Gunma is a beautiful mountainous area famous for its hot spring baths and spas. Because of its proximity to Tokyo, visitors often travel here to relax. Whether you’re going as a family or couple, there are plenty of luxury hotels in Gunma. At each ryokan, we highlight the best rooms that feature private onsens. But before we dive into our hotel reviews, let’s start with our top picks.
Best Gunma Hotels With Views
Minakamisansou is your go-to if you travel to see the stunning scenery. From the rooms here, guests have panoramic views of Mt. Tanigawa. Alternatively, Shima-Onsen Toshimaya offers breathtaking river views as well. You can enjoy these landscapes in your private onsen too.
Gunma Onsen Hotels For Families
- Bettei Senjyuan – This ryokan is an ideal destination for nature-loving families. There are many gardens and trails for kids to explore onsite. The food served here receives high compliments too. Book the Japanese-style room, which comfortably sleeps up to six people.
- Oyado Tamaki – You can choose from a wide selection of family rooms at Oyado Tamaki. Each room comes with excellent views and amenities. Families favor the Luxury Room here, which has a huge balcony. Another family-friendly comfort is a free shuttle service.
Gunma Onsen Hotels For Couples
- Shima-Onsen Toshimaya – Couples love to unwind together at this small riverside ryokan. With only fifteen rooms, the privacy here is unmatched. We recommend you enjoy the couples’ spa facilities, then try the evening hot spring experience with your partner.
- Kaichoro – This luxury ryokan is designed to give you the best couples getaway. From the hospitality to the food, everything is of high quality. Couples prefer the Suite here for its spacious outdoor space and private onsen.
Best Kaiseki At Gunma Hotels
Nearly all hotels ryokans in Gunma offer kaiseki dinners to their guests. Yet, you should go to the oldest hot spring hotel to taste the best. At Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso, preparing kaiseki became an art form. Bettei Senjyuan also stands out, as kaiseki dinners here are served in private rooms, each with different themes.
1. Shima-Onsen Toshimaya
The soft sound of the water lulls you to sleep in this hotel. Situated on the banks of the Shima River, 15 spacious rooms greet guests here. For families, booking the Deluxe Suite is highly recommended. This suite is favored for its scenic views, generous size, and kitchen corner. The small private onsen bath is a welcome room addition too. Those coming here to enjoy the hot springs are not disappointed either. Numerous communal indoor and outdoor baths are onsite to reinvigorate you. The highlight of your trip will be the nightly hot spring experiences.
- Guest Reviews: One of the most beautiful stays in Japan. Very clean traditional onsen rooms.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: Deluxe suite
- Address: 377-0601 Gunma, Nakanojo, Shima 3887, Japan
2. Bettei Senjyuan
A luxury hideaway awaits all choosing to stay at Bettei Senjyuan. Rooms boast stunning mountain views and private open-air onsens. Most guests stay here for the skiing and lovely gardens nearby. If you prefer staying in, a luxury spa spoils you with relaxing massages, saunas, and hot spring baths. Visit the unique library among trees for some quiet reading time as well. Several intimate private dining rooms are at your service, where eating is always a treat. Easily accommodating large families, the Japanese-style Suite features tatami floors, a tea room, and a veranda.
- Guest Reviews: The onsen in the room is beautiful. The public onsen faces the snow mountains and creeks. The kaiseki, the service, and the staff are first-rate.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Japanese-style suite
- Address: 379-1619 Gunma, Minakami, Tanigawa 614, Japan
3. Oyado Tamaki
Conveniently located on a residential road, this hotel has the friendliest staff. Besides the excellent service here, the property is very clean. The two onsite restaurants receive high praise too. Other onsite facilities include a karaoke room, souvenir shops, and a Japanese garden. While a number of rooms have private baths, the scenic views in the Luxury Room are the best. It also has an onsen on its balcony, along with warm living spaces. Don’t leave without taking a selfie at the famous Ikaho Stone Steps.
- Guest Reviews: We loved our own onsen on the balcony and the location was superb.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: Luxury room
- Address: 377-0102 Gunma, Shibukawa, Ikaho 87-2, Japan
4. Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya
Plan a perfect weekend getaway to this traditional ryokan. It’s only a 3-hour train ride from Tokyo – then you can relax in your private onsens. Socialize among friends or meet new ones in the communal game room. It is equipped with retro games, puzzles, and vending machines. Be sure to try delicious breakfasts from onsite Akaneya Restaurant too. For lengthier stays, renting the Showakan Villa is the best move. This villa has a fully furnished kitchen, three bedrooms, as well as a hot spring bath.
