Uncover Hidden Japan: Nakamatsuya Ryokan's Ueda Secret
Nakamatsuya Ryokan: My Soul Found a Secret in Ueda (and some serious leg cramps!)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from a trip to Ueda, Japan, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a trip; it was a full-blown experience. And at the heart of it all? The Nakamatsuya Ryokan. This isn’t just a hotel review; it’s a confession. I went expecting… well, honestly? I wasn’t sure. I’d seen pictures, read the brochures, but nothing prepared me for the sheer, unadulterated… JAPANESENESS of it all.
(SEO & Metadata Fueling up!)
- Title: Nakamatsuya Ryokan Review: Ueda's Hidden Gem Unveiled (Accessibility, Spa & More!)
- Keywords: Nakamatsuya Ryokan, Ueda, Japan, Ryokan, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Sauna, Massage, Onsen, Japanese Ryokan, Hidden Japan, Ueda Hotels, Family Friendly, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free Wi-Fi, Vegetarian Restaurant, Asian Cuisine, Japanese Hospitality.
- Meta Description: Discover Nakamatsuya Ryokan in Ueda, Japan! My honest review covers accessibility, stunning spa, and a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality. Find out if it's worth the trip!
(Accessibility: A Bit of a Mixed Bag, Really)
Let's be real, Japan isn't always the easiest place for accessibility. I’d emailed ahead, and while Nakamatsuya claims to have facilities for disabled guests, it’s more… nuanced. They definitely have an elevator (thank GOD!) because my knees are not what they used to be after a hiking trip. The exterior wasn't super easy to navigate on foot. The entryways aren't always as wide as you’d hope for a wheelchair. BUT, the staff? Impeccable. They'd bend over backward (almost literally!) to help. They're so patient! And the attempt is there. It's just… a work in progress. I’d suggest calling specifically beforehand. Definitely take advantage of the "Elevator"!
(On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmm…)
I'm not sure the restaurant is "accessible" per se. I'm sure staff is happy to accommodate seating, but the space is a little cozy. The Lounges are accessible, especially if you use the helpful staff members for assistance.
(Wheelchair Accessible: Mentioned Above)
(Internet Access: Thank Goodness, Wi-Fi!)
Okay, this is important. FREE WI-FI IN ALL ROOMS! Hallelujah! I’m a travel blogger, so the instant panic of being disconnected is real. The Wi-Fi was strong, reliable, and didn’t require a PhD in network engineering to connect to. A major win! They also have Internet [LAN] available… but honestly? Who needs a hard wire in 2024?! And yes, Wi-Fi in public areas too. It's like, essential! They also provided "Internet services" - a digital concierge, basically.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Oh, the Relaxing!)
This is where Nakamatsuya truly shines. Let’s start with the SPA. Dear God, the spa. They have body scrubs, body wraps, massage, the works. I booked a full body massage, and I swear, I think I melted into the bed. The masseuse knew exactly where to work the knots. I might have snored. Don’t judge.
The Sauna was amazing. I'm a huge fan of steaming and sweating. The Steamroom, equally delightful. And the Pool with a View? Spectacular. It's an outdoor swimming pool, too. Nothing particularly special, but beautiful. There's a Foot bath! Which, after trekking around a few ancient sites, was heaven. The Gym/fitness center seems good. I didn't use it. Why would I? I was there to RELAX. Spa/sauna available together.
(Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Serene)
Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially after the last few years. Nakamatsuya scored high marks in this department. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, they provided Hand sanitizer everywhere, and there was a Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff followed safety protocols.
- Rooms sanitized between stays - big plus!
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Individually-wrapped food options where applicable/needed.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing - always good.
- Hygiene certification, it was good to see.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was practiced.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services - A+
They had a Doctor/nurse on call, and a First aid kit. Excellent. They also had a Room sanitization opt-out available, which I personally appreciated. Also, the Safe dining setup was appreciated. The Sterilizing equipment, was good to see. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items also gave me peace of mind.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!)
This is where things get… delicious. Let me put it this way: I had a Breakfast [buffet] every single morning, but because of Covid regulations the staff would bring it to your room. It was, again, stunning. The Asian breakfast was authentic. They serve a buffet in restaurant, but also did room delivery. They serve Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. They also do Alternative meal arrangement for dietary restrictions. There is a Coffee shop, where I frequently got some. There is a Desserts in restaurant. Delicious. There is a Happy hour (score!). Everything was delicious. Especially the Salad in restaurant. There is a Snack bar.
