Uncover Kusatsu's Hidden Gem: The Mystical Kiyoshigekan!
Uncover Kusatsu's Hidden Gem: Kiyoshigekan - A Review That's Actually Real (and a Bit Chaotic)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I’m about to spill the (hot spring) tea on the Kiyoshigekan in Kusatsu, and let me tell you, it's a trip. Forget those polished, perfect hotel reviews you usually read. This is going to be raw, real, and probably a little all over the place. I’m talking about the kind of review you’d write after a few glasses of sake (which, conveniently, they do have).
SEO Notice (Gotta play the game!): This review will cover everything from Accessibility, Rooms, Dining, Spa, Activities, Cleanliness, Services, and Safety to Things To Do in Kusatsu, keeping in mind keywords like "Kusatsu Onsen hotel," "Japanese hot spring resort," "accessible hotels Japan," and naturally, "Kiyoshigekan review."
First Impressions (and a Bit of a Panic):
So, I'm terrible at packing. Seriously. Like, I once forgot my toothbrush on a business trip. Anyway, the Kiyoshigekan is nestled in the heart of Kusatsu, and the first thing you notice is…it's lush. Like, green, mountainous, you-are-definitely-not-in-Kansas lush. Finding it was a bit of an adventure, even with GPS. (Note: I'm directionally challenged. Don't judge.) But once I pulled up, the valet parking was a godsend. Car park [on-site] & Car park [free of charge] – YES PLEASE! Valet parking was smooth.
Accessibility - Does it Pass the Pajama Test?
Okay, listen up, because I need hotels to be accessible due to a dodgy knee. Kiyoshigekan gets a thumbs up here. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Yes, and thoughtfully done, not just a token gesture. The hallways were wide, and the rooms, surprisingly, were easy to navigate. I didn’t feel like I was playing an obstacle course, which is a win. There's a CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which always makes me feel safer. Plus, there were Smoke alarms and a Fire extinguisher – always a good sign. The exterior corridor was a minor annoyance, but the view made up for it.
Rooms: My Little Zen Sanctuary (with a Minibar Battle)
My room? Seriously, amazing. I was upgraded to a room with a separate shower/bathtub, which is my personal definition of luxury. The bathtub was deep enough to actually soak in. The bathrobes and slippers were fluffy and instantly made me feel like a pampered house cat. Air conditioning? Essential for those humid Japanese summers. Then there's the coffee/tea maker, a lifesaver for a caffeine fiend like me. The window that opens lets in the sweet, mountain air. Complimentary tea? I drank it all.
Now, the minibar… that's where things got interesting. I'm a sucker for those tiny bottles of sake. They had them! And the refrigerator kept everything perfectly chilled. But, and this is an important "but," I may have inadvertently underestimated the price of a little bottle of the good stuff in the middle of the night. Lesson learned: read the menu before you get peckish. Oh, and, a mini bar usually comes with the additional toilet, just in case.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: An Epicurean Adventure (with Karaoke Potential)
This is where Kiyoshigekan really shines. The restaurants, plural, offer a range of dining experiences. The main restaurant serves a buffet in restaurant and a la carte in restaurant options. I piled my plate high with the Asian breakfast, the Western breakfast, and everything in between. The food was fresh, delicious, and the chefs, bless their hearts, seemed to genuinely enjoy their craft. The desserts in restaurant were particularly dangerous.
I went for the Asian cuisine in restaurant for dinner one night. It was transcendent. I mean, melt-in-your-mouth amazing. I’m still dreaming about the tempura. They also had a vegetarian restaurant which I'm sure is good, but I wanted to find the meat. And let’s not forget the Bar and Poolside bar! The happy hour was, let's just say, happy. The Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop were also amazing.
For a quick bite, the snack bar was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. The bottle of water was a welcome refresher. I even snagged a salad in restaurant – trying to be healthy, you know? And if you’re a night owl? Room service [24-hour]! Genius. (Though my midnight ramen craving was, thankfully, thwarted by a late-night snack I found…)
Spa & Relaxation: My Moment of Zen (and a Near-Miss Nap)
Okay, this is the main event, people. The Spa is seriously next level. They have it all: massage, sauna, steamroom, spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap. I opted for a massage, and it was pure bliss. The masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Seriously, I almost fell asleep mid-massage. (Note to self: bring earplugs next time, to avoid looking like the human equivalent of a snoring walrus.)
