besshoonsen midoriya

We loved the food, especially getting to grate fresh wasabi ourselves. The staff were incredible and helped us rearrange our travel plans after we lost our international drivers license. The facilities are clean, new, and very nice, with a modern feel alongside the classic ryokan style. It's also very child friendly, just as advertised.

We booked a twin room for two nights with breakfast, then added dinner for our first evening because Bessho Onsen doesn't have many dining options. Dinner was a real highlight. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, and my husband and I loved both the flavors and the presentation. You could feel how much care and pride went into the cooking. The husband-and-wife team were wonderful hosts, always available to help. We came down for our 6:30 dinner and they were already there, ready to serve us. There are three onsens inside the hotel, open 24/7. You can lock the door and have the indoor or outdoor bath to yourself, and an online system shows in real time whether they're occupied. The autumn view from the outdoor onsen was lovely. Everywhere on the property felt cozy and relaxing, and the size was just right for us. We're already looking forward to coming back.

The hosts are so thoughtful and kind, I felt like I would do anything for them. That's what finally got me to write my first Google review. The little town of Bessho Onsen is lovely to walk around, and the meals are full of flavor and beautifully made. Book them too. The private tubs are beautiful, and you can soak whenever you like without reserving ahead.

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They didn't speak much English, but their translation app made it easy to chat with them well beyond what we needed to communicate. We were glad to add an extra night so we could enjoy the place properly. Our family of four, including kids aged 5 and 9, stayed in the glamping tent. It was comfortable, with its own toilet and sink in a small building beside it. We asked for a fire at a particular time, and the staff lit it for us. On the way back from dinner we texted them through their very useful app. The main building's amenities were all new, very clean, and carefully arranged in a minimalist style. There are three private onsen baths, each with indoor and outdoor sections. They were gorgeous, just for our family, and we never had to wait. The app also showed if one was free. The Japanese breakfast was delicious, though we didn't get to try dinner. The hotel is tucked down a side street with old temple ruins at the end. It felt like a special retreat after a week in busy Tokyo, and getting to Ueda by shinkansen was easy. Highly recommended!