I even had a proper A la carte in restaurant meal, which was incredible. The restaurants themselves boast delicious food. The Bar was lively and inviting. They offer Coffee/tea in restaurant. Also in my room, a Bottle of water. The Poolside bar was a nice touch.
(Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything!)
First off, they have Air conditioning in public areas, and in the rooms. Breakfast service, including room service (24-hour)—winning! They'll also set up Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Contactless check-in/out. If you want to do serious work, they also have Facility for Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, and a Xerox/fax in business center.
But the little things are what truly made the experience:
- Concierge: Super helpful with directions, recommendations, and generally making life easier.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always immaculate.
- Doorman: Always a friendly face.
- Dry cleaning & Ironing service & Laundry service: Essential for a longer trip.
- Elevator: (mentioned above) LIFE SAVER!
- Convenience store & Gift/souvenir shop: handy.
- Cash withdrawal & Currency exchange: useful.
- Luggage storage: perfect before or after a flight.
- Safety deposit boxes
(For the Kids: Family Friendly, or…? Hmm)
I didn't travel with kids, but they do have… something. They advertise Babysitting service, family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. But, I'm not sure how kid-centric the overall vibe of the ryokan is. It seemed more geared toward relaxation and tranquility. Something to bear in mind.
(Room Details: My Temporary Zen Zone)
My room (a Non-smoking rooms), was a haven. Absolutely, a haven. Air conditioning was a godsend, especially during the summer. They provide an Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (thank goodness for a good night’s sleep!), Closet, a Coffee/tea maker. Complimentary tea? Of course! And the Hair dryer was decent.
- Internet access – wireless (free, baby!) and Internet access – LAN (if you're into that).
- Ironing facilities – a godsend after a long flight.
- Laptop workspace – essential for me to get work done.
- Linens and Mirror.
- Mini bar, always welcome.
- On-demand movies.
- Private bathroom with Separate shower/bathtub.
- Reading light.
- Refrigerator so you can keep your drinks chilled.
- Satellite/cable channels.
- Seating area.
- Slippers - the quintessential Ryokan experience.
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're headed to Nakamatsuya Ryokan in Ueda, Japan. Forget perfectly sculpted itineraries, this is going to be more like… a travel diary that spilled sake on itself.
Nakamatsuya Ryokan: The "Zen" Thing (Maybe?) - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Futon Fiasco (aka, Jet Lag's Revenge)
13:00: Arrive Narita (NRT). After a flight that felt long enough to learn ancient Sumerian, I’m bleary-eyed and clutching a coffee that promised, but didn't deliver, caffeine salvation. Immigration? Smooth…ish. I fumbled with my passport, the officer gave me the look (you know, the one that says, "Tourist, why aren't you more prepared?"), and then – freedom!
14:00: Train to Ueda. Okay, this is the efficient Japan I'd heard about. The bullet train is a glorious metallic wormhole. Except, I realized, halfway through the journey, I'd left my precious travel journal on the seat. Panic: Level 10. Thankfully, a kind soul on the next train picked it up and emailed me. Humanity, you’re alright.
18:00: Arrive Ueda, check into Nakamatsuya. The Ryokan is beautiful! The smell of tatami mats and old wood is truly something else. I feel an immediate sense of peace wash over me. This is the "Zen" I’d been promised. Then, the futon. Oh, the futon.
19:00: The Futon Fight. Turns out, setting up the futon is an art form I clearly haven't mastered. I wrestled with the stiff mattress, the fluffy comforter, the perfectly folded pillows. It took me a solid half-hour, punctuated by frustrated grunts and the distinct feeling of losing the battle against the forces of sleep-deprived, jet-lagged incompetence. Ended up throwing everything and collapsing on it. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
20:00: Dinner- Glorious, local, Japanese food. I didn't understand half the menu, but the woman at the counter smiled and pointed. The food was amazing.
Day 2: Onsen Overload and the Mystery of the Lost Flip-Flop
- 07:00: Wake up (ish). The futon was surprisingly comfy, though the fact that I awoke entangled in the duvet like a burrito might have affected my judgment.
- 08:00: Breakfast: traditional Japanese breakfast. Fish, rice, tofu… honestly, I’m still not sure what half of it was, but I tried everything! And the miso soup? Glorious.
