The ryokan is not exactly in the middle of Kusatsu-onsen, but a bit on the periphery. Since they don't provide a pick up service, you have to take a taxi or walk from the bus station (around 10mins, slightly downhill). The same deal if you want to go to the town center, you'd have to walk about 10-15mins (a little downhill to flat terrain).
Plus:
- the rate is one of the most reasonable in the area
- private onsen
- decent size room
- strong, free wifi
- delicious and reasonably priced breakfast and dinner
- massage chair. FREE!
Minus:
- the location is a bit far from the town center area, a bit inconvenient to get in and out. Tough if you are carrying a big or heavy luggage. But the proprietor did provide me a lift to the bus station when I left
- most of the rooms are on the 2nd floor. You have to carry your own luggage upstairs, which did not happen to me at other ryokan
- meals are served in the dining room, instead of the usual, in the privacy of your own room
All in all, it's not bad. The service could have been more attentive.