Travel professionals give an enthusiastic seal of approval to Wataya Besso, a storied ryokan in Ureshino Onsen, Saga—an exquisite stage worthy of your most meaningful milestones. Often searched as “wataya besso hotel,” this sanctuary is the ideal hideaway when you and your partner want to step away from routine and make a memory that deepens your bond.
Step into its expansive, 20,000‑tsubo grounds (approximately 66,000 square meters) along the Ureshino River and you’ll feel gently carried into another world—one shaped by the best of Japanese culture and gracious hospitality. Tradition and modernity live in harmony here: softly viscous mineral waters famed for beautifying the skin, refined interiors balancing classic and contemporary, and a rich array of experiences—all meticulously composed, never excessive, leaving room for your own rhythm.
That is why you can fully savor a sense of occasion for life’s turning points—wedding anniversaries, birthdays, even a proposal. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create a bespoke, luxurious celebration at Wataya Besso, from guest rooms, baths, and dining to signature experiences. Blending a light touch of insight with an inviting tone, we’ll explore the singular appeal of this one‑of‑a‑kind ryokan. Come along—let’s step together into the world of a truly exceptional celebration.
What Is Wataya Besso? The Ryokan’s Appeal and Essentials
With more than 70 years of history, Wataya Besso—often referred to in travel searches as the wataya besso hotel—is one of Ureshino Onsen’s defining ryokans. The property spans a remarkable 20,000 tsubo (about 66,000 square meters), with buildings and gardens arranged on both sides of the gently flowing Ureshino River (＊1).
Multiple accommodation wings, restaurants, and bathing facilities dot the grounds, which together feel like a small, self‑contained universe. In a setting that harmonizes with nature, you can enjoy the ryokan’s signature warmth and hospitality, far from the noise of the city.
Within the vast grounds you’ll find a Japanese garden, foot baths, a tea room, and even a bookshop where you can enjoy reading with tea—spaces placed with intention to offer every guest a singular, unrepeatable time (＊2). From the moment you enter, you’ll notice the okami (proprietress) and staff attending to every detail, so you can feel the true heart of Japanese hospitality throughout your stay.
Despite its pedigree, the atmosphere is never stiff. The calm is paired with playfulness and polish in the design, making it easy for you as a couple to relax and sink into a world apart. Honoring a long history while welcoming innovation, Wataya Besso truly is a discreet resort for grown‑ups.
Location & Access to the wataya besso hotel
Another advantage is sheer ease of access. From Fukuoka Airport it’s about a 1 hour 30 minute drive; from Saga Airport, roughly 1 hour. You can also arrive from Nagasaki Airport in about 40 minutes by car, making Ureshino Onsen convenient from destinations across Kyushu.
From the Ureshino Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway, it’s an approximately 7‑minute drive to the ryokan—no stressful, winding mountain ascents with heavy luggage required (＊1). And with the West Kyushu Shinkansen opening in autumn 2022, Ureshino‑Onsen Station puts you just about 5 minutes away by car, ensuring smooth transit even by public transportation. Leaving the urban whirl behind, the gentle approach to Ureshino’s satoyama countryside sets the mood for what’s to come.
Highlights of History & Architecture
Since its founding in 1950, Wataya Besso has expanded and renovated in step with the times while safeguarding tradition. A major architectural highlight is the 12‑story Tower Wing, completed in 1977 and designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa—a landmark presence in Ureshino Onsen (＊1).
Kurokawa, a leading figure of the Metabolism movement, created a Tower Wing that marries traditional Japanese sensibilities with contemporary functionality and beauty.
Another focal point is the ryokan’s central Japanese garden, “Hakoniwa.” Framed by five‑needle pines and a waterfall, the garden appears as if placed inside a “box”—hence the name—when viewed from the second‑floor corridor (＊2).
In 2014, a stage projecting over the pond was added, and the garden now hosts art events—a crossroads where new and old culture meet.
Historically, Ureshino thrived as a post town on the Nagasaki Kaido during the Edo period, and lodgings here served as official quarters for the Satsuma Domain (the Shimazu clan). That proud lineage lives on: the Satsuma crest still appears in Wataya Besso’s emblem today—a small but telling sign of the ryokan’s storied heritage.
To place yourself amid buildings and gardens steeped in history is to feel a deep, quiet ease that lets the clamor of modern life fall away.
