Irifuneso
6,8/10 Good - Based on 5 reviews
Irifuneso is a mid‑scale Japanese inn set by the hot‑spring town of Ureshino, a five‑minute walk from the onsen district. The property operates communal indoor and outdoor baths—one each for men and women—and a distinctive tatami‑lined big bath, with set operating hours for guests and a modest day‑use fee for non‑staying visitors. Designed as a practical base for Kyushu travel, it functions as a ryokan with onsen near Nagasaki while keeping a straightforward, informal atmosphere rather than formal ceremonial service.
Guest accommodation ranges from traditional 8‑ and 10‑tatami Japanese rooms to accessible western‑style twin rooms; several room types offer a private bathtub supplied with the hotel’s hot‑spring water (note that the bathing facilities are primarily communal). Rooms include basic in‑room amenities such as free Wi‑Fi, refrigerator, electric kettle and yukata, and the property provides communal conveniences — a small restaurant serving kaiseki‑style dinners and Japanese breakfasts, a manga library of several hundred volumes, table‑tennis space, a coin‑laundry and luggage storage. Standard check‑in is from mid‑afternoon with check‑out by mid‑morning.
Ureshino’s springs are noted locally for a silky, sodium chloride/bicarbonate composition that is traditionally associated with skin benefits, and Irifuneso channels that local water across its baths and select room tubs. The ryokan with onsen occupies a convenient position for visiting nearby attractions such as the Hizen Yumekaido area and is within reasonable driving distance of regional transport hubs, making it suitable for travellers who prioritise easy access to Saga’s spa town and neighboring Nagasaki sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Irifuneso
Positive Reviews
Good onsen water quality
Several guests specifically praised the quality of the onsen spring water, noting it as a highlight of the stay.
Affordable / good value
One reviewer mentioned the low price and felt that the overall score was acceptable given the cost, indicating perceived value for money.
Clean tatami in the room
A guest observed that the tatami flooring in their room was clean despite other issues with the room.
Toilet seat cleanliness
One reviewer noted that the toilet seat itself was clean, suggesting some sanitary areas were maintained.
Large public bath available
Guests reported that the property has a large communal bath (onsen), which is present and usable even if amenities were sometimes lacking.
Negative Reviews
Aging and deteriorating facilities
Multiple comments pointed out that the building and some rooms show signs of age and wear, giving an overall impression of an old facility.
Poor room maintenance and appearance
Reviewers reported issues such as peeling wallpaper, stained curtains and a generally neglected room appearance, suggesting inconsistent upkeep and some rooms left unmaintained.
Dirty washbasin and bathtub in room
One guest described the room’s washbasin and bathtub as extremely dirty, indicating cleanliness problems in certain guest rooms.
Lack of toiletries in public bath
A guest noted the large bath area only provided a single bottle labeled for the whole body and lacked separate shampoo and conditioner, which disappointed expectations for bath amenities.
Price too high for condition
At least one reviewer felt the room condition and facilities did not justify the rate paid, stating the accommodation seemed overpriced compared with alternatives like business hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary: Japanese-style rooms can accommodate from single guests up to groups of about 4–6 using futons, and there are twin and family room options for small groups.
Children are not permitted to stay at this property.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:00 and check-out is between 07:30 and 10:00.
Yes, the ryokan uses the local Ureshino hot spring; public bathing hours are typically in the evening and early morning (commonly around 15:00–24:00 and 05:30–09:30).
Private baths are available at the property; please request a reservation at reception as availability is limited.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest major airport is Nagasaki (about 34 km), so guests usually travel by train/bus and taxi or arrange private transfer.
Arrive at the nearest regional airport or major station, then take local trains or buses toward Ureshino and use a short taxi or local bus ride for the final stretch; the ryokan sits near Ureshino town centre within walking distance of local stops.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English may be spoken at the front desk but cannot be guaranteed.
The property offers breakfast (American or Asian) and has an on-site restaurant serving local Japanese dishes; traditional onsen-region specialties are commonly featured.
Pets are not admitted at the ryokan; Ureshino town centre is about 500 metres away and has restaurants, convenience stores and small shops within walking distance.