Taishoya
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 194 reviews
Taishoya is an established ryokan located in the heart of Ureshino Onsen, set within landscaped gardens and a cluster of guesthouse buildings that reflect a traditional Japanese inn layout. The property presents a calm, walkable setting designed for onsen-focused stays, with public spaces that emphasize seasonal views and pottery displays drawn from regional craft traditions. Staff attention and a focus on classic ryokan service shape the arrival and communal areas, helping guests orient toward the bathing and dining rhythm typical of the district.
The property operates multiple hot-spring facilities fed by Ureshino’s high-temperature, skin-softening spring source, offering open-air and indoor baths that use free-flowing onsen water prized locally for its moisturizing qualities; guests can also access sister-bath facilities within the same group. As a ryokan with onsen in Kyushu, Taishoya makes an appropriate base for travellers exploring both Saga’s spa town and nearby Nagasaki Prefecture, which lies within easy driving range, making day trips to regional sights straightforward.
Guest rooms follow a traditional ryokan format, where tatami layouts and simple furnishing prioritize comfort and a restful atmosphere; several room types are arranged across the estate to suit couples or small groups. Evening kaiseki meals highlight local produce, combining seafood from the Ariake Sea with seasonal vegetables and selected beef, and the ryokan facilitates local sightseeing by sharing practical transport options and concierge assistance. Practical amenities include garden paths, communal lounges, and coordinated access to additional baths within the hotel group.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Taishoya
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience
Multiple hot spring options (indoor public baths, mountain/outdoor rotenburo via shuttle) with excellent water quality. Guests repeatedly praised the relaxing baths and noted skin benefits and a memorable outdoor setting.
Attentive, helpful staff and service
Staff were described as polite, professional and very customer‑centric — arranging station pickups, shuttle transport, special meal requests, sending forgotten items, assigning English‑speaking staff when needed, and daily greetings from management.
High‑quality traditional cuisine
Kaiseki dinners and hearty Japanese breakfasts were frequently highlighted as excellent, elaborate and prepared with local ingredients; many guests called the food a standout of their stay.
Clean, comfortable rooms with peaceful views
Rooms (tatami style) were described as spacious, clean and relaxing, often overlooking a tranquil garden or stream which added to the overall restful atmosphere.
Great location and well‑kept traditional setting
Guests appreciated the ryokan's historic, well‑maintained property and convenient location near the shopping street and bus terminal, plus thoughtful touches (garden, ikebana) that enhanced the authentic experience.
Negative Reviews
Booking and check‑in confusion
At least one guest experienced a discrepancy between the online booking details and what appeared at check‑in (number of people/rooms), causing delays and the need to show booking confirmations to staff.
Accessibility concerns — many steps
Several reviews noted a large number of steps and stairs around the property, which could be difficult for guests with limited mobility.
Inconsistent dining experience for some
Although many praised the food, a few guests reported disappointing meals or found portions overwhelming; one suggested timing issues for enjoying the mountain onsen before dinner affected the dining experience.
Room comfort and maintenance issues
A minority of guests mentioned dated interiors or rooms needing TLC, and some reported temperature/ventilation problems (room feeling hot and dry even with air conditioning off).
Shuttle timing and onsen access limitations
A few guests noted shuttle availability or scheduling limitations (no morning shuttle to a particular onsen, or advice to arrive earlier to use the mountain onsen), which affected access to some outdoor baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futons; most room types accommodate 2–4 guests, and some rooms sleep up to four. Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
Taishoya uses Ureshino hot spring water, known locally for its skin-benefitting qualities, and offers both indoor and open-air public baths with free-flowing spring water. Guests may also access baths at sister properties as a guest privilege.
Some room types include private in-room baths, while reservable private/family baths may be available on request. Please contact the ryokan in advance to confirm availability and reserve a private time.
The ryokan provides information on airport limousine taxis to Ureshino and a reserved onsen taxi service that can take guests directly to Taishoya, with fares and advance-reservation requirements. Contact Taishoya or the taxi operator ahead of your arrival to book transfer service.
Ureshino is served by regional trains and local buses; Taishoya is located in the onsen town center within walking distance of local bus stops. Ask the ryokan for the best route and up-to-date timetables before travel.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. If you expect to arrive late, notify the ryokan in advance so they can note your arrival time.
The ryokan offers traditional kaiseki-style meals featuring local seafood and Saga beef, usually served in the dining room as part of accommodation meal plans. Make any dietary or seating requests when you book so staff can prepare.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Guests with visible tattoos are generally restricted from using communal baths, so please ask the ryokan about alternatives or private bathing options.
The official website and materials are available in English, Chinese and Korean, and staff can provide assistance in English to varying degrees. The front desk can help arrange transfers, sightseeing and practical needs during your stay.
Taishoya sits in Ureshino Onsen town within a short walk of Toyotamahime Shrine, public footbaths, Todoroki Falls and Hizen Yume Kaido. The onsen town has local shops and convenience stores within walking distance for basic supplies.