Access

Local Train Station: Bessho Onsen
From Tokyo: From Tokyo Station, take the shinkansen to Ueda station. From Ueda station, take the local train on the Ueda Bessho line and get off at Bessho Onsen. The ryokan is a 10 min. walk away.
Travel Time: Tokyo to Ueda, 1 hr 40 min. Ueda to Bessho Onsen, 30 min. Total travel time approx. 2 hrs 10 minutes.

Location/Contact Info

Address: 169 Bessho Onsen, Ueda-shi
Tel: 0268-38-3131
Fax: 0268-38-7923
Web: www.naganoken.net/be... (Japanese only)

Accommodations

Price: Rates start at Y15,000 (including breakfast and dinner). The ryokan has 43 rooms.
Days Closed: None
Day Visit Option: Not available.
Credit Cards: Not accepted.

The Water

Onsen Specifics: Three indoor baths (one for men, one for women, and one mixed). Two outdoor baths (one for men and one for women).
Water Good For: Skin problems, stomach problems, womens' health problems, burns, nervous disorders, diabetes, fatigue.
Water Composition: Hydrogen sulfide.

Located in what was once a private mansion, Hanaya is made up of some ten buildings connected by a web of enclosed pathways (almost hallways) that meander through the ryokan's vast gardens. Architecturally, Hanaya is representative of a pure, traditional Japanese style of building.

Of interest to families and couples, fourteen of its forty-three rooms have private hot spring baths attached to them.

The area of Bessho Onsen is full of shrines and temples (many designated 'National Treasures' by the Japanese Government). Bessho Onsen has also been used as the backdrop for numerous classics of Japanese literature. We recommend taking advantage of the area by exploring more than the hot springs.

[Thanks to Mr. Nakanishi for use of the above photos.]

The Buzz

Hanaya comes in for high grades from onsen enthusiasts, with web dispatches commenting on "friendly service," "comparativelly large rooms," "an outdoor bath is not that big, but due to the gardens which surround it, makes you feel like staying a long, long time in the water," "a romantic setting," and a comments that "the buildings exude history," and are "old but well-kept structures."

Reader Comments

Onsen in Northern Hokuriku