Staying in Kusatsu

“Irrashaimase!”

They were expecting us?

We were surprised to see that the two greeters at Hotel Sakurai seemed to be expecting us. At least they didn’t look surprised to see not 1, but 2, foreigners pull up in their car. As they guided us to our parking space and to the main hotel lobby on the 2nd floor, we could see that visitors come to Kusatsu not only for a dip in the onsens but also for skiing and snowboarding.

With 135 rooms, Hotel Sakurai is big.

Big enough for 3 generational families ( grandparents, parents and kids), big enough for tour groups of domestic and foreign visitors and for couples.

After checking in, we were welcomed by our very own English speaking guide, who escorted us to our room.

Room 1204, a large Japanese style junior corner suite, was big enough for a family and kids. It was quiet and welcoming with a wonderful 180 degree view. Our guide told us that besides hotels, there were a number of vacation apartments (bessho) in the town. She prepared green tea, explained how to wear yukatas, and as we turned to admire the view, she discreetly left. Before us, from left to right, lay Mount Shirane with its ski station (Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Jo), and the rest of the town or rather the hamlet.

Photo credits: http://kusatsuonsen-international.jp/en/accommodations/ and http://kusatsu-accommodations.jp