Hotel Kasuien
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 363 reviews
Hotel Kasuien sits in Ureshino Hot Springs in Saga Prefecture on Kyushu, an area famed for its Bihada no Yu “skin‑rejuvenating” waters. The property offers gender‑separated large indoor and outdoor baths and an open‑air rooftop bath on the ninth floor that frames views over the hotel’s landscaped garden. Guests who prefer solitude can reserve a complete private bath for timed use, a practical option that helps position the property as a ryokan with onsen near Nagasaki for travellers combining Ureshino stays with day trips toward Nagasaki attractions.
Rooms range from western‑style accommodations to traditional Japanese layouts, and a few rooms include indoor baths supplied with hot spring water. Standard in‑room amenities include free Wi‑Fi, toiletries, yukata robes and refrigerators, while the hotel highlights seasonal kaiseki cuisine in its dining room; breakfast features local specialties such as onsen yudofu (tofu cooked in hot spring water). The landscaped garden, designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara, is visible from public bathing areas and helps create a calm, observant atmosphere that complements the bathing experience.
Beyond bathing, facilities include a rooftop hot spring pool, massage and relaxation treatments, karaoke rooms, a small shop and a shuttle service linking the hotel with the Ureshino Bus Center. A 24‑hour front desk manages private‑bath reservations and meal arrangements, and staff recommend confirming shuttle and dinner plans in advance. For travellers seeking traditional hospitality with flexible bathing options, Kasuien presents a well‑appointed ryokan with private onsen in Kyushu that balances communal baths, in‑room options and reserved private sessions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Kasuien
Positive Reviews
Excellent rooftop open‑air onsen
Multiple reviewers praised the rooftop outdoor bath as a highlight — especially at night and in the cool morning breeze — describing it as relaxing, ‘chill’ and a memorable spa experience.
High‑quality onsen water & variety of baths
Guests noted the onsen water is silky/smooth and pleasant (no strong sulfur smell). The hotel offers both public baths, basement baths and bookable private/family baths, which many found very good.
Friendly, helpful staff and useful services
Many reviews mention attentive, friendly staff who provide excellent service (station pick‑up, local suggestions, room changes when needed). Some English‑speaking staff were available and the property is described as family friendly.
Traditional ryokan atmosphere and comfortable rooms
Guests appreciated the ryokan style — tatami rooms, spacious layouts, comfortable futons, fridge in room and complimentary Ureshino green tea or welcome tea and cookies — which contribute to an authentic, peaceful stay.
Good meals, amenities and value
Several guests enjoyed dinner and breakfast and felt the hotel offered good value for an onsen hotel (half‑board). The variety of toiletries and little touches (welcome drinks, free cookies, milk/coffee after onsen) were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Property showing its age / maintenance needed
Multiple comments described the property or rooms as a bit worn, ‘defraîchi’ or dreary; some tatami areas smelled until the AC ran and decorative items or serving ware felt dated.
Cleanliness and small hygiene issues
A few guests reported cleanliness concerns such as spider webs near cups, debris in a hot‑water pot and generally areas that could be better maintained.
Obstructed views, construction and exposed rooftop facilities
Some guests found the view compromised by a lift shaft or ongoing construction, and noted the rooftop showering area can be exposed to wind and feel cold at times.
Inconsistent staff interactions and language barriers
While many praised staff, a few experienced cold or unhelpful interactions; there were instances where staff would not book meals or where services (shuttle) seemed to require Japanese, suggesting occasional communication or policy friction.
Extra charges and minor usability issues
Complaints included a high surcharge for young children, occasional equipment problems (broken air conditioner, low bathroom sink, complicated water heater) and a smoking‑room odor when booked or assigned by mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel has 62 rooms including 38 Japanese-style, 22 Western-style and 2 mixed rooms; family rooms are available and occupancy varies by room type.
Yes — there is a rooftop open-air bath and a large public bath; overnight guest hours are roughly 06:00–10:00 and mid-day short periods (open-air 06:00–09:00 and 10:30–12:30; large bath 06:00–10:00 and 12:00–12:30).
Private family baths are available by reservation for guests who prefer a private bathing experience; note that in-room baths do not use the hot spring water.
The hotel runs a shuttle between the Ureshino Bus Center/Ureshino interchange and the property (please call on arrival); nearby airports such as Saga and Nagasaki are reachable with onward bus or train connections to Ureshino.
Take JR to Takeo-Onsen Station, then a bus of about 30 minutes or a taxi of about 20 minutes to Ureshino; limited express trains from Hakata and other regional stations connect to Takeo-Onsen.
English-speaking staff are available but not guaranteed at all times; the prefectural call centre can assist if needed.
The hotel serves kaiseki-style dinner and a breakfast featuring local dishes like onsen yudofu; dinner must be reserved in advance (the hotel asks guests with dinner plans to check in by about 19:30 to keep the dinner reservation).
Pets are not permitted at the property; Ureshino town has local restaurants, shops and convenience stores within walking distance of the hotel.
Nearby highlights include Hizen Yumekaido (traditional street), Hyakunen no Yu day spa, the hotel’s garden by Kazuyuki Ishihara, local footbaths and scenic walks along the Ureshino River.
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00, and free on-site parking is provided (capacity for around 80 vehicles).