Maita Station × Accommodation With Relaxing Welcome LoungeHighly rated facilities at Hotel·Ryokan

We were able to stay at Kashiwaya again this year as a family, and we had a truly wonderful time. With only a few Rooms, we hardly ran into other guests even in the baths, so we could quietly enjoy the excellent waters of Bessho Onsen. The meals are gently seasoned and make the most of local ingredients, and no matter when we visit, it’s a mysterious Accommodation where we always sleep soundly at night. We look forward to visiting again.

I stayed here once and loved it so much that I booked again right away. This was my second stay, and it was just as satisfying as I expected. The meals—both the inn’s signature dish (beef grilled on a hot stone) and seasonal items—were excellent in both quality and portion size. The hot spring has a faint sulfur scent that really highlights how good the water is. Our family’s favorite is the beer service time in the lobby. Having a refreshing drink before dinner after a bath is the best. It’s a much-appreciated service in these times of rising prices. I hope you’ll keep offering it for my next stay!

While solo stays at Onsen Accommodations can be difficult to find, Uematsuya is a welcome option for solo travelers. They also offer a Shuttle Service from the station, which was a big help with my heavy luggage. Bessho Onsen is a small hot spring town, so you can explore the sights on foot. The Ryokan’s Facility is old but well maintained and clean. I was able to enjoy the Onsen at a relaxed pace without running into other guests. The meals were delicious as well. At the dining area, a trainee served us with great dedication, which was truly heartwarming to see.

This was my first time using this accommodation. The facility is small, and the building is old, so the equipment is average, but I think it is well-maintained. The sense of security during the stay and the breakfast service met my expectations and were satisfying. If I had to point out something, it would be that the bathroom operates on a gender-swapping schedule, limiting usage times, and there is only one elevator, which can lead to waiting during busy hours. That said, there are restaurants and supermarkets within walking distance, making it a very convenient location.

I had such a wonderful stay before, and since it sounded like more Rooms would be added soon, I made a last-minute Reservation before that happened. What was different this time is that an admission ticket to Hotelli Salo was included. It seems their baths may be members-only? I thought I might try it if it was included, but it turns out it’s not included with every Plan and is offered as an optional add-on. Since I can’t use the sauna, I’m completely satisfied with the Onsen at the Accommodation! Bath time can be reserved in one-hour slots until the next day; on the following day it’s separated by gender, and because there aren’t many Rooms on weekdays, you can relax and enjoy it quietly. The water is an artificial Onsen, but it has a lovely atmosphere—if you’re staying in Ueda, this is the place. I was happy to have the same Room as last time, and since it was just before summer, the terrace felt wonderful. You can see updates throughout the service, and you really feel how much they care about guests. They took care of me so pleasantly until the very end—this is an Accommodation I truly love and appreciate. After the expansion, it sounds like they will specialize in No Meals Included stays, but there are plenty of places to eat and shops nearby.

My wife, son, and I traveled from Nagoya with our dog. We followed the navigation via the Chuo Expressway, got off at Azusagawa IC, and after that there was almost nothing along the local roads—no gas stations—until we finally found one near the Accommodation. After arriving, we presented our dog’s various certificates at reception to check in. The staff were very kind. The first place we were shown was the café lounge: unlimited soft drinks, ice cream, and even alcohol (as much as available?!). There were also 4–5 kinds of dog treats prepared, which felt like a great perk for guests. Next to the café lounge there was also a pet shower room. What surprised me was that other guests also said they couldn’t smell any “pet odor,” and I hadn’t noticed it either—it really didn’t bother us at all. However, the smoking room is located around the center of the 2nd floor, and the cigarette smell inside that room was… quite strong. This time we stayed in a Japanese-style room because no Western-style rooms were available. At reception we were told that if our dog soiled any bedding we would be charged a cleaning fee, so we put our dog in diapers. Thanks to that nothing got dirty—but in an unexpected twist, my son got a nosebleed and stained the sheets. We weren’t charged anything, but I’m very sorry about that. Changing topics: Both dinner and breakfast were buffet style. For dinner we could choose 17:30 or 19:00; for breakfast 7:00 or 8:00. Everything was satisfying overall; alcoholic drinks are available for an additional charge. The bath is an Onsen open from 15:00 to 22:00, and in the morning from 5:00 to 10:00. There is an outdoor dog run with facilities and a washing area, plus towels for wiping paws. There is also an indoor one on the second floor. Stepping outside into such clear air helped me forget about work for a while, and we made wonderful memories with our dog and family. We’d love to come again! On the way back we headed toward Okaya IC on local roads before returning to Nagoya; from this Accommodation to Okaya IC the roads were well paved, and there are places like Suwa Taisha Shrine (Suwa Grand Shrine), Utsukushigahara Highlands (Plateau), roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki), etc., so it’s easy to make stops along the way. The route on our way there wasn’t as convenient—so next time we’ll come via Okaya IC. To Oedo Onsen Wanwan Resort Shinshu Ueda Team: Thank you for giving us such great memories.

I always look forward to visiting, soothed by the Onsen waters of Bessho and the nature of Shioda-daira. This time as well, I enjoyed a relaxing stay with wonderful meals, baths, and the warm atmosphere of Nanjo Ryokan. Every dish reflected the best of the local area and was truly delicious. The building feels like time has stood still since the Showa era, which is very calming. I imagine it must be challenging to maintain such a historic Accommodation, but I think replacing the tatami mats in the Room would make it even more comfortable. I hope this Accommodation continues for many years to come. I will visit again!

I’d long wanted to visit Bessho Onsen. It had great Reviews on Google Maps, and when I searched IKYU.com for “solo travel” and “Western-style room,” I chose Midoriya—Done! I was a little concerned about the cutting-edge, tech-driven operation, but that worry was unfounded: the smartphone-based process was very smooth. It also made me feel this is something I should get used to—and that it may well become a new standard. This time I booked a breakfast-only Plan for a Multiple Night Stay, and during my stay I used three private Onsen baths a total of six times. What I loved was being able to experience different types of water depending on the bath and the day—clear, slightly greenish, milky white, or with soft yunohana drifting in the water. Each bath has both an indoor bath and an open-air bath, and I thoroughly enjoyed historic Bessho Onsen with its skin-beautifying qualities, gentle feel, and subtle sulfur scent. During my stay, I saw all kinds of guests—a mom with her baby along with her own mother, a young European couple, and solo female international travelers—and it was clear everyone was enjoying their time in their own way.

I stayed one night in Ueda while traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa. It looks far more stylish than in the photos. I expected a renovated Hotel in an older building, but I was impressed from the moment I stepped into the front desk area, and I also loved the calm atmosphere of the Room. On top of that, the large public bath and sauna were truly outstanding. Every item at the attached bakery looked delicious, and quite a few people came just to buy bread. This is a highly satisfying Hotel that makes you want to stop by Ueda whenever you visit the Nagano area. Because I hope it continues to become an even better Hotel, my only request is this: while I was happy with the breakfast bread selection at the restaurant, I’d like to see a bit more effort put into both the dinner menu and some of the finer details.