Kusatsu Highland Hotel is a full-service resort hotel in Kusatsu Onsen, situated at a slightly elevated position within the hot spring area of Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. The property stands at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, around 2 kilometres from the Yubatake (hot spring field) that forms the heart of Kusatsu Onsen village, and is accessible via local resort shuttle. The highland altitude produces reliably cool summer temperatures, making the hotel a popular escape from Tokyo's summer heat, while in winter the adjacent Kusatsu International Ski Resort provides seasonal sports access.
Unlike the intimate ryokan that characterise much of Kusatsu Onsen, the Highland Hotel is a large resort property capable of accommodating groups, school trips, and corporate retreats alongside individual guests. Room categories span Japanese-style tatami rooms, Western-style beds, and Japanese-Western combination formats, giving guests a choice of sleeping arrangements within the same property.
Hot spring facilities include both indoor and outdoor bathing areas drawing on Kusatsu's characteristic highly acidic sulphurous spring water. Large communal baths are segregated by gender, and the outdoor rotenburo offers open-air views of the surrounding mountain landscape. Multiple dining venues serve Japanese cuisine, Western dishes, and seasonal set menus; the main dining hall operates buffet-style service for group dinner plans.
Beyond bathing, seasonal tennis courts are available on the hotel grounds, and ski equipment storage and slope-access packages are offered in winter. Conference and meeting rooms make the property functional for group events. An English-speaking front desk is available for international guests. Free parking accommodates the large proportion of drive-in visitors from the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, who can reach Kusatsu via the Kanetsu Expressway in approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Room types
- Japanese rooms
- Western rooms
- Japanese-Western rooms
Amenities
- Indoor and outdoor onsen
- Multiple dining options
- Large communal baths
- Tennis courts (seasonal)
- Ski slope access (winter)
- Free parking
Location
2241 Kusatsu, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1711
36.6323, 138.5936 View on map
Highlights
- Full-service resort combining onsen bathing with ski-slope access in winter
- Highland altitude (approx. 1,200 m) providing cool summer temperatures in Gunma
- Large indoor and outdoor communal baths fed by Kusatsu's acidic sulphurous spring
- Multiple dining venues including buffet-style dinner and à la carte options
- Free parking for drive-in guests with direct Kanetsu Expressway access
Tips for visiting
- Winter ski packages combining lift tickets and accommodation are available directly through the hotel and offer better value than booking separately.
- Summer (July–August) is peak season for highland cool-weather escapes from Tokyo; book 2–3 months in advance for weekend stays.
- The Yubatake is a 15-minute walk downhill from the hotel; the resort shuttle runs on a limited schedule—check times at the front desk.
- The hotel suits groups and families but may feel less intimate than smaller Kusatsu ryokan; individual couples may prefer the village-centre inns.
- Advance purchase of Netsu-no-yu bathing performance tickets is recommended in July and August when the venue sells out.
Accessibility
The hotel is a large modern resort building with elevator access between floors. The main entrance is level and suitable for wheelchair users entering the lobby and ground-floor areas. Accessible room categories and bath facilities should be confirmed directly with the hotel prior to booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Kusatsu Highland Hotel have ski access in winter?
Yes. The hotel is located adjacent to the Kusatsu International Ski Resort and offers ski packages including slope access and lift tickets. Equipment rental is available nearby. The ski season generally runs from late December through late March, subject to snow conditions.
How do visitors reach the hotel from Tokyo?
The most common route is by car via the Kanetsu Expressway to Kusatsu (approximately 2.5–3 hours). By public transport, take the JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station and then a bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (approximately 30 minutes). A local resort shuttle connects the bus terminal to the hotel.
Are meals included in the room rate?
Standard plans include dinner and breakfast per person. The dining format is primarily buffet-style in the main hall for group plans, with set menu options in other dining venues for individual travellers. Room-only rates may be available on request.
Is the hotel suitable for large groups or corporate events?
Yes. The hotel has conference rooms and banquet facilities and regularly accommodates school excursions, corporate retreats, and group tours. Advance enquiry with the hotel's events team is recommended for groups of 20 or more.