- 09:00: The Onsen Experience, Round One. This is what I came for! I cautiously entered the onsen (hot spring bath), mortified by my own nakedness (even though everyone else was doing the same). The water was… hot. Really hot. I almost leaped out after a minute, but forced myself to stay. The feeling of my muscles slowly relaxing was heavenly. Bliss. Pure, naked bliss.
- 11:00: The Onsen Experience, Round Two. The same, but the water felt even hotter, but I loved the experience.
- 13:00: Lunch in town. Found a tiny ramen shop. The broth was rich, the noodles perfect, and the whole experience was like a hug for my soul. I swear, the guy behind the counter gave me an extra serving. Maybe because I looked so utterly bewildered.
- 14:00: Exploration of Ueda Castle. A castle that feels like it has a soul. It's beautiful and it's interesting, I have never seen a castle before and I loved it.
- 16:00: The Flip-Flop Mystery Begins. I swear, I was wearing my flip-flops when I left the onsen. Now? Gone. Vanished. Did a small, mischievous Kappa spirit steal them? Did I, in my post-onsen euphoria, walk out and leave them? The mystery remains. I've searched everywhere. My feet are now decidedly not happy.
- 18:00: Dinner at the Ryokan. More amazing food! I'm starting to suspect I'll gain ten pounds on this trip, but I'm completely okay with it.
- 19:00: Searching for my flip-flops. Still missing!
Day 3: The Tea Ceremony and a Farewell to Ueda (and My Feet)
- 08:00: Another amazing breakfast!
- 09:00: Tea Ceremony: This was the most zen thing I've ever done. It was about slowing down. About noticing the small details: the way the matcha powder swirling, the gentle clink of the cup, the grace of the tea master. And, shockingly, it was really delicious. Truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
- 11:00: More searching for the flip-flops!
- 12:00: Saying goodbye. I’m leaving Ueda. I’m so bummed, but I'll be back.
- 13:00: Leaving Nakamatsuya Ryokan. Getting on the train, I realized I still didn't find my flip-flops.
- 14:00: Leaving Ueda.
Reflections and Ramblings:
- The Language Barrier: My Japanese is… well, it's nonexistent. But the smiles and the gentle gestures from the locals more than made up for it. Google Translate became my best friend.
- The Food: Oh, the food. I’m pretty sure I could eat sushi for the rest of my life. The ramen… the tempura… the mochi… I miss Japanese food.
- The Onsen: The ultimate relaxation! I'm already dreaming of the next onsen.
- The Loss of the Flip-Flops: I still don't have the answer. Maybe the Kappa is holding them hostage, demanding… more relaxation? More ramen? More tea? The mystery, like the pull of Japan, will linger.
This trip to Nakamatsuya in Ueda was far from perfect. It was messy, and exhausting, and full of small triumphs and hilarious blunders. But it was also beautiful, and enriching, and unforgettable. And even though I'm leaving with one less pair of flip-flops, I’m leaving with a heart full of memories (and a strong craving for more Japanese food!).
Overall Emotion: Heart full and a mild level of foot-related sadness
Next Stop: Planning travel, but I'm not in a hurry. I'll just let the journey begin, and hope to find my flip-flops.
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Luxury at Blu Hotel Natura & Spa, Folgaria
Okay, spill it. Is Nakamatsuya Ryokan *really* worth the hype? Like, seriously?
Ugh, alright, alright. Let's be honest. The hype? It's... complicated. Yeah, the pictures? Gorgeous. The claims of "untouched Japan"? Sounds amazing. But the *truth*? Well, it's less Instagram filter and more reality check, sprinkled with a whole lotta charm. It's not *perfect*. Far from it. But that imperfection? That's kind of the point.
My first impression? "Whoa, this place hasn't been updated since... well, a while." The tatami mats were worn, the furniture looked like it had been through a few wars (and probably had), and the plumbing? Let's just say I'm now an expert in the art of the "gentle flush."
BUT! The air. Seriously, the air. Crisp, clean, alive with the scent of pine and something… earthy. The staff, bless their hearts, were so genuinely *kind* despite my atrocious Japanese. And the *food*… oh, the food. Forget the Michelin stars. This was food made with love, with ingredients that tasted like they’d been plucked from the mountains that morning.
