacks. Next time, I'll bring my parents to let them enjoy the double joy of 'herbal baths + late-night ramen'!