Kimuraya (Kusatsu Onsen)

The Pleasure of Samue in Tranquility at Yubatake

Hot Spring Overflowing with Nature's Blessings

I would like to introduce Kimuraya, a one-room-only ryokan located in Kusatsu Onsen, a famous hot spring area in Gunma Prefecture. First, let me tell you about the attraction that hot spring resorts have to offer.

Kusatsu Onsen is a famous hot spring that has been loved by people since ancient times. Known as one of the three best hot springs in Japan, it is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters and is characterized by its abundant hot spring water and excellent quality. It boasts the highest natural water flow rate in Japan, with more than 32,300 liters of hot spring water gushing out every minute, or the equivalent of about 230,000 drums of hot spring water per day. The efficacy of this abundant hot spring water is so great that it is called “a cure for everything but love.” The sulfur-scented spring water is one of the most acidic in Japan, and its high sterilizing effect can cause some people to feel a tingling sensation on their skin.

The water in Kusatsu Onsen is hot, ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Celsius, and is cooled by exposing it to the outside air at the symbolic “Yubatake” hot spring field before being delivered to each inn at the proper temperature. The traditional “yumomi,” or “hot water stirring,” is also a popular method of lowering the temperature of the water, and is a highlight of sightseeing. Especially at night, the Yubatake hot spring field is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere. In Kusatsu Onsen town, visitors can enjoy nostalgic attractions such as retro Showa-era shooting galleries, candy shops, and onsen manju (hot spring buns) stores. In the “Ura-Kusatsu” area, new spots such as the “observation deck,” “face bath,” and “manga hall” will appear one after another. In addition, an “Onsen Gate” with free parking for 100 cars has been built at the entrance to the hot spring resort area, making it more comfortable for visitors to stroll around.

Fusion of Architecture and Onsen

Kimuraya is an inn located in an exceptional location overlooking Yubatake, with one luxurious room located above the restaurant on the first floor, a special space reserved just for one group of guests. Although the inn is located close to Yubatake, the center of sightseeing, its outstanding sound insulation design allows guests to enjoy a serene time as if in another world. From the moment you ascend the spiral staircase on the side of the building and close the door, the hustle and bustle of daily life disappears, and a space filled with high-quality relaxation unfolds.

Kimuraya was designed by world-renowned architect Mr. Kuma Kengo. The creative exterior, using Asama stone from the hot spring fields for the exterior walls, aims to express the natural scenery in three dimensions, and while the design is unique, it blends in well with the hot spring resort area. Inside the building, diverse elements of Yubatake are incorporated, allowing guests to enjoy the charms of Kusatsu Onsen through its architectural beauty. The terrace at the back of the guest room is designed to offer a panoramic view of not only Yubatake, but also other famous landmarks such as Kosenji Temple, Atsunoyu, and Shirahata-no-yu.

The baths in the guest rooms use the rare Shirahata-no-yu, which has a relation to Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199), the first General of the Kamakura Shogunate. The bathtub is made of cypress, and the muddy white water with a moderate sulfur smell can be enjoyed 24 hours a day. Only six inns in the entire Kusatsu Onsen area can benefit from this precious spring water.

To enjoy the diverse culinary culture of the hot spring resort area, guests at Kimuraya stay overnight without meals but can enjoy grilled dishes that make the most of Jyoshu ingredients and a wide variety of drinks as room service at the TIGRE grill restaurant and bar on the first floor of the inn. TIGRE is a popular restaurant open not only to hotel guests but also to the general public, and the variety of beers available for takeout has also been well-received.

High-quality Amenities for the Supreme Relaxation

One of the most important aspects of Kimuraya is its amenities and facilities designed for comfort. They have partnered with Aesop, a Melbourne, Australia-based company, to provide high-quality amenities. After enjoying Kusatsu's hot spring water, which is acidic to where it even affects in-room electronic devices, guests are treated to Aesop's skin and hair care, and these special products create an extraordinary and luxurious experience. These amenities are provided in an exclusive box for each person, a special keepsake that you can take home with you along with your memories.

In addition, the room is fully equipped to support a comfortable stay, with a private balcony overlooking the hot spring fields, a 65-inch monitor compatible with various delivery services, room-specific Wi-Fi, and heated floors. Moreover, towels and bathrobes are made by Kashwére, a luxury brand from Los Angeles. For those who wish to take a stroll and relax in the hot spring resort area, a wide selection of yukata (casual kimono) and samue (traditional Japanese work clothes) from WASUIAN are available for a special time away from one’s daily routine.

Samue that Fascinates You by Comfort

5095 KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton Samue 
5099 KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton Hanten

The owner of Kimuraya's trust in products made in Gunma led him to realize that not only yukata, but also samue would be suitable for the atmosphere of Kusatsu, and he found WASUIAN through the Internet. After visiting the physical store in Kiryu and holding many meetings, they decided to introduce “KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton Samue” and “KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton Hanten” for their guest room, which harmonizes with the chic atmosphere of the inn.

The unique indigo-dyed texture of KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton fabric is appealing, and the color changes with each wash, creating an attractive, vintage feel. These excellent products, carefully tailored one by one by Japanese artisans, are highly regarded for their comfort, and we have even received comments from guests showing interest in taking samue and hanten home with them. The owner is also satisfied with the durability of the denim, saying, “The fabric is strong, the sewing is solid, and it doesn't get damaged easily. I wash samue frequently, but it has lasted longer than expected and I have been using it for more than two years.”

KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton Samue was created in collaboration with KAIHARA Corporation, a denim fabric manufacturer with the top market share in Japan. Pima cotton is a top-quality product classified as “extra-long staple cotton” and is characterized by its soft and supple texture and beautiful luster. Its soft and luxurious feel makes it a very comfortable piece of clothing. KAIHARA DENIM Pima Cotton Hanten is filled with just the right amount of padding to make it easy to wear and move around in, as well as warm. Each is embroidered with the inn's logo, creating a premium piece.

Entertainment of the Day. Silence of the Night.
A New Way to Enjoy Onsen.

There are many izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurants scattered throughout Onsen towns, which are crowded with tourists and locals. Enjoying a variety of food and drinks in a lively atmosphere is a unique attraction of onsen towns. On the other hand, many people seek tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, creating a need for people to spend time relaxing and calming down after soaking in a hot spring bath.

As of October 2024, Kimuraya is considering opening a lounge for guests seeking that calm atmosphere. The lounge is intended to provide a place to relax, away from the excitement and energy of the hot spring resort area. With the completion of the lounge, they hope that visitors will be able to experience the tranquility and peace of mind that Kusatsu Onsen has to offer.

After a quiet rest in the lounge, it is a gratifying moment to return to the immersive black-toned guest room and calm your mind while gazing at the Yubatake hot spring fields. We are honored to have you wear our samue during these extraordinary moments.