Tamaya Ryokan
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 13 reviews
Tamaya Ryokan is a historic hot-spring inn in the Bessho Onsen district of Ueda, offering a compact, traditionally styled property with a 150‑year history and 18 guest rooms. Accommodation choices include Japanese tatami rooms and Western-style rooms (suite, semi‑suite and standard), all non‑smoking and equipped with private toilets and baths. The ryokan provides practical amenities such as free Wi‑Fi, complimentary drinks in the lobby, free parking and a shuttle service, and guests are lent yukata to wear on the premises for a customary ryokan experience.
The property centres on its public bathing facilities: indoor communal baths and open‑air baths filled from the local spring, described by the inn as a beautifying hot spring that guests may enjoy from arrival until the following morning. Meals are served as traditional multi‑course kaiseki in private dining areas and highlight regional Shinshu beef alongside seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Small touches include a shop with local sweets, a few massage chairs and staff assistance with yukata dressing.
Set in a compact spa village surrounded by wooded hills, the ryokan provides easy access to nearby cultural sites, seasonal highlights and mountain scenery; Ueda’s castle, historic temples and winter sports areas are reachable by short drives, while a famous snow‑monkey valley is within regional day‑trip range. For travellers seeking a traditional ryokan with onsen in Nagano, this inn focuses on quiet hospitality, simple modern comforts and repeated opportunities to soak in communal and open‑air baths beneath changing seasonal skies.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tamaya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent cuisine
Multiple guests praised the high-quality kaiseki dinners and breakfasts, noting delicious food and clear menu descriptions (including Chinese translations). Several reviews called the meals amazing.
Attentive, friendly staff
Staff were repeatedly described as very friendly, helpful and thoughtful — providing local recommendations, special gestures for celebrations (e.g. red bean rice and warm wishes), assisting with luggage and offering clear service throughout the stay.
Comfortable, spacious rooms
Guests reported comfortable and large traditional rooms and suites, with several saying even the smallest room felt very spacious and well appointed.
Pleasant amenities and local touches
Reviewers appreciated ryokan touches such as slippers, clogs for going out, free yukata for women and careful presentation of meals, contributing to an authentic experience.
Great location and value
The property’s setting off the beaten path between the mountains was praised for atmosphere and scenery; some guests also mentioned good value, especially when visiting off-peak.
Negative Reviews
Dated bathroom/onsen areas
Some reviewers noted the bathroom tub area and onsen shower/drying areas looked a bit dated and could benefit from renovation (floors and fittings mentioned specifically).
Small onsen capacity
The onsen was described as quite small by some guests, which can limit simultaneous use, although turnover tended to be quick in this area.
Limited hair-drying facilities
One guest pointed out there were only two hair dryers available in the onsen/hair-drying area, which felt insufficient during busier times.
Slow communication at times
A reviewer experienced slow replies to messages (owner away), which caused temporary worry before arrival despite the stay ultimately being fine.
Occasional small service issue (dining room light)
A guest reported a dining-room light went out during dinner; while the situation did not cause major problems, they suggested replacing the bulb promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tamaya Ryokan has 18 rooms, including traditional Japanese-style rooms and Western-style rooms (standard, semi-suite and suite). Room amenities vary by type, with baths and toilets provided in all rooms.
Room capacity depends on the room type: most rooms suit 1–2 guests, some Japanese rooms and suites can accommodate families or extra guests—check the specific room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers communal indoor and open-air hot spring baths fed by Bessho Onsen’s mineral water. Guests may use the baths from check-in until the morning (times published by the ryokan) for general bathing.
The ryokan advertises communal and open-air baths; private or reserved onsen use is not listed as standard. Contact the property directly to ask about any occasional private-bath options or scheduling.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the usual route is by train (Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda, then the local Bessho Line to Bessho Onsen). Guests should contact the ryokan in advance if they need station pickup or arrival assistance.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda Station (approximately 90 minutes), then the Bessho local line to Bessho Onsen station; the ryokan is a short walk from the onsen district. Driving from nearby cities is also straightforward, with on-site parking available.
The ryokan provides English information on its inbound pages and staff can assist visitors in practical English, though Japanese is the primary language. Notify the ryokan ahead of arrival if you require extra language help.
Dinner is traditional kaiseki cuisine highlighting Shinshu regional ingredients and premium Shinshu beef, usually served in private dining spaces; breakfast is also provided. Please inform the ryokan in advance of dietary restrictions or special requests.
Guests are offered complimentary yukata (casual kimono) and are asked to remove shoes at the entrance; rooms feature tatami and futons in Japanese-style rooms or beds in Western-style rooms. The ryokan also provides lobby beverages, a small shop, and relaxation facilities such as massage chairs.
Pets are not listed as a standard amenity; please confirm directly with the ryokan if you plan to travel with animals. Bessho Onsen is a small onsen town with local shops and a convenience store within walking distance; larger supermarkets are found in nearby Ueda city.