Wataya Besso
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 328 reviews
Wataya Besso occupies an expansive riverside estate in Ureshino Onsen on Kyushu, presented as a cultural retreat where a large Japanese garden and gallery-like public spaces frame the stay. The property highlights the local Ureshino hot spring waters and offers multiple bathing experiences: public indoor baths, outdoor open-air baths and room categories fitted with private open-air tubs. Fragrant tea experiences, a small library and curated shops are woven into the grounds, creating a pace of stay that alternates restorative bathing with light cultural activities. This ryokan with onsen near Nagasaki provides a clear route for visitors who want an onsen-focused stay while remaining within easy reach of the wider Nagasaki area.
Guest accommodation blends traditional Japanese rooms with contemporary touches; a number of suites include ensuite baths that tap the ryokan’s source water so guests can bathe in private. Onsite facilities include sauna areas, several foot spas dotted through the gardens, two restaurants serving seasonal regional cuisine and a café that doubles as a casual footbath spot. Staff-led cultural options and in-room dinner service allow for an intimate experience, while practical amenities such as bicycle rental and discreet retail corners support self-guided exploration of the local town and riverside walks. The combination of communal and private bathing options positions Wataya Besso as a ryokan with private onsen Nagasaki-area travellers often consider for a quieter, more immersive onsen visit.
Operational details are straightforward: arrival and departure procedures are standard for a full-service ryokan, and most meal plans emphasize local produce and Saga specialties prepared for in-room or dining-room service. The riverside setting, wide garden paths and multiple bathing choices make the property suitable for couples, families and travellers seeking restorative time in hot springs rather than an urban hotel experience. For visitors arriving from nearby airports or regional hubs, the property’s location on Kyushu places it within convenient driving or bus distance of Nagasaki and surrounding attractions, offering a focused onsen retreat with direct access to the cultural and natural sights of the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wataya Besso
Positive Reviews
Striking design and shared spaces
Many guests praised the hotel’s architecture, lobby and communal areas — described as artistic, museum-like and beautifully appointed, with galleries, installations and tasteful shops that create a strong ‘wow’ factor.
High-quality onsen facilities
Reviewers enjoyed the hot baths — indoor and outdoor options, sauna and cold plunge — often noting silky water and satisfying bathing experiences (some rooms even include a rotenburo).
Delicious food and breakfast
The restaurant and breakfast received frequent compliments: guests highlighted tasty local dishes (fresh tofu, Saga beef dishes, kaiseki dinners) and an overall enjoyable dining experience.
Comfortable, well-appointed rooms (in many cases)
Several guests found the tatami rooms spacious, clean and comfortable with pleasant views; features like comfortable futons, cedar-scented bathrooms and useful room heaters were noted positively.
Relaxing amenities and helpful extras
Visitors appreciated on-site amenities such as the spa, book cafe/library and variety of activities/shops inside the ryokan, as well as many staff who were helpful and welcoming.
Negative Reviews
Outdated rooms and bathrooms
A common complaint was that many guest rooms (especially in the tower) and bathrooms feel old, worn or in need of refurbishment — guests mentioned dated furnishings, an old refrigerator and tired decor.
Perceived poor value for price
Some guests felt the facilities and service did not match the cost paid, describing the stay as bad value or disappointing given promotional expectations.
Maintenance and cleanliness issues
A few reviewers reported problems such as worn carpets, general uncleanliness or the need for better upkeep; isolated reports also mentioned pests near outdoor areas.
Inconsistent service and communication
While many praised staff, others experienced average or less proactive service and felt staff could do more to understand and communicate with guests (including across language barriers).
Confusing layout/options and minor facility annoyances
Some guests found the hotel’s many options and map/navigation confusing, the dining room could use better soundproofing, breakfast menus were sometimes repetitive, and rooms lacked convenient power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary; Japanese-style rooms sleep up to five on futons and family-room layouts are available—check the room description when booking.
Yes. The property has shared hot-spring baths, saunas and outdoor (open-air) baths, and some guest rooms include their own open-air baths.
Some room types include private open-air baths for exclusive use; the ryokan also operates shared onsen facilities and may consider private rentals on request—contact the property to confirm.
There is no advertised regular airport shuttle; the ryokan is reachable by car, highway bus or by JR plus local bus, and you should contact the ryokan in advance to ask about any station pick-up options.
By car Fukuoka Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away, Nagasaki Airport about 40 minutes, and Saga Airport roughly one hour (shared taxi option from Saga); travel times vary with traffic.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English assistance is available to varying degrees, so notify the ryokan ahead of time if you need specific language support.
Check-in is generally between 15:00 and 19:00 (the official schedule notes 15:30) and check-out is by 10:00; the ryokan asks guests to provide an estimated arrival time.
Yes. The ryokan provides in-room dinner service and traditional breakfasts, has two on-site restaurants and offers vegetarian options; inform the property in advance for special dietary needs.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; full-property privatization is not standard—contact the ryokan directly to discuss group bookings or event arrangements.
Hizen Yumekaido (a ninja village) is within a short walk, local tea shops and galleries are nearby, and Huis Ten Bosch is about 32 km away; local transport includes buses, JR connections and the ryokan’s bike rental for short excursions.