Oyado Hirano-Ya: Kusatsu Hot Spring Hotel & Spa

English - ENGLISH -

Welcome to Oyado Hirano-Ya in KUSATSU

Oyado Hirano-Ya is a modern Japanese style hotel located in the center of KUSATSU spa resort; YUBATAKE(Hot Spring Fields/ the symbol of KUSATSU) is right outside our doors. Our spa bath water is supplied directly from the SHIRAHATA natural hot springs which is one of the oldest in the area. Hirano-Ya restaurant is in the same building, offering our guests home cooking, choice of breakfast only or two meals a day (let us know when booking). All rooms come with ensuite bathrooms. Relax in our comfortable well-equipped rooms before exploring the area. Please don't hesitate to ask if any vacancies are available.

The Oldest Hot Spring in KUSATSU; SHIRAHATA Hot Spring Source for beautiful skin.

SHIRAHATA Hot Spring Source is told that MINAMOTO no YORITOMO, the first shogun from GENJI of the Kamakura Shogunate, entered the hot spring when on a hunting trip to Mt.Asama area on the third of August in 1193. Although it was called GOZA no YU which means there was the stone MINAMOTO no YORITOMO sat on in those days, changed to KUSATSU YUBATAKE SHIRAHATA GENSEN [BIHAKU no YU] (KUSATSU White Flag Hot Spring Source [ Hot Spring for Beautiful Skin] ) being named after the white flag which is symbolic of GENJI in 1897(MEIJI period). Out of all the hot spring sources in KUSATSU, it is the only one to be slightly milky. There's around ten accommodations to draw it, but it is only us that pull the source with completely natural flow by a pipe. As natural temperature drops when drawn by independent pipe with natural flow, it is poured into the bathtub at just good temperature, so you can enjoy SHIRAHATA ONSEN (Hot Spring) itself without heating or adding water. Commercial soaps are not suitable for acidic hot water of KUSATSU, please use soap installed in the facility. Even without washing your skin,the skin will be clean with its acidic effect if you immerse in a hot spring. Even without using shampoo, the scalp can be sterilized and kept clean enough just by sprinkling hot springs from the head many times, also it will be hair growth as improves the circulation of the scalp.

JOUSHU MEN-DOKORO HIRANO-YA (JOUSHUU SOBA-noodle restaurant Hirano-ya)

We strike SOBA-noodles with hearts everyday and offer it to everyone. Thank you for your understanding for taking a time to cook as we hope you to enjoy our meals.

Great Location of Spectacular YUBATAKE

YUBATAKE is right outside our doors. You're already in the center of town, which is convenient for exploring the area soon after checking into your room. There are many restaurants to choose from nearby, including our own, JOUSHUU SOBA-noodle restaurant Hirano-ya. Please relax and enjoy SHIRAHATA BIHAKU no YU boasting of our hotel. We are waiting for you at the best location for KUSATSU sightseeing.

Room Rates/Accommodation Fee

Dear Guests Notes

no-charge - until 2 days before the accommodation date after your booking.

NO-SHOW - Cancellation without contact will be charged 100% of accommodation fee.

About Oyado Hirano-Ya

Oyado Hirano-Ya is a family-run ryokan that blends traditional Japanese hospitality with modern conveniences. Our building has been carefully maintained to provide a comfortable stay while preserving the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a classic Japanese inn. From the moment you step through our entrance, you will be greeted with the scent of tatami and the soft murmur of hot spring water. We take pride in offering a personal touch that larger hotels cannot match, ensuring that every guest feels at home.

Our location in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen means that you are never far from the town's famous attractions. The iconic Yubatake, or hot water field, is literally at our doorstep, and the surrounding streets are filled with traditional shops, cafes, and public baths. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, our staff are happy to help you plan your itinerary, recommend local restaurants, or explain the history and customs of the onsen town.

We are committed to sustainable practices, including using natural hot spring water without reheating or dilution, and sourcing local ingredients for our meals. Our goal is to provide an authentic experience that respects both the environment and the cultural heritage of Kusatsu.

