別所温泉 七草の湯
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Nanakusa no Yu (別所温泉 七草の湯) sits in the historic hot-spring town of Bessho Onsen near Ueda in Nagano. The inn offers a traditional ryokan atmosphere with tatami rooms, yukata and seasonally driven kaiseki menus prepared from local Shinshu ingredients; the property was renovated in 2016 to refresh public areas while keeping an intimate layout. Within easy walking distance of local temples, it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Nagano for visitors combining cultural sightseeing with restorative bathing.
The bathing facilities are central: a top-floor public bath and outdoor baths offer wide views over the surrounding plain and operate on an extended schedule, with an onsite sauna to complement communal bathing. A family-sized private rental bath is available for an undisturbed soak and some room types include spa-style bathtubs or terrace baths; the springs are a mild sulfur-bearing alkaline source associated with Bessho Onsen and are promoted for muscle and joint relief.
Accommodations range from compact Japanese-style futon rooms to suites with private spa tubs, and most plans include dinner served in a private dining room or in-room on request; menus emphasize Shinshu beef, mountain vegetables and seasonal mushrooms. Practical amenities include complimentary parking and building-wide Wi‑Fi, non-smoking rooms, and front-desk services for luggage and local guidance; typical check-in is mid-afternoon with late-morning check-out that suits day-trip itineraries. Reachable from Ueda station and about 90 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen plus local transfer, the inn positions itself for short stays combining temple visits, walking routes and restorative bathing, making it a convenient ryokan with private onsen in Nagano.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 別所温泉 七草の湯
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were repeatedly described as extremely kind and attentive, providing warm hospitality, assisting with luggage, offering station pickup, and explaining local information — creating a welcoming, reassuring experience for guests of all ages.
Excellent onsen with noticeable skin benefits
The hot spring was praised for its quality — guests reported very moisturized skin after bathing and described the onsen as a highlight of their stay.
Spacious rooms with outstanding views
Rooms were noted as very large and comfortable, offering extraordinary mountain scenery; the baths’ outdoor terraces also provide relaxing, panoramic views.
High-quality meals included
Dinner and breakfast were included and described as outstanding, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience.
Clean, well-maintained facilities
Both guest rooms and bathing areas were kept very clean and well maintained, giving guests a sense of safety and comfort.
Negative Reviews
Stay felt too short
The only complaint was that one night was not enough; guests wished they could have stayed longer to fully enjoy the onsen and facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin rooms for two to Japanese-style rooms and family suites; some rooms accept up to four or five guests. Check the maximum occupancy for the specific room when booking.
The public baths are generally available from about 14:00 until the next morning (around 09:30), and the sauna closes earlier in the evening (around 22:30).
Yes — private/cashikiri baths are available by reservation, usually between mid‑afternoon and late evening; ask at check‑in or reserve in advance. Some official plans include one private‑bath use as a benefit.
A complimentary shuttle bus runs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at roughly 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00; the hotel can sometimes arrange pickups outside those times if you contact the front desk in advance. For airport transfers, plan using regional shuttle/taxi services or request assistance from the ryokan.
The nearest airport is Shinshu‑Matsumoto (about 47 km). The usual route from Tokyo is Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda, then the local Bessho Line to Bessho Onsen; driving or regional transfers are also common.
Staff welcome international guests and provide assistance, but English ability may be limited; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival for special requests or detailed directions. Staff typically help with basic arrival arrangements and local recommendations.
Dinner is a seasonal multi‑course (kaiseki) menu featuring Shinshu ingredients, and breakfast is served in a simple/Asian style; meals are usually served in private dining rooms or in your room on request. Special dietary needs should be communicated before arrival.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Service‑animal needs should be confirmed with the ryokan before booking.
The ryokan sits in the centre of Bessho Onsen within easy walking distance of historic temples such as Anrakuji and Kitamuki Kannon. The wider area offers mountain scenery, local shrines and day‑trip options (for example Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is reachable by car in about 90 minutes).
Standard check‑in begins at 14:00 (the hotel requests guests arrive by early evening) and check‑out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive earlier or much later, contact the ryokan in advance to arrange a flexible arrival time.