FAQ

kusushiQui is a small retreat with just two rooms in Shima Onsen, Gunma.

Both rooms have their own free-flowing natural hot spring bath, but kusushiQui is a little different from a conventional Japanese ryokan.

Through the sounds and scents of nature and the food we serve, we invite you to listen to your own senses and notice the richness already present in the world around you.

That is the kind of overnight stay we hope to offer.

In a space without a television, you might simply gaze at the scenery, talk with your companion, or lie down for an afternoon nap.

Each room has a “Dweller’s Toolbox” filled with colored pencils, drawing paper, books, a star chart, and other things to explore. You might draw a picture, try copying a Buddhist sutra, or go for a walk outside.

You can do nothing at all, or begin something new.

At first, having so much unstructured time may feel a little unfamiliar. We hope you enjoy that feeling too, and gradually settle into the rhythm of this place.

There are two maisonette-style rooms, each measuring 84 m².

On the ground floor are a private hot spring bath, dining area, and garden. Upstairs are the bedroom, main sitting room, and balcony.

The Mountain Room brings you close to the trees, while the River Room overlooks the flow of the Shima River.

Please note that the toilet is on the ground floor only. You will need to use the stairs to reach it from the upstairs bedroom.

If stairs are difficult for you, please consider the room layout carefully before booking.

Yes. Both the Mountain Room and the River Room have their own private, free-flowing natural hot spring baths.

You are welcome to enjoy your bath whenever you like during your stay.

The spring water may be heated depending on the season.

Yes. Guests staying at kusushiQui may also use the baths at Kashiwaya Ryokan, located across the street.

Bathing hours are 3:00–8:00 PM and 7:00–11:00 AM the following morning.

Please speak to the front desk staff at Kashiwaya Ryokan before using the baths.

Absolutely. In fact, we especially recommend staying on your own.

Soak in the hot spring whenever you wish, gaze at the scenery, or simply follow your curiosity, without having to adjust to anyone else’s pace.

We invite you to enjoy a night devoted entirely to yourself.

Both the Mountain Room and the River Room accommodate up to three guests each.

For three guests, we provide beds for two people and a futon for the third guest.

Yes. If your family or group of friends books both the Mountain Room and the River Room, up to six guests can dine together in the dining area of one of the rooms.

We are sorry, but we cannot accommodate children under the age of 13.

At present, stays at kusushiQui are limited to one night, and we do not accept consecutive-night reservations.

This also applies when combining different accommodation plans.

Our cuisine is rooted in the food culture of the Shima Onsen area, while drawing on cooking techniques from mountain regions around the world, particularly in Asia. It does not follow a single culinary tradition.

We focus on seasonal vegetables and the gifts of the mountains, bringing out the natural character of each ingredient.

Choose from three meal options: Yamanie, which includes meat or fish; Yamagui, a vegetarian option with eggs and dairy; and Yamaku, which is fully vegan.

While dinner explores a variety of flavors and cooking techniques, breakfast is intentionally simple, celebrating the gifts of the mountains.

We serve around twelve kinds of pickled seasonal vegetables, prepared using different pickling methods, together with rice and miso soup.

Take your time to discover the different flavors, aromas, and textures created by each ingredient and method.

There is no prescribed way to eat at kusushiQui.

Use chopsticks or your hands. Begin with whichever dish catches your attention.

We invite you to set aside your usual dining habits for a moment and enjoy the food freely, guided by your own senses.

Yes. Both in your room’s refrigerator and during meals, we provide two alcoholic drinks and one non-alcoholic drink. All are included in the accommodation price.

To encourage you to taste without preconceptions about names or brands, we intentionally serve the drinks without labels or revealing what is inside.

Take a sip and imagine what it might be.

Explore the flavor, aroma, texture, and mouthfeel, and let your own senses guide you.

Please inform us of any food allergies at least one week before your stay.

We will accommodate requests where possible, but we cannot respond to allergy-related requests made on the day of arrival. Thank you for your understanding.

Check-in is from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Dinner is served around 6:00 PM, and breakfast around 8:00 AM.

Yes. If you arrive before check-in, you can leave your luggage at Kashiwaya Ryokan, across the street from kusushiQui.

You are also welcome to wait at Kashiwaya Ryokan until check-in time.

We welcome guests to kusushiQui from 2:00 PM sharp.

Reservations are accepted through the online booking page on the official kusushiQui website.

We do not accept reservations by phone.

Parking is available.

We do not provide a shuttle service. If you are traveling by public transportation, please use a local bus or another available service.

For details, please see our Access page.

The following amenities are provided:

• kusushiQui clothing (100% linen loungewear)
• Soap (for hair, makeup removal, face, and body)
• Hair oil
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Bath towel
• Face towel
• Hand towel
• Facial lotion
• Wooden comb

We do not provide liquid shampoo or conditioner. Instead, we offer soap suitable for washing your hair, face, and body.

You can sleep in the kusushiQui clothing provided, or bring your own preferred sleepwear and personal toiletries.

Each room includes:

• Air conditioning
• Electric kettle
• Hair dryer
• Refrigerator
• Private hot spring bath
• In-room dining area
• Toilet with bidet function

A humidifier is available to borrow.

Razors are available for purchase.