Tamaya Ryokan

9.4
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.4/10, based on 148 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 2:00 PM / Check-out until 11:00 AM
Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Public Onsen Indoor Bath Hot Spring Bath Kaiseki Cuisine
Staff 9,4/10
Facilities 9,3/10
Cleanliness 9,5/10
Comfort 9,2/10
Value for money 9,2/10
Location 9,4/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional Bessho Onsen ryokan in Ueda with hot springs, kaiseki dining, and easy station access.

Bessho Onsen BaseWell placed in Bessho Onsen for strolling the historic hot spring town.
Walkable Station AccessAbout a 7-minute walk from Bessho Onsen Station for easy local arrivals.
Hot Spring BathsNatural onsen facilities include a large public bath and open-air bath.
Kaiseki With Local IngredientsTraditional multi-course meals highlight local ingredients and ryokan dining culture.
Classic Ryokan FeelTatami rooms, yukata, and Japanese atmosphere create a strong traditional stay.
Thoughtful ComfortsFree shuttle, free parking, Wi-Fi, lobby drinks, and massage chairs add convenience.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive by mid-afternoon, soak before dinner, walk to nearby temples, sleep early, then enjoy breakfast and a second bath; add a second night only if you want a slower Bessho/temple rhythm.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1–2 night onsen-town stay for travelers who want traditional meals, baths, and easy temple walking in Bessho Onsen rather than a major sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited base valueBessho Onsen is compact. Most travelers will run out of nearby sights after one full day unless they plan wider Ueda outings.
Dinner timing mattersHalf-board travelers need an early enough arrival for dinner service, so this is not ideal after a late transfer day.
Quiet eveningsThe area suits slow walks and baths, not nightlife, shopping, or a long list of late-night dining choices.

Food & drinks

Verified Tamaya Ryokan in Bessho Onsen offers private-room kaiseki dining with Shinshu ingredients, plus easy nearby casual dining in the onsen town.

Private Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Kaiseki meals in private dining areas for breakfast and dinner.

  • Shinshu premium beefspecialtyMain feature of dinner courses.
  • SashimifoodPart of the kaiseki dinner.
  • TempurafoodTraditional fried course item.
  • Rice and miso soupfoodTypical meal finish with local rice.
  • Breakfast setfoodJapanese-style morning meal.
Lobby Drinks Corner (on-site)
on-site

Simple self-serve drinks in the lobby lounge area.

  • CoffeedrinkComplimentary lobby coffee.
  • TeadrinkComplimentary hot tea.
  • Japanese sweetsfoodShop snacks to take away.
Katsura (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Casual local izakaya for drinks and simple town favorites.

  • Local sakedrinkGood match with small plates.
  • BeerdrinkClassic izakaya choice.
  • YakitorifoodGrilled skewers.
  • Udon or sobafoodCasual noodle options.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in central Bessho Onsen and is most practically reached via Bessho-Onsen Station, usually with a short walk or brief taxi ride.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a small historic ryokan in Bessho Onsen, Ueda, suited to travelers who want a classic onsen stay with kaiseki meals and a quieter countryside setting. It is a strong fit for relaxation and local atmosphere, but less ideal if you want modern luxury, nightlife, or highly private bathing.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Authentic historic feelTamaya Ryokan presents itself as a long-established inn with roughly 150 years of history, which adds real character to the stay. With only 18 rooms, it should feel much more intimate than a large resort.
  • Excellent Bessho Onsen baseIt is located in Bessho Onsen, Ueda, a compact hot spring town known for its old temples, walkable streets, and relaxed rural atmosphere. This makes it easy to enjoy the area without needing a packed itinerary.
  • Strong ryokan dining experienceDinner centers on kaiseki with Shinshu Premium Beef steak as a highlight, which makes the meal a major part of the stay rather than an afterthought. Breakfast and dinner are served in private dining areas, which adds comfort.
  • Open-air baths with long bathing hoursThe ryokan offers both communal indoor baths and open-air baths, and guests can use them repeatedly from check-in until the next morning. That is especially appealing if soaking in the onsen is your main reason for booking.
  • Comfortable for mixed travel stylesThe property offers both Japanese-style rooms with futons and Western-style rooms with beds, so it works for travelers who want tradition without giving up too much comfort. Free shuttle service, free parking, and free Wi-Fi also make the stay easier.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Bathing is not fully privateThe main hot spring experience is centered on communal baths and open-air baths, so it may not suit travelers who want an in-room onsen or a reservable private bath. If privacy is a top priority, this could be limiting.
  • Quiet town, limited nightlifeBessho Onsen is more about calm streets, temples, and slow evenings than bars, shopping, or late-night entertainment. Travelers looking for a lively after-dinner scene may find the area too subdued.
  • Traditional style may feel formalThis ryokan leans into classic Japanese inn customs such as yukata, tatami-oriented atmosphere, and a more structured meal-focused stay. Guests who prefer a casual hotel rhythm may feel slightly constrained.
  • Less suited to ultra-modern luxury seekersThe appeal here is heritage, local character, and comfort rather than sleek design or resort-style facilities. If you want a high-end contemporary spa hotel, the atmosphere may feel too traditional.
  • Countryside access takes extra planningAlthough reachable from Tokyo via Ueda, you still need the final transfer to Bessho Onsen, so it is not as effortless as staying in a major city. It suits travelers happy to slow down, but not those wanting maximum convenience.

Ranking around this ryokan in Nagano

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 13th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
8th Shibu Hotel 9.4/10 296
9th Jinpyōkaku Honten 9.6/10 75
10th Nakamatsuya Ryokan 9.5/10 111
11th Hotel Tsubakino 9.3/10 998
12th Senjukaku 9.3/10 605
13th Tamaya Ryokan Current ryokan 9.4/10 148
14th Keikoku no Yu, source blanche de Shiga Kogen 9.6/10 58
15th Matsumoto Jujo 9.3/10 233
16th Fujiiso 9.5/10 66
17th Mitsubikiya 9.2/10 721
18th Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari 9.3/10 148
Loading full ranking...
Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

Not in any shared itinerary yet

Be the first traveler to include this ryokan in a public route.

Similar ryokans in Nagano ? Similarity is calculated only among ryokans in the same region. We compare their stored environment and wellness pills, prioritize exact pill matches, then sort by the number of shared pills, rating comparison, rating value, and recency.