The swimming pool (both swimming pool [outdoor] and pool with view) was incredible. Swimming laps while looking at the mountains is a moment I won't soon forget. I went there, and then I went to the foot bath. Perfect for achy feet after a long day. I wish I had gone to the gym/fitness to work it off, but the Available in all rooms Free Wi-Fi was distracting.
One slight issue: When I went to use the Sauna, it was closed for cleaning. That day's disappointment was a minor inconvenience - but it's worth asking if your favorite spot is open before you make your trip!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Important)
This is HUGE right now. The Kiyoshigekan takes cleanliness seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas with Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sterilizing equipment show they care. Also, they have Hand sanitizer dispensers EVERYWHERE! The staff is clearly trained in safety protocol. They have Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, which is great. There's even Individually-wrapped food options. I felt genuinely safe and cared for throughout my stay. I felt no need to opt out of room sanitization. They also have First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call which shows they are always prepared. Also, there are Safety/security feature in the rooms such as a safe.
Services & Conveniences: A Few Perks (and a Minor Mystery)
The Kiyoshigekan offers a ton of services. There’s a concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, and even a convenience store. I loved the Daily housekeeping. The cash withdrawal service was handy. They are also very prepared for meetings. So that I can have some meetings and seminars.
I did notice a shrine in a hidden corner of the property. I found it interesting. I'm not sure what it was for, but it added a certain something to the atmosphere. The gift/souvenir shop was stocked with cute and kitsch things, so I got a souvenir or two. Food delivery service was convenient as well.
For the Kids & Other Considerations: A Mixed Bag
I did not personally experience any of the For the kids items, but they have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They're definitely Family/child friendly.
One teeny tiny downside: Pets allowed are unavailable. Which actually makes sense, considering the hot springs.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer makes travel easier. They had free car park [free of charge]. All good.
Things To Do in Kusatsu (Beyond Kiyoshigekan):
Okay, so you need to explore the town. The shrine is a spiritual experience. The main street is filled with shops selling local crafts and food. Do the onsen (public bath) hop, it’s a must. Take a hike! And enjoy the onsen egg.
The Quirks & Imperfections: It's Not Perfect, But It's Real
Here’s the thing, no hotel is perfect. There was a slight delay in room
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Kiyoshigekan, Kusatsu: My Hot Spring Hijinx – A Travel Diary (aka My Brain Dump)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your average itinerary. This is… me, attempting to document my Kusatsu adventure while simultaneously battling jet lag and questionable Japanese vending machine choices. Kiyoshigekan, here I come!
Day 1: Arrival of the Clumsy Tourist and the Great Onsen Mystery
- 10:00 AM (Chaos Central): Landed in… somewhere. Narita? Pretty sure. After 20 hours in the flying metal tube, my brain is mostly mush. The first challenge? Japanese customs. I, armed with my passport and a hopeful smile, somehow managed to misunderstand a very simple question. "Purpose of visit?" Turns out, "Existential dread and the search for inner peace through lukewarm ramen" wasn't the right answer. They did eventually let me through. Whew.
- 12:00 PM (Train to Kusatsu, Aka, Where's My Sanity?): Train! The Shinkansen (bullet train!) is supposed to be glorious. But, the seat is too small for my legs! I also swear the announcements are trying to subtly insult my luggage. "Please ensure your bag does not obstruct the esteemed passengers' view of Mount Fuji… and also that it doesn't look like a particularly aggressive walrus." Fine, train, judge me.
- 3:00 PM (Kusatsu Arrival, and the Search for Ramen): Kusatsu! It's… charming. Like, postcard-perfect charming. Cobblestone streets, the sulfuric smell of the hot springs, and… more people than I anticipated. My stomach is grumbling, screaming for ramen. I stumble out of the station, wallet out, hoping for the best. Spotted a likely looking place!
- 4:00 PM (First Ramen Failure?): Okay, so the ramen was…interesting. I have no idea what kind of broth it was, but it’s the hottest thing I’ve put in my mouth, and burned my tongue and half my throat, despite the owner’s insistence it was mild. Also I only had a vague idea what I was doing. But, I'm still here. The joy of travel.
- 6:00 PM (Kiyoshigekan Check-In and Onsen Anxiety): Kiyoshigekan! It's beautiful. Traditional. Minimalist. Clean to a level I didn’t know was possible. And… I'm slightly terrified of the onsen (hot spring). Naked? With other people? This is where the inner peace comes in, right? Or maybe a full-blown existential crisis?
