Tamaya Ryokan | Bessho Onsen

About us

Welcome to Bessho Onsen.
This hot spring resort is located in Ueda, the centre of between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Ideally situated for easy access, it can be reached from Tokyo in only 90 minutes by train.
Ueda Castle, occupied approximately 400 years ago by Sanada Yukimura,one of Japan's most famous Samurai, nurtured the development of history and culture in the surrounding castle town.
You can experience Not only there are many valable and histrical culturel assest can be found also a variety of pleasures and activities to be experienced each season, such as taking in the local seasonal landscape in open air baths, picking seasonal fruits and skiing and other sports in the winter in the city.
It is noteworthy that Nagano's famous sightseeing areas such as Hakuba, Karuizawa, and Matsumoto can all be reached in approximately one hour by car from Ueda city as well as connected by public transportations.
Snow monkey or Shopping in Karuizawa also easily accessible.

1,400-year-old historical hot spring resort of Bessho Onsen is traditionally called 'Sacred Onsen resort blessed by the Sun & the Land' is located only 30 minutes by local train from Ueda sta.
A lot of tourists visit all year round for its excellent quality of hot spring water, as well as for the spiritual and traditional temples and shrines that offer an elegant Japanese feel with real local wind.
Tamaya Ryokan suggests your unforgettable stay for enjoying Japanese experiences by relaxing with hot springs, dining on Kaiseki cuisine with local ingredients, and real Japanese night wering Yukata and sleeping on tatami mat with Japanese Ryokan atmosphere.

Access

・Tokyo to Ueda : Approx.90min by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
・Nagoya to Ueda : Approx.210min by Shinano Liited Express and Shinano Tetsudo Line.
・Kanazawa to Ueda : Approx.100min by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
・Ueda to Bessho Onsen st. : Approx.30min by Bessho Local Line.

Sightseeing

Bessho Onsen was written about in the 10th century in the famous Japanese historical collection of essays, The Pillow Book.
Of course, there are more several historical backgrounds or legends in this region.
Therefore, One thousand years later and Bessho Onsen is still a beloved place where visitors can relax in peace while gazing out over the lush mountains and rural landscape.
Although located near Tokyo, here one can appreciate the wonders of rural Japan and the beauty of the seasons' changing colors.

Spring
The Castle Blooming with Sakura

Japan's most well-known flower, Sakura, is used in Ueda city's logo. Every year in mid-April, 400,000 visitors come to the Ueda Castle Senbon Sakura Festival, where 1,000 Sakura trees blossom throughout the castle grounds and are admired by festival-goers with a beer in one hand and some Takoyaki or Yakitori in the other. Udon and Tempura dishes made using the wild vegetables found only in this area are also valuable to taste.
Summer
The Sun and the Green Land

During the day, the warm sunlight bathes the land, and hikers and trekkers admire the rural landscape of mountain roads surrounded by sparkling green mountains and rice paddies. Just quietly hear the sound of the night. Chirping and whirring of insects all your around. John Lennon's favored summer resort, Karuizawa, is only one hour away by car.
Autumn
Glitter of Golden Harvest

The picturesque mountains colored red and yellow is a wondrous sight. Almost as if all the ancient village has worn brilliant party dress. The 1200 year-old Aizen katsura tree's leaves turn yellow; the trees near Shogunzuka change to crimson; and many other trees besides display their bright colors to the passerby. The rice paddies ready for harvest reflect the sun's rays and paint the countryside with a golden hue. Surely the harvest in autumn makes a lot of seasonal local vegetables and mushrooms that give you an great appetite.
Winter
Pleasant Sensation of a Brisk Morning

Winter season brings an enjoyable crisp coldness and on rare occasions presents a snowscape of purity and elegance. Definitely, this is the best season to soak our remarkable quality of Onsen. Just make your body warm, make you feel your heart warm. Tourists can enjoy the season skiing and doing winter sports at Ueda city's ski resort. Jigokudani Yaen-koen well known for Onsen bathing Snow monkeys are only 90 minutes away by car.

Hot Spring Inn With 150 Years of History

Welcome to Tamaya Ryokan, a historic hot spring inn boasting a 150-year legacy. The inn provides peak hospitality at its cozy setting comprising 18 rooms. Upon entering, kindly remove your footwear at the entrance and step into the clean, inviting abode. Their guest rooms offer picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
Clean Japanese and Western-style Rooms

Tamaya Ryokan's cozy guest rooms are designed for ultimate relaxation. Choose between Western-style rooms that feature beds and Japanese-style rooms furnished with traditional futons. For the Western-style rooms, you can choose between three types—Suite, Semi-Suite, and Standard—each varying in size and amenities. All rooms come equipped with toilets and baths and are strictly non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas.
Japanese Full-course Meals With Beef Steaks as the Centerpiece

Tamaya Ryokan's dinner features Japanese Kaiseki dining that puts a highlight on Shinshu's premium beef steak. Savor two distinct cuts of the reliably delicious and genuine "Shinshu Premium Beef." Delight in traditional Japanese dishes, including appetizers, sashimi, tempura, and more, all served in private dining areas for both breakfast and dinner.
Communal Baths and Open-Air Baths Featuring Beautifying Hot Spring Water

Tamaya Ryokan's hot spring can be enjoyed in the communal bath or open-air baths. You're welcome to bathe as many times as you like from check-in until 10 a.m. the following morning. Bessho Onsen's hot spring is renowned for its ability to enhance skin beauty and is often referred to as the "beauty bath." Experience bathing under the stunning night sky in our open-air baths or enjoy basking in the morning sun while immersing yourself in the hot springs.
Dedicated to Ensuring a Comfortable Stay

Complimentary drinks such as coffee and tea are offered at the lobby of Tamaya Ryokan. Yukata and casual kimono are lent out for free, and our staff is ready to assist with dressing (colorful yukata for women only). Visit our shop, which offers a variety of items, including traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to bring home a piece of Japan. Additionally, there are three massage chairs available for extra relaxation.