Hotel Ichii

Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Ichii is a hotel that has been beloved as “Ichii,” meaning “the first well,” since its founding in the Edo period, carrying forward a spirit of hospitality unchanged for over 300 years. It offers views looking down on the Yubatake. The large public bath and open-air bath are both natural free-flowing hot springs, but they draw from different sources—making it a rare place that uses two of Kusatsu Onsen’s six hot spring sources. The large bath uses the historically significant “Shirahata-no-Yu,” said to have been discovered when Minamoto no Yoritomo hunted at the foot of Mt. Asama, while the open-air bath draws from “Bandai-ko,” a source springing deep in the mountains of Mt. Shirane. Inside, the proprietress arranges seasonal flowers beautifully throughout, and the expansive complex of Main Building, Annex, and West Wing offers plenty to explore without boredom. Dining plans include enjoying meals leisurely in your room or at dining venues, as well as buffet options (noted as currently paused due to COVID impact). Amenities are well stocked, and it’s very convenient for Kusatsu sightseeing.