Kusatsu Onsen Village: A Serene Retreat Despite Missing Out on Kimono and Ramen

During my two-day stay in Kusatsu Onsen Village, I experienced a mix of "small regrets" and "unexpected joys." It turns out that the beauty of travel often lies beyond the confines of a plan. 🏡 Gentle Details of a Japanese Ryokan The wooden architecture of Tokinoniwa is surrounded by lush greenery, and the scent of incense greets you as you step into the entrance. Upon check-in, I learned that all the kimonos had been borrowed, and the staff apologized profusely, offering me an embroidered yukata instead. Surprisingly, pairing the yukata with wooden clogs for photos exuded a casual charm. The room featured a heated table and freshly baked yokan, while sliding open the paper door revealed a private hot spring garden. Watching leaves drift into the hot spring was pure poetry. 🍜 The "Philosophy of Missing Out" on Late-Night Ramen I had heard that the ryokan serves free ramen at 9:00 PM, so I set an alarm to remind myself. However, I lost track of time while soaking in the hot spring. By the time I reached the restaurant, only an empty pot remained. Just as I felt disappointed, a staff member brought me "unlimited Yakult refills." Sitting by the heated table, sipping the chilled drink, and watching snow fall outside made me realize that missing out on hot ramen wasn’t so bad after all. 🌿 The Healing Secrets of the Onsen Village During the day, I strolled along the "Sainokawara Onsen Street," where steam rose from cracks in the stones underfoot. I bought a "hot spring boiled egg" and peeled it as I walked, noticing the yolk’s faint sulfur tint. In the evening, I squeezed into a "general store" to pick out souvenirs and discovered hand-painted furoshiki wrapping paper. I decided to use it to wrap a kimono on my next visit. 💡 Tips to Avoid Regrets ✅ Want to borrow a kimono? Reserve it as soon as you check in! The ryokan offers an "early bird clothing rental service." ✅ Set two alarms for late-night ramen! Pair it with "hot spring facial steaming" to ensure you don’t miss out. ✅ The Yakult bar has "limited edition flavors"! Strawberry flavor is only available on weekends, so be sure to ask the staff. Conclusion: Although I missed out on the kimono and ramen, I met fellow "forgetful" travelers at the Yakult bar, and we laughed together, saying, "This is what travel is all about." Kusatsu’s hot springs healed my fatigue, and these "not-so-smart little moments" became the most vivid memories. Next time, I’ll remember: grab the kimono first, then soak in the hot spring!