Wayfinding Through 20,000 Tsubo & the Moon‑Viewing Terraces
At Wataya Besso, simply moving through the grounds becomes part of the journey. As you stroll along glass‑lined corridors, scenes unfold with every step—the unhurried Ureshino River, trees shifting with the seasons, light and shadow changing minute by minute.
Seek out the “Tsukimidai” terraces tucked across the property. True to their name, these petite platforms invite you to admire the moon. By night, linger under the waxing and waning glow and the scatter of stars; by day, watch wind riffle the river and waterfowl glide by.
Arrive at dusk and stand on a Tsukimidai as the sky turns persimmon. Between day and night, you’ll find a dreamlike moment—the sky turning lavender, lantern‑lit buildings flickering on, reflections trembling across the water. It all becomes a cinematic frame for anniversary photos.
The garden’s shifting “Hakoniwa” views, the architecture rising in the dusk, and the hush along the riverbank—wandering through this 20,000‑tsubo microcosm becomes its own story, one the two of you will write together.
Designing Luxury Experiences, Ryokan‑Style
Wataya Besso’s approach to luxury is all about “intentional space, never overstatement.” Instead of flaunting opulence, the ryokan curates only what is truly good—and deliberately leaves pockets of blank space where your imagination can breathe.
From the threshold, seasonal ikebana and the faintest incense greet you—never overwhelming, always part of the room’s quiet composition.
Pass under a traditional noren into a tatami‑lined lobby, then step forward into a lounge of surprising modernity. The conversation between heritage and contemporary design adds a thrill of discovery, whispering: you’ve crossed into the extraordinary.
Around the property, you’ll encounter an ink‑black outdoor foot bath cocooned by bamboo, a foyer with a floating cloud installation, andon lanterns placed like art. Light, sound, scent, and artwork are orchestrated to meet you gently as you move—never pushy, always atmospheric.
Wataya Besso shows that true luxury isn’t flash—it’s an experience that settles into the heart. On your anniversary, you can savor that elevated sense of occasion while feeling deeply at ease. This balance—transporting yet comfortable—is the essence of ryokan × luxury.
A Ryokan as a Vessel for Culture
Stay here and you realize a ryokan can be a treasure chest of Japanese culture. Hot springs, gardens, washoku, tea, craft, architecture, art, incense—distinct traditions interwoven into a single, edited experience.
At dinner, seasonal kaiseki arrives on luminous Arita‑yaki porcelain developed in collaboration with leading Saga kilns. Food and vessel complete each other, creating something like a total artwork.
Guest‑room decor and amenities bear the touch of traditional artisans; every time you reach for something, you can feel human skill and warmth. In the detached suites, a tokonoma alcove holds a seasonal hanging scroll and flowers—details that embody a Japanese eye for beauty.
The onsen itself ranks among Japan’s “three great skin‑beautifying baths” (＊1), so bathing becomes a living lesson in Japan’s toji (therapeutic soaking) culture. Even a single cup of Ureshino tea after your bath carries the pride of this tea‑growing land.
In the on‑site shop, you can pick up Hizen Yoshida ware, Ureshino black tea, and Ureshino Japanese candles—tangible memories to take home. Different genres of tradition converge here and harmonize within the ryokan “vessel,” coalescing into a complete experience of Wa (Japanese aesthetics).
That’s why coming to Wataya Besso for an anniversary means immersing yourselves in Japanese culture while sharing new discoveries. Not showy, but innately refined—this is the kind of time that resonates.
Why It Pairs Perfectly with Anniversaries
Few places complement a milestone as well as the wataya besso hotel. First, it’s easy to “privatize” space in the ryokan format.
Unlike big hotel lobbies or open dining halls, many settings here are detached or private—standalone guest rooms and private dining rooms—so you can protect truly intimate time.
Dinner can be served in a private room or even your suite, making surprises effortless without worrying about other guests. Coordinate with the staff to hide a cake timed with the aperitif or arrange for a bouquet in your room—little touches that mean a lot.
The ryokan also excels at “staging time.” As dusk falls and lanterns blink on, romance intensifies. Later, slip away for a two‑person foot‑bath date under the moon. Speak softly beneath a vault of stars and you might finally say what you’ve been meaning to express.
At first light, wander the garden in morning mist—a fresh start that feels like a quiet blessing on your next chapter together. Moments like these, tucked throughout the day, become anchors for memory.
