Tsukasa Ryokan
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 33 reviews
Tsukasa Ryokan is a small, traditionally styled inn in the Furuyu Onsen valley of Saga Prefecture, set beside a wooded river gorge and redesigned in a warm, modern-Japanese aesthetic. The property offers eight renovated guest rooms that combine tatami, low tables and contemporary comforts, and presents a quietly attentive hospitality rooted in local service traditions. Located on the Saga–Nagasaki corridor and reachable from regional hubs, it serves as a compact ryokan with onsen Kyushu visitors often include on day or overnight itineraries.
The bathing facilities are the highlight: the ryokan promotes a soft, so-called “nuru-yu” bathing style at roughly 38°C, described as a mellow, skin-smoothing spring delivered as 100% free‑flowing source water. Public, gender-separated baths use simple timber and tile finishes to frame the warm water and the valley views, and guests report that a reservable private bath option is available for those seeking privacy. This combination of communal and reservable bathing makes it a practical ryokan with onsen Nagasaki-area travelers can add to regional plans.
Culinary offerings focus on seasonal kaiseki prepared with local produce and presented on Arita ware; dinner is commonly served in-room or in intimate dining space depending on the plan. Practical details reflect the property’s small scale: free on-site parking, a relaxed pace of daily life, and check-in centered in late afternoon with checkout by mid-morning. Advance booking is advised for meal preferences and any request for a private bath to ensure availability during a stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tsukasa Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Delicious, carefully prepared meals
Many guests praised the dinner and breakfast (kaiseki-style), noting varied, abundant and well-presented dishes. The kitchen accommodated dietary needs and provided different menus for omnivores and vegetarians.
Attentive, polite staff and service
Staff were repeatedly described as very polite, caring and helpful—assisting with luggage, offering excellent hospitality (omotenashi) and providing necessary translations/information when language was a barrier.
Clean, well-maintained rooms and common areas
Multiple reviews highlighted thorough cleanliness and careful upkeep of guest rooms, baths and shared spaces; some mentioned recent renovations and refreshed interiors.
High-quality onsen water and relaxing baths
Guests reported that the onsen water felt good for the skin and was relaxing; although baths are generally small, the water quality and the warming effect were appreciated, and private baths are available by reservation.
Beautiful, peaceful mountain location and comfortable rooms
The ryokan's setting in the mountains, scenic views and tranquil atmosphere were praised. Rooms were described as comfortable, spacious and nicely styled, making it a restful stay.
Negative Reviews
Small public bath and limited space
Several guests noted the communal onsen is quite small, which can feel cramped and limit the bathing experience when others are present.
Bath water sometimes lukewarm
At least one reviewer felt the public bath temperature was too neutral or not hot enough to deliver a full onsen experience.
Some rooms lack showers or require stairs
A few reviews mentioned that certain rooms do not have a shower and that access to some rooms involves stairs only, which may be inconvenient or unsuitable for guests with limited mobility.
Occasional pest or wildlife sightings
Isolated comments reported geckos on windows and cat droppings in the covered parking area, which disturbed guests sensitive to such sightings.
Variation in room sizes
A guest noted that room sizes can vary and that another room in their party was noticeably smaller, indicating some inconsistency between room types or allocations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most room types accommodate 1–4 guests; quadruple rooms sleep up to four using futons or a mix of beds and futons depending on the room booked.
Rooms are primarily traditional Japanese-style with tatami flooring and futons, though some room types feature Western-style beds — check the room description when booking.
The property provides communal indoor hot-spring baths sourced from the local spring; baths are described as clean and intimate rather than very large.
A private bath option is available but usually requires reservation on-site or at check-in; please ask reception for booking details when you arrive.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest airport is Saga Airport, about 32 km away, reachable by taxi or car and by regional transfers and buses.
The ryokan sits in the Furuyu Onsen area and is easiest to reach by car or taxi from Saga Station; limited local buses serve the onsen area, so check schedules or ask the ryokan for directions.
Staff are primarily Japanese and English support is limited; the team will assist where possible, but bringing a translation app or requesting help in advance is recommended.
The ryokan serves Japanese meals, typically multi-course (kaiseki) dinners and Japanese breakfasts using local ingredients; notify the ryokan in advance about allergies or special dietary needs.
Nearby highlights include the Furuyu Onsen area and attractions around Saga, with Yoshinogari Historical Park roughly 24 km away; Furuyu is rural so larger supermarkets are in Saga city—plan supplies accordingly or ask staff for local shops.
Pets are generally not permitted; for private hire of rooms or exclusive use of baths you must contact the ryokan directly to discuss availability and arrangements.