Kusatsu is home to several hot springs known for their skin-cleansing properties, two of which feed the ryokan's baths—including an outdoor bath decorated with stunning rock formations.

While the ryokan offers quietude and elegance, the resort area just outside is a lively stretch of modern and traditional establishments offering distinctive bathing experiences. Enjoying the best of both worlds is one of the pleasures of spending several nights here.

Dinners begin with a rillette of boar and runner-bean miso. The main is chicken thighs cooked in a nutrient-rich broth until it is soft enough to fall off the bone, followed by an invigorating congee prepared in the soup with tangy black vinegar.