The staff understand what a milestone means and support you with care, from reserving a private bath to timing a toast. You can entrust the day to them and simply be present. Deep satisfaction and a renewed sense of affection—Wataya Besso is a stage set for anniversaries.
Guest Rooms & Thoughtful Privacy, the Ryokan Way
Wataya Besso offers a broad lineup of rooms designed for different needs, all with privacy and quiet in mind. Across the grounds you’ll find five distinct lodging zones, from classic wooden ryokan wings to the modern Tower Wing and the top‑tier detached “Suimeiso.”
For couples celebrating an anniversary, “Suimeiso,” tucked deep within the grounds, is especially appealing. Built by relocating a Nabeshima‑domain villa, this dignified wooden enclave comprises only a handful of suites. Every room has a cypress‑wood indoor bath, and some add a private open‑air tub (＊1).
From the engawa veranda you look out over a meticulously tended Japanese garden—yours alone to savor as light changes through the day. The special state guest room named “Senshin” is particularly storied: Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun once stayed here. True to its name, the room holds a tranquil, cleansing majesty (＊2).
Also within Suimeiso, the large bathing facility “Shinsho,” created in a modern style in 2004, features spacious indoor baths of natural granite and cypress, a large open‑air bath, plus sauna and cold plunge—all fed by the ryokan’s own source of beautifying water.
Stay in Suimeiso and you can enjoy Shinsho with a near‑private feeling, bathing together without worrying about crowds. From check‑in to check‑out, your room protects uninterrupted time for two—an ideal canvas for your anniversary stay.
Renew at a Ureshino Onsen Ryokan—Wataya Besso’s Baths & Spa
Set in the heart of an onsen town, Wataya Besso is ideal for a wellness‑oriented getaway. Beyond excellent hot springs, there’s even a signature program themed around “fragrance,” inviting you to relax and reset with all five senses. For couples with busy lives, this is a chance to pause and feel like yourselves again—together.
Here’s a closer look at the wellness elements: the famed skin‑beautifying waters of Ureshino, an indulgent Thai‑style spa, and a fragrance workshop—restorative experiences that enrich an anniversary trip.
Ureshino Onsen—One of Japan’s Three Great Skin‑Beautifying Springs
The baths will likely be a highlight of your celebration. Ureshino Onsen ranks with Shimane’s Hino‑kami (Hino‑ue) Onsen and Tochigi’s Kitsuregawa Onsen as one of Japan’s “three great skin‑beautifying springs.” Its alkaline waters—sodium bicarbonate and chloride—are velvety and gentle, reputed for beauty benefits.
A soak softens and lifts dull surface skin; after bathing you may feel a silk‑like smoothness. Sink in together and let the day’s fatigue melt away. The gender‑separated grand bath “Mikagiden” features linear, expansive tubs continuously fed by source water.
With cypress and granite in graceful balance, the space feels both natural and open (＊1). Bathe for about 15–20 minutes at a time, repeating as you like; this is said to avoid fatigue and maximize skin benefits.
Afterward, pause in the lobby with chilled Ureshino tea or cold milk. Fresh from “bijin‑no‑yu” (beautiful‑skin waters), your faces will glow—perfect for a celebratory photo.
Spa & Fragrance Experiences
Once your body is warm to the core, treat yourselves to professional spa treatments.
“Oriental Spa Sabai‑Sabai” was the first in Saga Prefecture to offer authentic Thai massage. Rooted in a 2,500‑year tradition and enhanced with lymphatic techniques, the treatment balances the body’s energy flow and is often called “the most comfortable in the world” (＊1). Gentle stretches and rhythmic pressure pair beautifully with muscles relaxed by hot springs.
After a session, circulation improves and you’ll feel remarkably light—renewed from head to toe. With hours extending to around 11 p.m., you can enjoy dinner first, then unwind with a massage and head to bed completely reset. And because smell is the sense most closely tied to memory and emotion, their fragrance‑making workshop becomes a uniquely personal keepsake of scent.
When you finish your sachet, don’t forget a commemorative photo. The palm‑sized piece is charming on camera and makes a perfect emblem for your trip album.
Dining at Wataya Besso & the Pleasures of Ureshino Tea
For many of us, memorable dining defines a great anniversary. At Wataya Besso, you can savor refined Japanese cuisine showcasing the bounty of Saga’s land and sea, indulge in melt‑in‑your‑mouth Saga beef, linger in a tea‑focused salon, and visit a collaboration café with a world‑famous patisserie (＊2).