Our Hot Spring Baths

The heart of any ryokan is its onsen, and at Hirano-Ya we are fortunate to receive water directly from the Shirahata source. This source, known for its slightly milky appearance and skin-beautifying properties, is delivered to our baths via a dedicated pipe that allows the water to flow naturally without any artificial heating or added water. The result is a bath that is always at the perfect temperature for soaking, rich in minerals, and gentle on the skin.

Our indoor bath is available to guests throughout the day and night, with separate bathing times for men and women. We provide all necessary amenities, including towels, yukata (casual cotton kimono), and soap specifically formulated for the acidic waters of Kusatsu. As mentioned, commercial soaps are not suitable, so please use the provided products to fully enjoy the benefits of the hot spring.

For those who prefer privacy, the bath can be reserved for private use during certain hours. Please inquire at the front desk for availability. We also recommend taking a short walk to one of the nearby public baths, such as Otaki no Yu or Goza no Yu, to experience different styles of Kusatsu onsen.

Dining at Hirano-Ya

Our on-site restaurant, Joushuu Men-dokoro Hirano-Ya, specializes in handmade soba noodles made fresh daily. Soba is a traditional Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, and our chefs take great care in kneading, rolling, and cutting the noodles to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. The restaurant is open to both hotel guests and the general public, so you can enjoy a bowl of our signature soba even if you are not staying with us.

For hotel guests, we offer meal plans that include breakfast only or both breakfast and dinner. Our dinner menu features a variety of Japanese dishes, including seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, and local specialties such as Joshu beef and mountain vegetables. Breakfast is a traditional Japanese set meal with rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and pickles. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs.

Because we prepare everything to order, there may be a wait during busy times. We appreciate your patience and hope you will use the time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of our dining room, which overlooks the Yubatake.

Rooms and Amenities

All of our guest rooms are designed in a modern Japanese style, featuring tatami mat flooring, low wooden furniture, and futon bedding that is laid out for you each evening. Each room is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a television, a refrigerator, and complimentary tea and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Our rooms vary in size and layout to accommodate different group sizes, from solo travelers to families. Some rooms offer views of the Yubatake, while others face the quiet inner courtyard. All rooms are non-smoking, but a designated smoking area is available on the premises.

For your comfort, we provide yukata, towels, and slippers. You are welcome to wear the yukata when walking around the town, as is customary in onsen resorts. Please note that our ryokan does not have an elevator, and some rooms are accessible only by stairs. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us in advance so we can assign a room on a lower floor.

Exploring Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, known for its high-quality acidic waters and the spectacular Yubatake. The Yubatake, or "hot water field," is a large wooden structure in the center of town where hot spring water flows down in cascades to cool before being distributed to the various baths. It is especially beautiful at night when illuminated.

In addition to the Yubatake, we recommend visiting the following attractions:

Sainokawara Park – A short walk from our ryokan, this open-air bath is surrounded by nature and offers a unique bathing experience.
Netsu-no-Yu – A traditional performance where locals stir the hot spring water with large wooden paddles to cool it down while singing folk songs.
Kusatsu Tropical Garden – A greenhouse with tropical plants and a foot bath.
Mount Shirane – A volcanic mountain offering hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Our staff are happy to provide maps and directions, and we can help arrange local tours or activities such as skiing in winter or hiking in summer. Please do not hesitate to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions from our guests:

What is the check-in and check-out time? Check-in is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. We can store your luggage before and after these times.
Do you have parking? Yes, we have a limited number of free parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please let us know in advance if you plan to arrive by car.
Can I use the hot spring if I have tattoos? Yes, we allow guests with tattoos to use our private bath, but please note that public baths in Kusatsu may have restrictions. We recommend using our private bath or covering tattoos with a patch when visiting public facilities.
Is there a curfew? The front door is locked at midnight for security. If you plan to return later, please inform the front desk in advance to receive a key.
Do you accept credit cards? Yes, we accept major credit cards, as well as cash and some electronic payment methods.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Oyado Hirano-Ya and helping you create wonderful memories in Kusatsu Onsen.