Access to Kusatsu Onsen Inn Hiranoya

Reaching お宿平の家 in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen is straightforward, yet the final few turns can surprise first-time visitors. This guide explains every step of the journey — by car, train, or highway bus — and offers clear directions for the last short walk or drive to our door. Whether you are arriving from Tokyo, Osaka, or elsewhere in Gunma, a little planning will make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

Getting to Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen sits high in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, about 1,200 meters above sea level. Its remote beauty is part of the appeal, but it also means travel takes a little longer than a typical city trip. The town is served by well-maintained roads and reliable public transport, so you can choose the option that suits your schedule and budget. Below we outline the main routes from major cities and the key stations or interchanges to look for.

If you are coming from Tokyo, the journey takes roughly three to four hours by car or bus, or about two and a half hours by limited express train plus a bus ride. From Osaka or Nagoya, the trip is longer, so many guests combine Kusatsu with a stop in Karuizawa or Nagano. No matter where you start, the final approach to the ryokan is the same: you will arrive at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, the central landmark for all public transport.

By Car

Driving to Kusatsu gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. The most common route from Tokyo is via the Kan-Etsu Expressway to Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange, then onto Route 353 and Route 145 through the scenic mountains. From the Nagano side, take the Joshin-Etsu Expressway to Ueda-Sugadaira Interchange, then Route 144 and Route 292. Roads are well maintained but can be narrow and winding, especially in winter, so allow extra time and drive carefully.

Once you reach Kusatsu town, follow the signs toward the Yubatake (hot water field) area. The bus terminal is a useful reference point. From the traffic light in front of the bus terminal, head downhill toward Yubatake. Continue straight through the intersection where you will see the shops Honke Chichiya and Kanoya. Immediately after that intersection, turn right into a parking area and drive straight through it. Continue straight ahead, and you will see a sign for 平の家 parking on your left. That lot is located behind our building. Please note that the road is narrow, so drive with caution, especially if you are not used to mountain driving.

From Tokyo: Kan-Etsu Expressway → Shibukawa-Ikaho IC → Route 353 → Route 145 → Kusatsu
From Nagano: Joshin-Etsu Expressway → Ueda-Sugadaira IC → Route 144 → Route 292 → Kusatsu
Winter tires or chains are essential from December to March.
Parking is free for guests, but spaces are limited; please inform us in advance if you have a large vehicle.

“The road behind the ryokan is narrow, but once you arrive, the convenience of being just a short walk from Yubatake makes it all worthwhile.”

By Train

Traveling by train is a relaxing way to enjoy the changing scenery. The nearest shinkansen station is Karuizawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa (about 70 minutes), then transfer to a local bus bound for Kusatsu Onsen. The bus ride takes approximately 80 minutes and drops you at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. Alternatively, from Ueno Station, take the JR Limited Express Kusatsu directly to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, then a 25-minute bus ride to the same terminal.

If you are coming from Osaka or Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then the Chuo Line to Nagano, and finally the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa. From there, the bus connection is the same. Be sure to check the bus schedule in advance, as services are less frequent in the evening. The last bus from Karuizawa to Kusatsu usually departs around 7:00 PM, so plan your train arrival accordingly.

Tokyo → Karuizawa: Hokuriku Shinkansen, about 70 min
Karuizawa → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: local bus, about 80 min
Ueno → Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi: JR Limited Express Kusatsu, about 2 h 20 min
Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal: bus, about 25 min

By Highway Bus

Highway buses offer a direct and economical option from major cities. From Tokyo, buses depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or Tokyo Station and travel directly to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal in about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Some services require a transfer at Shibukawa or Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, but direct buses are available at peak times. From Osaka or Kyoto, overnight buses arrive early in the morning, allowing you to enjoy a full day in Kusatsu.

All highway buses stop at the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, which is only a few minutes' walk from our ryokan. From the terminal, exit toward the main road and follow the directions below. If you have heavy luggage, you may prefer to take a short taxi ride; the fare is minimal and the driver will know our location. However, the walk is pleasant and passes by several shops and restaurants.

Walking Directions from the Bus Terminal

From the bus terminal, walk to the traffic light in front of the terminal and head downhill toward Yubatake. You will pass through the main shopping street. Continue straight at the intersection where Honke Chichiya and Kanoya are located. Just after that intersection, you will see a parking area on your right; walk through it. Keep going straight, and you will soon see the sign for 平の家 parking on your left. Our ryokan is just behind that parking lot. The entire walk takes about five minutes at a leisurely pace.

If you are driving, follow the same route but turn right into the parking area instead of walking through it. Drive straight across the parking area and continue until you see our parking sign on the left. The road is narrow, so please be careful. There is limited space for turning around, so if you miss the entrance, it is easier to go around the block than to attempt a U-turn.

Local Area and Final Tips

Kusatsu Onsen is a compact town, and most sights are within walking distance. Yubatake, the symbolic hot water field, is just a three-minute stroll from our door. The Sainokawara Park open-air bath is about ten minutes on foot. If you arrive before check-in time (3:00 PM), you can leave your luggage with us and explore the town. Check-out is at 10:00 AM, but you are welcome to leave your car in our parking lot until noon if you wish to do some last-minute sightseeing.

Please note that the final check-in time is 8:00 PM. If you expect to arrive later, contact us in advance. Dinner is served at a set time, so arriving early allows you to settle in and enjoy the full experience. For those traveling in winter, be aware that roads and walkways can be icy; wear appropriate footwear and allow extra time for travel.