Private rooms and in‑room dining are available, so you can keep your own pace and conversation. On a special night, dishes with stories behind them make the perfect setting. Here are the highlights.
Japanese Restaurant “Rikyu”
The ryokan’s two main dining venues are Japanese Restaurant “Rikyu” and Saga Beef Dining “Risoan.” Both center on calm, private rooms—ideal for marking an occasion in privacy.
Rikyu is a new‑concept restaurant born of collaboration between local Saga brewery “Segashira Shuzo” and Ureshino’s long‑established tea farm “Kitano Tea Garden” (＊1).
Taking its name from the tea‑ceremony ideal of “wakei‑seijaku” (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility), Rikyu serves courses that pursue the essence of Japanese cuisine without unnecessary ornament. Seasonal kaiseki appears on gleaming Arita porcelain, each plate composed like a painting.
Another signature is tea served at key moments: a cup in place of an aperitif, chilled tea as a palate cleanser, and a warm infusion to close—Ureshino tea is woven through the course, offering a new kind of pairing alongside sake (＊3).
This meeting of tea, sake, and washoku sparks conversation and discovery.
Pierre Hermé Paris Café
No anniversary is complete without beautiful sweets. Wataya Besso partners with the world‑renowned patisserie Pierre Hermé Paris for an on‑site café that dessert lovers adore.
Famed for macarons and Ispahan, Pierre Hermé offers limited creations here featuring Ureshino tea (＊4). The shop was conceived as the only place in Japan to enjoy Pierre Hermé sweets made with Ureshino tea, and that uniqueness drew media attention (＊4). Drop in before or after check‑in for afternoon tea to sweep away travel fatigue.
Sweets plates pairing seasonal fruit and creative wagashi look too good not to photograph.
In addition to coffee and black tea, Ureshino black tea is on offer, letting you enjoy a café time where Japanese and Western elements harmonize. Planning a surprise cake? Coordinate in advance for a Pierre Hermé specialty; served at just the right moment in your room or private dining space, it’s sure to impress.
The café welcomes non‑staying guests, so it can be lively by day, but evenings are often calmer—perfect for a slow dessert date for two. Exceptional sweets for an exceptional day—another delicious layer to your anniversary memory.
Make the Most of In‑Room Dining in the Detached Wing
Another dining style to note is “in‑room dining.” If you’re staying in the detached Suimeiso, both dinner and breakfast can be served in your room (advance request required) (＊6). In classic ryokan fashion, your attendant brings each course, so you can dine at ease without interruption.
Breakfast may arrive as a traditional Japanese set, perhaps beside a small built‑in irori hearth; by night, a procession of kaiseki dishes spreads across your table—a private‑room luxury. Play your favorite music, step out to the terrace between courses, and savor at your own pace.
Families with small children love in‑room dining, but for adult couples it adds something even more special.
There’s no need to worry about clinking glasses or a little extra laughter; time is yours to manage. And when you’re done, you can tumble into the next room to stretch out—almost like being at home.
Attendants keep the right distance and come only when you need them, respecting your two‑person time. In a high‑end ryokan with a relaxed atmosphere, in‑room dining becomes a powerful ally for intimacy. It’s also ideal for discreetly delivering a cake or bouquet without curious glances. If you’re staying in Suimeiso, consider requesting it for a fully private feast.
Learning & Play for Two—Experiences On‑Site and Around Town
To make your anniversary even more memorable, Wataya Besso offers a range of programs and activities. Beyond sightseeing, try something new together or share time that sparks curiosity—you’ll create brighter, more layered memories.
From workshops that engage the senses to quiet corners for reading and tea, and even breezy cycling routes, you’ll find many ways to learn and play—experiences designed for two to collaborate, notice, and delight together. Here are some of the most popular options.
Fragrance‑Making / Iro‑Shakyo (Color Transcription) / Nerikiri
Don’t miss the ryokan’s workshops. Alongside the fragrance‑making session (Yohaku Lab “Soko” Room), you’ll find other original programs.
In the “Iro‑Shakyo” room, you copy out a passage—not from a sutra, but from literature—using ink mixed to your own chosen color. It’s a quiet, reflective practice that brings you face to face with your sensibility.