So, worth it? Yeah. With caveats. Go in expecting a polished resort, and you’ll be disappointed. Go expecting a real, raw, and unforgettable experience? You might just fall in love.
What's the deal with this "Ueda Secret" nonsense? What's it actually *secret* about?
Honestly? That's the hardest question to answer. It's less a *literal* secret and more of an experience for escaping modern life. It's not about hidden speakeasies or secret menus. It's about rediscovering a pace of life that's vanished elsewhere. It's about soaking in nature, disconnecting from the noise, and *being present*.
The secret, I think, is the *lack* of secrets. It's the chance to wander, to breathe, to *feel*… without being bombarded by information and demands. You can't really define it. It's something you have to experience. And yeah, that sounds super pretentious, I know. But I promise, I was equally skeptical going in.
The Onsen. Tell me everything. Was it awkward? Did I need to be, like, *naked* in front of other people?
Okay, the Onsen. This is where I almost had a full-blown panic attack. Nudity is mandatory. Absolutely. And the idea of stripping down in front of strangers? My inner British self shuddered. Profusely.
But here's the thing: the other people were absolutely unconcerned. They were there to relax. They were there to soak. They were there to, well, *bathe*. No one cared. Seriously. And after the initial mortification, it was… amazing. The water was hot, the air was cool, and all my anxieties just… melted away. Honestly? One of the best experiences of my life.
Tips: take a small washcloth and get washing with the provided soap before getting into the bath. It's an etiquette thing. And if you're shy? Embrace the awkward. Everyone's been there. You'll probably be fine. (I went in, a bundle of stressed-out nerves, and left feeling like a goddess, so...)
The Food! What was the food *really* like? Was it all raw fish and weird seaweed?
The food was… a revelation. Okay, yes, there was some raw fish. Delicious raw fish. But it wasn't just *fish*. It was a parade of flavors, textures, and presentations that blew my mind. Forget the bland, predictable hotel buffet. This was a genuine, multi-course feast.
I remember one particular dish, a tiny, perfectly formed ball of something… earthy. Wrapped in a crispy leaf. And that flavor! I couldn't even begin to describe it. And that's the thing. It wasn't just about the ingredients; it was about the care, the artistry, the sheer *love* that went into every single bite. And the sake pairing? Don't even get me started. *Sigh*
Yes, there was some seaweed. But trust me, it's not the slimy stuff you might imagine. More like a crispy, salty snack. And if raw fish isn't your thing, there's usually a good variety of other items like soba noodles, tofu, and roasted vegetables. They *do* cater for dietary needs if you let them know in advance.
Did you actually *relax*? Or were you running around trying to "experience everything" and taking a million photos?
Ugh, the eternal struggle! Okay, I’m not gonna lie. I *tried* to be that zen traveler, just "living in the moment". But, full disclosure, part of me was absolutely running around like a headless chicken, trying to Instagram every single thing. The first few days were a blur of photo ops, frantically checking my phone for notifications, and feeling vaguely… stressed.
Then, something clicked. I got a horrible cold (travel is murder on my immune system). Suddenly, I was too congested to do anything but sit and stare at the mountains from my window. And *that’s* when it hit me. I slowed down. I breathed. I *really* looked. And that… that was when I found the "secret".
So, yes. Eventually. I relaxed. Thanks to a head cold. Go figure.
What kind of person would actually *enjoy* Nakamatsuya Ryokan?
Alright, here’s the deal. If you’re a luxury-obsessed, high-maintenance, needs-everything-to-be-perfect kinda person? Stay away. You'll be miserable. You'll complain. And you'll probably write a terrible review.
But, if you're open-minded, adventurous, and appreciate authenticity over polished perfection… then you might just *love* it.
The kind of person who appreciates a little bit of grit. The kind of person who isn’t afraid of a few rough edges. The kind of person who's curious about the world and willing to embrace the unexpected. The kind of person who wants a truly *memorable* experience, not just another generic vacation photo op.
Okay, but what if I don't speak Japanese? Will I be completely lost and helpless?
Nope! You won't be *completely* lost. The staff at Nakamatsuya are incredibly patient and, for the most part, can get by with a bit of broken English. A translation app is helpful. I learned a few basic phrases - "hello," "thank you," "excuse me," and "more sake, please." That got me surprisingly far.
The kindness of the staff transcends language barriers. They communicate with smiles, gestures, and an abundance of good intentions. Even withLocal Hotel Tips
