Besshoonsen Nanjyo Ryokan
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 26 reviews
Besshoonsen Nanjyo Ryokan sits in the temple-lined Bessho Onsen district of Ueda, Nagano, and presents a traditional Japanese inn experience focused on warm hospitality and seasonal cuisine. The ryokan's public spaces open onto a manicured garden; regular lobby concerts and a small gift shop create a quietly cultured atmosphere. Facilities include a reception able to arrange a free shuttle from the nearby train station, luggage guidance, and on-site parking, making it practical for mountain walks and temple visits.
Accommodations are Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and futon bedding, air conditioning and electric kettles; some room types include a cypress onsen bath for private use. Guests can soak in both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths fed by natural springs, and the ryokan accepts requests to reserve a spacious bath for private use, which positions it as a ryokan with onsen Nagano and, when booked, a ryokan with private onsen Nagano. Meals are served as multi-course kaiseki dinners highlighting Shinshu ingredients, with breakfast options that emphasize local seafood and mountain produce.
Practical details include free Wi‑Fi in public areas, non-smoking rooms, and a small range of services such as massages and laundry. Staff assist with local outings — temple walks, hiking and seasonal experiences — and can advise on travel connections; the property runs a daytime shuttle from Bessho Onsen station. Note that access to communal baths may be limited for guests with visible tattoos, and reservations for dinner or private baths should be made in advance to secure preferred times.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Besshoonsen Nanjyo Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviewers highlight very friendly, helpful and welcoming staff; guests appreciated personal touches at check-in, guidance to local restaurants, and consistently warm service.
Excellent meals (kaiseki) and breakfast
Many guests praised the evening kaiseki and breakfasts as exceptional—well-prepared, varied and among the best of their trips.
Authentic, relaxing traditional atmosphere
The ryokan’s Japanese house style, nostalgic décor and calm interior (including a jazz-playing lobby and free coffee) created a pleasant, relaxing ambiance that guests enjoyed.
Good onsen facilities (indoor & outdoor)
Reviewers enjoyed the hot springs, noting both indoor and outdoor baths were pleasant and appropriately heated, allowing quiet, restorative soaking.
Great location and surroundings
Guests valued the ryokan’s spot in Bessho Onsen—close to temples, lovely gardens and rural scenery—making it easy to explore the village on foot.
Negative Reviews
Building is dated and needs maintenance
Several guests reported the property feels old and in need of investment—comments mention musty smells, worn décor, visible aging and a confusing maze of stairs and corridors.
Plumbing, water flow and climate control issues
There were repeated mentions of water/supply problems and uncomfortable room temperatures (cold in autumn, AC not on for early arrivals), plus dated bathroom fixtures that affected comfort.
Inconsistent service / unexpected extra charges
A few reviewers felt service was lacking or inconsistent—examples include needing to buy bottled water, an extra fee charged for public-bath use at checkout, and limited English support in some cases.
Outdoor-bath view and garden upkeep concerns
Some guests found the view from the open-air bath disappointing and noted that garden maintenance was sometimes neglected, possibly due to staffing levels.
Limited nearby dining options and extra breakfast costs
A couple of guests pointed out few restaurant choices nearby if not dining at the ryokan, and one guest felt the extra charge for a porridge breakfast add-on was too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/twin options for 1–2 guests to larger Japanese-style rooms and a special cypress-bath room that can sleep up to 4–5 on futons; exact capacity depends on the room type, so check the room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers natural hot spring facilities including indoor public baths and an open-air bath; some rooms feature a private cypress (hinoki) bathtub and a private large bath can be requested.
A complimentary shuttle is available from Bessho Onsen Train Station (please notify the ryokan of your arrival time); the nearest major rail hub is Ueda, and the closest airport is Matsumoto, roughly a 45–60 minute drive depending on route.
Staff provide basic English service and the ryokan maintains English information, but complex requests are best confirmed in advance by email or phone.
Meals focus on traditional Japanese kaiseki and seasonal local ingredients, with set dinner and breakfast options; many guests choose plans that include meals, and reservations are recommended if you want to eat at the ryokan but did not book a meal plan.
Bessho Onsen is a compact village of historic temples, shrine streets and public baths, with several notable temples and walking routes easily reached from the ryokan.
Take the local train to Bessho Onsen Station (about a 5–10 minute walk) or arrive at Ueda Station and use a local train or taxi; request the free shuttle from Bessho Onsen Station if you prefer pickup.
Standard check-in is in the mid-afternoon (check-in window begins mid-afternoon) and check-out is in the morning; please inform the ryokan of your expected train or arrival time so they can arrange the shuttle or guide you.
Private use of a larger bath can be requested for privacy (advance request required), but pets are not permitted at the property.
The village has small shops, vending machines and local izakayas within walking distance; guests without an included meal should reserve dining at the ryokan a few days ahead if they plan to eat onsite.