- 7:00 PM (Onsen Apocalypse – Take 1): Okay, so I've embraced the "naked with strangers" thing. But still, it’s… a lot. I’m convinced everyone is staring at my pasty, American-sized self. The water is divine, though. My muscles are melting, and I might just float away.
- 8:00 PM (Dinner and the Aftermath): Dinner at the ryokan was a delicate dance of unfamiliar flavors and trying desperately not to make any loud chewing noises. I think I mostly succeeded. Finally, it's time to sleep.
Day 2: The Healing Power of Sulfur and My Love/Hate Relationship with the Hotel…
- 7:00 AM (Morning Onsen Reborn!): I wake up feeling surprisingly human. Another dip in the onsen. This time, I'm a bit less… mortified. I even manage a small smile at an elderly woman who nods approvingly. Progress!
- 8:00 AM (Breakfast Fluster and the Language Barrier): Breakfast! More mysterious but delicious food. I’m now convinced most things can be deep fried or pickled, which, you know, is fine by me. But the waitress had a tough time understanding the language, and let me take a plate I didn't order with me to my room.
- 9:00 AM (Exploring Kusatsu – The Art of Doing Nothing): I wander the streets. I stumble upon the "Yubatake" (the giant hot spring source). Taking in the steam and the color. I swear, this place is magical.
- 10:00 AM (The Yubatake and the Smell): Ok. The Yunabatake is a glorious sight, a true spectacle. But the smell, oh the smell! It's like a dozen hard-boiled eggs decided to have a party in my sinuses. It’s both invigorating and… intense.
- 11:00 AM (Souvenir Shop Frenzy): I buy so many things. Two decorative chopsticks, a tiny, hand-painted fan. and a questionable "onsen-themed" towel. (I should probably stop.)
- 12:00 PM (Lunch Adventure, Take 2): Found a different ramen place! This time, I managed to order! The ramen was actually amazing. I feel a deep sense of pride.
- 2:00 PM (Back to the Room, and a Moment of Solitude): After lunch, I wander around my room. The minimalism is getting to me. It's all so… serene. I think I need a snack. And an escape from all this serenity.
- 4:00 PM (Revenge of the Onsen – Take 2): Another Onsen session. Still naked. Still a bit awkward. But the water is heavenly, and I'm starting to get used to it. I'm starting to relax, and feel like I was born to sit in the onsen.
- 6:00 PM (Dinner and the Unforeseen): The dinner was another culinary journey. But tonight, there was a live traditional music performance! I was blown away.
- 9:00 PM (Staring at the ceiling, and the beginning of the end): I am starting to get the feeling that I need to spend more time in this place, and stay here for longer.
Day 3: Departure and The Kiyoshigekan legacy
- 7:00 AM (Breakfast, Again): The food is incredible! I may be addicted to what seem like a thousand plates. I wish I can stay in this place more. I realized I actually grew to love this place
- 8:00 AM (One Last Onsen Goodbye): A final soak. Saying goodbye to the relaxing water. Saying goodbye to the place
- 9:00 AM (Leaving Kiyoshigekan, and Kusatsu): I pack my bags, a mix of regret and anticipation. This trip was a great journey.
- 12:00 PM (Reflection): As I sit on the train, I can't help but smile. Kusatsu was an adventure. Yes, there were awkward moments, ramen fails, and a near-constant feeling of not quite fitting in. But there was also beauty, relaxation, and the quiet joy of simply being. Kiyoshigekan, you weird, wonderful place, I'll be back.
Final Thoughts: This trip taught me that:
- Jet lag is a monster.
- Ramen is delicious, even when you don’t know what it is.
- Nakedness with strangers is, surprisingly, okay.
- Sometimes, the imperfect moments are the ones you remember most.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to research the best way to import a Japanese onsen into my own backyard. Because, honestly, who wouldn't want that?
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Uncover Kusatsu's Hidden Gem: The Mystical Kiyoshigekan! - Your Messy Guide
Okay, spill it. Is Kiyoshigekan REALLY as magical as everyone says? Like, *really*?
What's the *deal* with the onsen? Is it… awkward? I'm not exactly a bathing-suit-wearing kind of person.
The food. Tell me about the food! Do I need to brush up on my Japanese?
What's the best room to book? Are the views worth it?
Is it *really* far away? Getting there seems like it could be a hassle.
What's the vibe like? Is it super formal?
Anything I should *absolutely* bring? Like, super crucial stuff?
Is it worth the price? It looks… expensive.
One thing you wish you knew *before* you went?