Choose the same text and write in colors that feel right to each of you—you may be surprised by your differences, and moved by your overlaps.
You can take your finished, color‑rich transcription home—a graceful souvenir to display.
Another favorite is making nerikiri, the traditional seasonal wagashi often called “edible art.” In the nerikiri studio, an instructor trained under Kamakura’s creative wagashi shop “Temari” guides you through crafting three seasonal pieces by hand.
Roll out the soft bean‑paste dough, then shape petals and leaves using classic wooden molds and spatulas—you’ll find yourselves happily absorbed, like artisans for a day. Imperfections are part of the charm; the point is making something together.
Taste one with Ureshino tea on the spot (＊1), and box the other two to take home. Sharing them later while reminiscing—“remember how we…”—brings the trip back in the sweetest way. These hands‑on moments also photograph beautifully; capture the process and the finished pieces to complete a story‑rich trip album.
BOOKS & TEA Sanpuku / Chiharu Sakazaki Penguin Museum
Wataya Besso also cherishes “white space”—unhurried time to refine your senses. Its emblem is the on‑site bookshop “BOOKS & TEA Sanpuku,” paired with the “Chiharu Sakazaki Penguin Museum.”
Sanpuku is a book lounge designed for lingering with tea and a good read. The shelves hold about 10,000 volumes curated around themes like tea, living, and travel—irresistible to the curious mind (＊2). Browse freely or ask the veteran bookseller (20+ years’ experience) for personal recommendations.
With takeaway teas from Soejimaen, you can turn pages with a fragrant companion. Read side by side, or get playful and read passages aloud to each other—sharing words in the quiet can be unexpectedly intimate.
The Chiharu Sakazaki Penguin Museum, dedicated to the illustrator behind JR’s “Suica Penguin,” opened in May 2024. Around 500 original works are exhibited by season and theme (＊3).
With simple lines and gentle colors, the art warms the heart. Find your favorite piece and talk about why; you might discover a new facet of each other.
The shop sells limited‑edition postcards and more—pick up matching souvenirs to remember the day. Reading and art offer a different kind of fullness than active sightseeing. In busy lives, it’s rare to claim this kind of stillness—enjoy it here.
Light Cycling with Rental Bikes
When you’re ready to move, head out with rental bicycles via local partner “Shimomura Cycles.” Ureshino Onsen is compact, and tea fields and waterfalls are an easy ride away.
About 450 meters from the ryokan stands Toyotamahime Shrine, known for connections and relationships—perfect for a short spin and a heartfelt visit. About 1.6 km away, Todoroki Falls drops 11 meters, a cool mist and negative ions refreshing the mind.
With e‑assist bikes, you can reach the “Ocha‑ju” tea factory (around 8 km) or Tateiwa Lookout (about 10 km) for sweeping views. On fine days, ride together through green tea fields, stopping now and then for photos.
That feeling of wind on your face becomes a bright counterpoint to leisurely soaks, adding lively rhythm to your stay. Meet locals, pop into a small café, and say yes to serendipity. The onsen after a ride is bliss—pleasant fatigue, a glow of accomplishment.
Bikes are typically available 10:00–18:00, ideal for a post‑breakfast to late‑afternoon outing. Shift the day’s tempo with a bit of movement and dinner will taste even better. Pedaling in sync, you’ll make memories that feel as fresh as the breeze itself.
In Closing：
Milestones deserve a worthy setting, and Wataya Besso in Ureshino Onsen offers just that. A narrative of the extraordinary unfolds across 20,000 tsubo—soothing hot springs and fine dining, and experiences that gratify all five senses—each one feeling like a treasure prepared just for the two of you.
In spaces where heritage and modern sophistication balance perfectly, you can relax without pretense and still be moved, deeply and often. A quiet exchange in rising steam, a sunset from a moon‑viewing terrace, a seasonal specialty in a private room, a small creation made as a team—time at Wataya Besso will etch itself into your hearts as something irreplaceable.
Set aside your watches and let time stretch. Notice how much you mean to each other; say the thanks you’ve been carrying. Few places make such romantic clarity feel so natural.
Wrapped in warm hospitality and understated luxury—at the wataya besso hotel, where you may feel like the protagonists of your own story—may an anniversary here bring a new brilliance to your life together. With that wish, we close this guide. Here’s to a wonderful journey.
Author Bio
Shohei Toguri
