Nakamatsuya Ryokan

9.5
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.5/10, based on 111 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 3:00 PM
Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Valley Scenery Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Reservable Bath
Staff 9,8/10
Facilities 9,6/10
Cleanliness 9,5/10
Comfort 9,5/10
Value for money 9,2/10
Location 9,3/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic Bessho Onsen ryokan with scenic top-floor baths, traditional tatami stays, and easy temple-area walking.

Historic Bessho SettingLong-established ryokan in Bessho Onsen with a distinctly traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Scenic Top-Floor BathsUpper-floor baths overlook the Ueda Basin and surrounding Shinshu mountains.
Private Onsen OptionsReservable family baths and some suites with their own hot spring bath.
Walkable Temple AreaKitamuki Kannon and other Bessho Onsen sights are reachable on foot.
Seasonal Shinshu CuisineKaiseki-style meals highlight local Nagano ingredients and seasonal produce.
Tatami Room ExperienceAll-tatami rooms and yukata stays deliver a classic ryokan feel.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive mid-afternoon, use the baths, eat dinner, walk to nearby temples, sleep early, then enjoy breakfast and a morning stroll before moving on. A second night works only if you want a slower temple-and-onsen rhythm around Bessho and Ueda.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night onsen-town stay or a relaxed 2-night break in Bessho Onsen, not as a long regional base.

Know before booking

Limited base valueBessho Onsen is compact and quiet, so many travelers will run out of nearby sights after one full day.
Not station-frontAccess is straightforward, but you still need the local Bessho Line from Ueda and a short walk or shuttle.
Private bath stairsThe reservable baths require stairs, which may matter for guests with mobility concerns.

Food & drinks

This Bessho Onsen ryokan at 1627 Bessho Onsen is clearly identified and offers seasonal Shinshu-style kaiseki plus simple lounge drinks, with good local cafés and soba nearby.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Seasonal Shinshu kaiseki in semi-private or group dining rooms.

  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodMulti-course Japanese meal.
  • Local ingredientsspecialtySeasonal Shinshu produce.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional ryokan morning set.
  • Mountain vegetablesspecialtyRegional vegetable dishes.
Lounge (on-site)
on-site

Arrival lounge coffee, plus karaoke room drinks.

  • CoffeedrinkServed in the lounge.
  • Soft drinksdrinkAvailable with karaoke.
  • Alcoholic drinksdrinkSimple drinks for karaoke time.
Sabo Marugen (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Old-house café known for sweets and tea-break stops.

  • AnmitsufoodClassic Japanese sweet.
  • Soymilk cheesecakefoodMade with local tofu-shop soymilk.
  • Green teadrinkGood with dessert.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Bessho Onsen area of Ueda and is most conveniently reached via Ueda Station and the Bessho Line to Bessho-Onsen Station.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

A solid choice for travelers who want a classic onsen stay in the center of Bessho Onsen with strong meals and scenic baths. It is less ideal if you want modern luxury, late-night flexibility, or a base right next to a major city hub.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Rooftop baths with wide viewsThe upper-floor hot spring baths are a standout feature, giving the stay a more memorable feel than a standard ryokan bath. Reviews repeatedly highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the view over the Bessho Onsen area and surrounding mountains.
  • Excellent for temple strollsThe ryokan sits in the heart of Bessho Onsen, making it easy to walk to local landmarks like Kitamuki Kannon and Anrakuji. This works especially well for travelers who want a quiet onsen town rather than a resort cut off from the neighborhood.
  • Strong kaiseki-style mealsDinner and breakfast are often singled out as a major part of the experience, with seasonal Japanese cooking adding real value to an overnight stay. It suits travelers who want the full ryokan rhythm, not just a room with hot springs.
  • Convenient station pickupThe free shuttle from Bessho-Onsen Station makes arrival easier, especially if you are traveling with luggage or do not want to walk uphill through town. That small service can make the experience feel smoother from the start.
  • Good mix of traditional and practicalYou get tatami-style ryokan character, but also practical comforts such as free Wi-Fi, parking, non-smoking rooms, and elevator access. That balance makes it easier for first-time ryokan guests who want tradition without too much inconvenience.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not the easiest base for wider sightseeingBessho Onsen is charming but quiet, and reaching bigger transport hubs like central Ueda takes extra time. If your plan is fast-paced day trips every day, the location can feel a little out of the way.
  • Building style feels more old-schoolThis is a long-established ryokan, so the appeal is traditional atmosphere rather than sleek contemporary design. Travelers expecting a polished luxury boutique feel may find it more classic than refined.
  • Check-out is fairly earlyThe morning schedule is typical for a ryokan, but a 10:00 check-out can feel restrictive if you want a slow sleep-in after a long dinner and bath night. It is better for travelers comfortable with a structured stay.
  • Best value may depend on booking mealsA big part of the appeal is the food experience, so travelers booking room-only may miss much of what makes the property special. If you are not interested in Japanese set meals, the overall value can feel less compelling.
  • Service can feel uneven on busy staysGuest feedback is generally positive, but there are occasional comments suggesting minor service mix-ups can happen. That means the hospitality is usually strong, though not always flawlessly personalized.

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: 10th out of 166 ryokans in Nagano.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
5th Happokan 9.5/10 228
6th Bergtour Marukita 9.5/10 131
7th Yudanaka Tawaraya Ryokan 9.4/10 309
8th Shibu Hotel 9.4/10 296
9th Jinpyōkaku Honten 9.6/10 75
10th Nakamatsuya Ryokan Current ryokan 9.5/10 111
11th Hotel Tsubakino 9.3/10 998
12th Senjukaku 9.3/10 605
13th Tamaya 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
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Traveler routes

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This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

1

6 days – Nagano > Oita > Hiroshima > Yamanashi

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