- Guest Reviews: The private onsen is a must. The owner drove us to a bus station due to the snow in the morning.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: Showakan villa
- Address: 377-1711 Gunma, Kusatsu, Kusatsu 464-285, Japan
5. Kaichoro
Kaichoro provides an ultimate wellness retreat for its guests. Set in nature, you will find peace inside and outside. At Spa Yawaragi, relax by receiving soothing massages or aromatherapy treatments. After that, bathe in hot spring water for further health benefits. If you travel here with your partner, reserve the Suite with tatami floors. This elegant lodging features wooden furnishing, several seating areas, and private onsen. The personal butler service is a great amenity, which makes unwinding here all the more simple.
- Guest Reviews: It’s by far the best stay we have had. Also, the onsen was incredible. Everything was perfect!
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Suite with tatami floor
- Address: 377-0102 Gunma, Shibukawa, Ikaho-machi Ikaha Kouto 5-4, Japan
6. Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso
Take a break from the city and vacation at this historic property. Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso houses Japan’s oldest hot spring hotel. Upon arrival, three buildings welcome guests, each containing its own bathhouse. The outdoor bath by Kashotei is one-of-a-kind. Here, during your soak, you can listen to birds chirping. Reserve the Japanese-style Suite to admire the lush scenery and the on-balcony spa bath. Prepared with special care, you’ll also find the best kaiseki here.
- Guest Reviews: There are several public onsens – all large, clean, and very relaxing. I most enjoyed the outdoor one.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Japanese-style suite
- Address: 377-0601 Gunma, Nakanojo, Shima Ko 4236, Japan
7. Urakusatsu TOU
This hotel in Kusatsu is hidden behind a unique exterior. Traditional and modern décor meet here, which results in a memorable hotel experience. Staying onsite is not only memorable but affordable too. The Japanese-Western style rooms are the most budget-friendly options in Gunma. Besides being spacious and clean, you’ll love the city views from the private onsen. The inn’s modern facilities include a snack shop and a rooftop bar. The aesthetic lounge is ideal for reading and drinking coffee too.
- Guest Reviews: Very convenient location. The on-site public onsen was very nice.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Japanese-western style room with hot spring bath
- Address: 300 Kusatsu, Gunma 377-1711, Gunma, Kusatsu-machi, Gunma-Great
8. Tokinoniwa
This 4-star ryokan is all about creating a space where guests can slow down. The inside of the inn feels like a cocoon, with tatami floors and wooden furniture pieces. Tokinoniwa is in a quiet area so spending time here is even more pleasant. Check into the Deluxe Double Room if you’re looking for the best stay. This couple-friendly room also includes a seating area and a terrace with an onsen. In the public areas, you’ll have access to hot spring baths and the onsite sauna. Other complementary services include parking and continental breakfasts. At night, the lounge bar is a great spot to relax as well.
- Guest Reviews: Female & male onsen swap each day so we can try different onsen. They offer free ice pops and Yakult in the common area.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Deluxe double room
- Address: 377-1711 Gunma, Kusatsu, Kusatsu Shirane 464-214, Japan
9. KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu
This ryokan offers a complimentary bus shuttle from the city’s bus terminal. Walking into your room, high windows and neutral fixtures greet you. Reserve the Deluxe Twin Room to gain access to the connecting outdoor terrace. You can soak in two open-air baths or lounge on cozy couches here. If you’re traveling as a group, you’ll enjoy the communal bathhouse and rock baths. Or, if you are a foodie, the delicious kaiseki dinners will be the best part of your stay. Also, try the fresh bread served for breakfast, and grab a drink from the onsite café too.
- Guest Reviews: I took the room with the 2 private open-air baths. This was the best stay I have ever had in Japan.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Deluxe twin room
- Address: 377-1711 Gunma, Kusatsu, Kusatsu 290-14, Japan
10. Hotel Sakurai
In terms of amenities, Hotel Sakurai is a clear winner. There are souvenir shops, massage corners, and numerous karaoke rooms here. In the inn’s festival square, watch a traditional Yumomi performance or attend a drum show. The hotel is home to Kusatsu’s longest public bath too. Whether you visit with family or a friend, the Japanese-style room accommodates all. Highlighted by floor lamps, an intimate vibe prevails in the room and on the covered patio. For dining, head to the onsite restaurant for an international food selection. Nearby, is the Sainokawara Park where you can also dip your feet in hot springs.
