Uematsuya
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 146 reviews
Uematsuya is a family-run ryokan set in the heart of a small historic hot-spring town in Nagano’s Bessho Onsen. Founded more than 140 years ago, the property retains a traditional Japanese atmosphere across 32 rooms, most arranged in tatami-style with futon bedding and a selection of larger “deluxe” rooms that blend Japanese and western elements. Public spaces include a modest lobby lounge, a souvenir shop and banquet rooms; staff who speak English and Chinese are available to help plan local sightseeing and practical arrangements.
The bathing facilities are a defining feature: the ryokan offers multiple public baths, including three open-air baths and two indoor baths, plus a variety of bath types such as cypress and earthenware tubs fed by the local spring. Many rooms include en-suite bathtubs, and guests can use the communal onsen areas and adjoining rest spaces. For visitors searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Nagano, the property combines accessible public onsen facilities with the calm setting of Bessho’s temple-lined streets and seasonal mountain scenery.
Culinary offerings emphasize multi-course Japanese meals prepared from regional ingredients, with most kaiseki-style dinners available to enjoy in your room. Practical conveniences include multilingual staff, on-request shuttle service to the nearby station, and complimentary Wi‑Fi in guest areas; the ryokan also accommodates single travelers and those seeking quieter, restorative stays. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring local temples and outdoor activities while returning each day to straightforward, traditionally styled hospitality. For those seeking a classic ryokan with onsen, Nagano Prefecture’s Bessho Onsen village provides an easy and authentic option.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Uematsuya
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen (indoor and outdoor)
Multiple guests praised the bathing facilities — indoor, outdoor and rooftop pools — describing them as beautiful, relaxing and a highlight of the stay. Rest areas near the baths with water, miso soup and seating were also appreciated.
Exceptional food (kaiseki dinners & breakfasts)
Many reviewers highlighted memorable kaiseki dinners and breakfasts, noting high quality, attractive presentation and good vegetarian options on request.
Very friendly, attentive staff and shuttle service
Staff received frequent praise for being welcoming, helpful and English-capable. Several reviews noted free pick-up/drop-off at the train station and staff proactively contacting guests to confirm details.
Comfortable, clean traditional rooms and amenities
Guests enjoyed the traditional tatami rooms, futon/kotatsu arrangements, supplied tea/snacks and attention to detail. Rooms were often described as comfortable, clean and spacious in some categories.
Peaceful small-town setting near temples
Reviewers valued the ryokan’s quiet, scenic location, easy access to nearby temples and a sense of tranquility — a key part of the experience for early-morning visits and relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Steep/ uphill access and somewhat remote location
Multiple guests warned of an uphill walk to the ryokan and that the town is compact and set back from the city; visitors may need to use the train or bus to reach larger towns for shopping or dining.
Limited on-site amenities or nearby dining options
Several reviewers said there are few restaurants or stores nearby in the evenings and recommended booking half board; this can be inconvenient if you plan to eat out.
Some rooms and bathrooms are small or dated
A number of guests mentioned small or older rooms and bathrooms, occasional damaged finishes or outdated facilities — a few felt the accommodation did not match higher-star expectations.
Noise and comfort issues in some rooms
Occasional noise was reported (rooms near the lift or service area, families with young children) and some guests found features like low wicker chairs uncomfortable; one guest noted pillow/AC issues and insects in a room.
Limited payment/room amenities
At least one guest reported the ryokan not accepting credit cards, and others suggested adding in-room hairdryers or minor amenity improvements to better serve guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uematsuya has 32 rooms with a mix of Japanese-style tatami rooms, some western-style beds, and options for doubles, twins, triples and quadruples suitable for couples and families; please enter exact guest numbers when booking to confirm the room type.
The ryokan has multiple hot spring baths including two indoor baths and three open-air baths supplied by a sulfur spring; public baths are generally available from mid afternoon into the next morning (approximately 15:00–10:00).
A station shuttle between Bessho Onsen Station and the ryokan is available but must be reserved in advance; the nearest airport is Shinshu-Matsumoto (about 47 km), and most international arrivals travel by train via Ueda then the local line to Bessho Onsen.
Staff are multilingual and can assist in English and Japanese, with additional language support available at times for international guests.
Uematsuya serves traditional multi-course meals (kaiseki) using local produce, with breakfast of the Asian style; dinner is often served in-room and dietary requests (vegetarian/allergies) can be arranged with advance notice.
The ryokan sits in Bessho Onsen village within walking distance of temples like Kitamuki-Kannon and other local sights; Ueda Castle and Matsumoto are reachable by car or train for day trips.
Take the train to Ueda and then the local line to Bessho Onsen Station, which is a short walk from the ryokan; if needed, reserve the station pick-up in advance to be collected.
Check-in is normally 15:00–18:00 and check-out 07:00–11:00; guests who expect to receive dinner should check in by 18:00 as dinner service may not be provided after that time.
Pets are not permitted on the property; most rooms have private en-suite bathrooms while the main hot springs are shared — ask staff about the possibility of private bath options; Bessho Onsen is a small town with limited shops, and larger supermarkets are located in nearby Ueda.
Free on-site parking is provided and there is at least one accessible-style western room; the ryokan sits on an incline so guests with mobility concerns should notify the property in advance for assistance.