If you want to spend a night at a traditional ryokan with a long history, consider Kusatsu onsen Boun (草津温泉 望雲). Opened in 1599, it is also one of the oldest ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen. It is the ryokan that many high-profile writers and great historical figures in the past loved! Moreover, the ryokan is one of the few places that can accommodate your special dietary requirements in the famous hot spring town!
About Kusatsu Onsen Boun
Thanks to the renovations completed in the past, Kusatsu Onsen Boun now has a modern look while retaining many of the old-fashioned elements from the last. So, if you would like to spend a night somewhere filled with Japanese elements but also want to enjoy the convenience of the modern lifestyle, consider booking a room with Kusatsu Onsen Boun!
Important: Keep in mind that the building was renovated from one that is hundreds of years old and may not be soundproof. So please try to keep quiet during the night so other guests can have a pleasant time at the ryokan.
Tips:
☛ Reserve as early as possible as the ryokan is very popular.
☛ Kusatsu Onsen Boun also offers a drop-off service back to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. You can leave your belongings with the ryokan and return in the afternoon to be dropped off.
☛ If you visit Kusatsu Onsen in late May, remember to head to the ryokan’s garden to adore the rhododendron flowers! There are about 3,000 rhododendrons planted there!
☛ Remember to let the ryokan know about your special dietary requirements (if you have any).
☛ On a snowy day, check with the ryokan to see if they will rent out boots for free.
Kusatsu Onsen Boun’s Hot Spring Pools
Unlike many other hot spring facilities in Kusatsu Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen Boun’s bathhouses are made of wood. It would feel like you have traveled to the past as you bathe in the hot spring pools.
Kusatsu Onsen Boun is one of the few spots to enjoy the hot spring from the Sainokawara spring source (instead of the widely used Baidai spring source). The good thing about the hot spring from Sainokawara Park is while it has a strong acidic characteristic, you actually don’t experience much stinging sensation.
Refer to our Guide to the Public Bathhouses in Kusatsu Onsen for more information about Kusatsu Onsen’s six main hot spring sources.
Kusatsu Onsen Boun has a total of six hot spring pools and is divided into three sets in three different locations. Each of the indoor pools has an open-air pool attached. A changing room with an attached relaxing space is also available at each bathing area.
And if you need to cool down after a hot spring session, the terrace on the second floor is a nice spot to do so, as it faces a garden with a waterfall pouring down on the left.
There is also a lounge room on the new wing’s third floor with sofas and tables for you to relax as you enjoy a cup of free coffee (^_-)-☆.
Tip: Lockers are available in the changing room.
- The public baths are open from 2 pm to 10 am the next day, except between 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm for cleaning.
- Male’s designated time slots at each of the bathing areas are:
- Bandai no Yu (万代の湯): 2 pm to 3:30 am
- Sai no Yu (西の湯): 3 pm to 3:30 am
- Yusan no Yu (遊山の湯): 4:30 am to 10 am
- Female’s designated time slots at each of the bathing areas are:
- Bandai no Yu (万代の湯): 4:30 am to 10 am
- Sai no Yu (西の湯): 4:30 am to 10 am
- Yusan no Yu (遊山の湯): 2 pm to 3:30 am
Kusatsu Onsen Boun’s Guestrooms
Kusatsu Onsen Boun has eight different types of guestrooms, including four rooms with an open-air bath attached. So while it doesn’t have a private bath that can be rented out, you can reserve a room with an onsen tub connecting to the Sainokawara spring source!
The best thing about staying with Boun is that you can opt to have dinner served in your room. It is the perfect way to enjoy your time at a high-class ryokan!
- If you think you won’t be able to sleep well on a Japanese futon bed, the ryokan also has a couple of Western-style guestrooms.
- Dinner can also be served in a private room for those who wish to dine in a Western-style setting instead of sitting on the floor.
Yukata Rental at Kusatsu Onsen Boun
Similar to Kusatsu Hot Spring Hotel Takamatsu, Boun also provides Yukata Rental Service. There are more than 100 Yukatas for you to choose from. And after you have decided which Yukata you like the best, remember to pick a belt that suits the Yukata!
If Yukata Rental isn’t included in your accommodation plan, you can utilize the service for 500 yen.
How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen Boun
- Kusatsu Onsen Boun is a 7-minute walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
- You can call the ryokan at +81-279-88-3251 to be picked up from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal upon your arrival .
Discover Other Attractions in Kusatsu Onsen
After you have your accommodation sorted, the next step is probably finding out where in the hot spring town you want to explore!
In addition to the public bathhouses, Kusatsu Onsen has much more to offer. Whether it is soba noodles, traditional sweets or outdoor activities, such as obstacle courses and skiing, you surely won’t be bored at Kusatsu Onsen!
For more information, refer to our article on Kusatsu Onsen (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