- Guest Reviews: I loved the outdoor private bath we had in our room, great for a quick dip.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Japanese-style room with open air bath
- Address: 377-1711 Gunma, Kusatsu, Kusatsu 465-4, Japan
11. Minakamisansou
At the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, Minakamisansou has the best panoramic views. Watching foliage change here is remarkable, be it the autumn colors or cherry blossoms. For this reason, the lounge is dotted with high-ceiling windows and plush sofas. On top of its views, the hotel is known for its tasty food. The onsite re staurant prepares excellent seasonal dishes using fresh seafood. If you’re traveling in a group, check out the Family Suite consisting of two bedrooms and a living area. However, the inn’s centerpiece is the outdoor pool, which uses pure spring water without filtration.
- Guest Reviews: Excellent onsen. Very clean and stylish. Great view of the mountain.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: Family suite
- Address: 379-1619 Gunma, Minakami, Tanigawa 556, Japan
12. Kinshuusanso
Kinshuusanso is a ryokan where you can experience indoor-outdoor living. All ten rooms come with private onsens, and if you leave the sliding doors open, it feels like bathing outdoors. The interior of the rooms also strives to bring nature in. Bedecked with vaulted ceilings and rock fixtures, the Deluxe Suite is best for couples. If you are on a honeymoon or a birthday trip, the staff even prepares thoughtful gifts, like a cake or a bouquet. During your stay, enjoy the surrounding greenery and dine at the restaurant. The kaiseki here is notably nourishing, made using local wild vegetables and mushrooms.
- Guest Reviews: A great place, outside the touristic beaten path. It was my third time to be here.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Deluxe suite
- Address: 378-0102 Gunma, Kawaba, Kawabayubara 2011, Japan
Best Areas To Stay In Gunma For Onsens
Gunma is a large area so it can be hard to decide where to stay. While some places in Gunma are famous for alpine skiing, there are a few hot spots for onsens. To best equip you for your trip to Gunma, we highlighted three popular areas to visit so you’re close to hot springs.
- Kusatsu – Three hours outside Tokyo, Kusatsu is most renowned for its hot spring baths. Visit the Yubatake in the town center, a hot water field, and Kusatsu’s symbol. Then try the hot spring baths at Sainokawara Park, Japan’s largest outdoor onsen. For something different, check out the zoo at Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland enclosed in a unique dome. There are a few hotels with onsens here, but Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya and Urakusatsu TOU are the most highly rated by guests.
- Minakami – Thanks to its proximity to the Tone River, Minakami is full of exciting water activities. From kayaking and rafting to hot spring baths, you have plenty to do here. If you travel to Minakami specifically for the hot springs, check into Bettei Senjyuan, where all rooms come with private onsens. Sampling the local specialty, “hegi soba noodles”, is a must too.
- Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps – Ikaho is your place for a weekend getaway. Watch cherry blossom at Ikaho Green Bokujo, a working farm where kids can interact with animals too. Another attraction is the Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps. Climbing the 365 steps to the Ikaho Shrine is said to bring you good luck. For couples, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Kaichoro for its excellent food and views.
Best Time To Visit Gunma
All four seasons in Gunma promise new delights to tourists. To make the most of the warmer weather, visit between May and October. However, the peak season in Gunma is during the winter from December to March. Despite the crowds, taking a hot spring bath in the snow will be an unforgettable experience. Come and watch spring and fall foliage change in Gunma too. Plan a road trip along the Japanese Romantic Road and take many photos of the ever-changing scenery.
Gunma Hotels Map
Find More Gunma Ryokans with Onsens
Best Gunma Onsen Ryokans
| Gunma Onsen Ryokans | Best Rooms |
| Shima-Onsen Toshimaya | Deluxe suite |
| Bettei Senjyuan | Japanese-style suite |
| Oyado Tamaki | Luxury room |
| Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya | Showakan villa |
| Kaichoro | Suite with tatami floor |
| Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso | Japanese-style suite |
| Urakusatsu TOU | Japanese-western style room with hot spring bath |
| Tokinoniwa | Deluxe double room |
| KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu | Deluxe twin room |
| Hotel Sakurai | Japanese-style room with open air bath |
| Minakamisansou | Family suite |
| Kinshuusanso | Deluxe suite |
