My stay at Hanaingen ryokan was amazing. If you do not know how to get there from the bus station, then it is easy to miss, so I would recommend that you get some explicit directions beforehand or use your mobile map app to find it. The ryokan is very close to the center of Kusatsu, which makes it easy to go out for dinner and exploring the other attractions. Since I was early, I was able to leave my bag at the hotel before 3pm check-in, which was most convenient. After check-in, I was greeted with welcome sweets and matcha green tea. Then I was escorted to the room and was also amazed at how clean and well-kept it was. I did not expect such a lovely room with all of the amenities. Of course there is not an in-room shower since you have the option to use the private onsen bath downstairs and use the shower facilities contained therein. As it is not a large hotel, there is always space and it is open 24 hours for your use. I was happy that everything was so neat and clean. For breakfast I was surprised at the quality and deliciousness of the breakfast. It was my first time at Kusatsu and my stay at this ryokan was a great choice. I would highly recommend it to couples or first-time foreign visitors. I have visited Japan many times and it was a top ryokan experience in my opinion. Kusatsu is also a very lovely area and I would highly recommend it for first-time onsen visitors who may want to avoid crowded onsen towns near Tokyo, such as Hakone.